American classic aero 3 wheels

chrisbonnie
Posts: 55
I've been looking at these wheels with a glint in my eye,
But have seen some of the negative reviews on them.
Just a simple one really
Who actually has, or has had them, and could give me a good honest review on them.
I'm not the smallest rider, 6'2 and weigh 85kg, I would be planning on racing them in small races, nothing over 60km
What's the ride like, are they stiff enough for climbing? Taking into account our climbs here in Ireland are not even remotely as tough as the alps or anything that
I do like the look, and would fancy something fairly Aero, but don't really want to break into the carbon Market as I simply could not justify them for my riding capabilities
Any honest opinions would be greatly appreciated guys
But have seen some of the negative reviews on them.
Just a simple one really
Who actually has, or has had them, and could give me a good honest review on them.
I'm not the smallest rider, 6'2 and weigh 85kg, I would be planning on racing them in small races, nothing over 60km
What's the ride like, are they stiff enough for climbing? Taking into account our climbs here in Ireland are not even remotely as tough as the alps or anything that
I do like the look, and would fancy something fairly Aero, but don't really want to break into the carbon Market as I simply could not justify them for my riding capabilities
Any honest opinions would be greatly appreciated guys
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anything?0
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I've got a set and I really like them. Bikeradar like them as well: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-44596
When researching them I also found a number of mixed reviews but those were largely for the older models. From what I understand they've made a number of changes to the new model which solves a number of these problems.
I'm not a heavy rider but I've got my brakes very close to the rims and have not detected any brake rub whilst out of the saddle climbing or sprints, which indicates a good stiffness. The braking surface is awesome and they remain perfectly true after 600+ miles.
My first bike service did result in them finding an issue with the bearings however. This is currently in the hands of the LBS and is likely to be covered by the warranty. Something to bear in mind though.0 -
My first bike service did result in them finding an issue with the bearings however
I think they do ceramic bearings now as well. Another alternative which looks a great balance betweel weight and aero is the new Vision T42 - ceramic bearings here too and only 1700g! Can't be bad. And from a disgruntled Campag wheel user (disgruntled because of the bent tyre levers I've racked up over the last two years), I can tell you that FSA wheels are the easiest ones ever to get tyres on and off - I guess Vision will be similar
Here they are: http://www.windwave.co.uk/windwave/t42.html. Would prefer to see them in a shop though in case they're really a glorified box-section wheel. If their rim shape is anything like the (admittedly 25mm) RD220's I've been using for the last six months these should be like rocket ships.0 -
Thanks for the information lads
I'll check out those other wheels mentioned as well
I see the Aero 3 wheels come in a "bigtype" version as well, for the "huskier" gentleman0 -
For what it's worth, I'm the same size as you, I have these on my track bike and have had no problems with them.
Different world to riding them on the road (yes, and different hubs) but they do get a hammering on the track and have stood up well. They roll nicely and the bike holds it's speed noticably better than with the previous non-aero wheels I had.It doesn't get any easier, but I don't appear to be getting any faster.0 -
mask of sanity wrote:I've got a set and I really like them. Bikeradar like them as well: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-44596
When researching them I also found a number of mixed reviews but those were largely for the older models. From what I understand they've made a number of changes to the new model which solves a number of these problems.
I'm not a heavy rider but I've got my brakes very close to the rims and have not detected any brake rub whilst out of the saddle climbing or sprints, which indicates a good stiffness. The braking surface is awesome and they remain perfectly true after 600+ miles.
My first bike service did result in them finding an issue with the bearings however. This is currently in the hands of the LBS and is likely to be covered by the warranty. Something to bear in mind though.
where did you happen to buy yours?
a LBS, or online?0 -
chrisbonnie wrote:mask of sanity wrote:I've got a set and I really like them. Bikeradar like them as well: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-44596
When researching them I also found a number of mixed reviews but those were largely for the older models. From what I understand they've made a number of changes to the new model which solves a number of these problems.
I'm not a heavy rider but I've got my brakes very close to the rims and have not detected any brake rub whilst out of the saddle climbing or sprints, which indicates a good stiffness. The braking surface is awesome and they remain perfectly true after 600+ miles.
My first bike service did result in them finding an issue with the bearings however. This is currently in the hands of the LBS and is likely to be covered by the warranty. Something to bear in mind though.
where did you happen to buy yours?
a LBS, or online?0 -
What can I say, they roll/spin up nice. They aren't the lightest/fastest/best/cheapest but I got them because I liked them.0
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I have a pair, and I have done a fair few miles over the last year on them. I think they are a great combination of reasonable cost, weight, and aero features.
They are pretty light, though not the lightest but I am not really fussed on that count as I weight 90kg myself. They are nice and seem reasonably stiff (though I do ride a Planet-flex, so its hard to tell whats flexing, the frame or the wheels), and roll nicely with a set of pro race 3's.
The only negatives I found
1) The brake alignment needs carefully setting up
2) I had a spoke nipple unwind on the front. Sorted with some threadlock though, other than that perfectly true after almost 1500km.
3) Graphics could be comisdered to be a little garish.0 -
felgen wrote:I have a pair, and I have done a fair few miles over the last year on them. I think they are a great combination of reasonable cost, weight, and aero features.
They are pretty light, though not the lightest but I am not really fussed on that count as I weight 90kg myself. They are nice and seem reasonably stiff (though I do ride a Planet-flex, so its hard to tell whats flexing, the frame or the wheels), and roll nicely with a set of pro race 3's.
The only negatives I found
1) The brake alignment needs carefully setting up
2) I had a spoke nipple unwind on the front. Sorted with some threadlock though, other than that perfectly true after almost 1500km.
3) Graphics could be comisdered to be a little garish.0 -
@ zexel
Issue not yet resolved as my recently damaged carbon frame has taken priority. It presented itself as a creaking when I was riding out of the saddle but was intermittent. At a guess the wheels have gone about 700 miles in less than seven weeks. I shall inform you of the outcome when I know more.0 -
mask of sanity wrote:@ zexel
Issue not yet resolved as my recently damaged carbon frame has taken priority. It presented itself as a creaking when I was riding out of the saddle but was intermittent. At a guess the wheels have gone about 700 miles in less than seven weeks. I shall inform you of the outcome when I know more.
sanity,
does your LBS sell these puppies online by any chance?0 -
I got them online from Coventry cycles. Next day delivery and very cheap about 460ish wth delivery. Good thing they didn't arrive late as I was leaving for Spain with the bike the next day.
Yes, they climb well, they also roll pretty well on the flat. Good all round wheel. Great all round wheel for the money.0 -
felgen wrote:I got them online from Coventry cycles. Next day delivery and very cheap about 460ish wth delivery. Good thing they didn't arrive late as I was leaving for Spain with the bike the next day.
Yes, they climb well, they also roll pretty well on the flat. Good all round wheel. Great all round wheel for the money.
+1. Got mine from Coventry Cycle's too.0