Winter Wheels

infopete

I need a new pair of wheels for the winter.

I'd like something not too heavy and can cope with never ever being cleaned (I always mean to clean them but ........)

Campag only please.

chambers_a3

I bought some Fulcrum 5's from Merlin cycles last year for £150, they've still got a pair left (silver campag)

Were amazing last year, used them all through the winter without cleaning them, cleaned them a couple of days ago after not using them for 6months and they still look like new

I think they're about 1750g which is pretty good for £150 and I wouldn't hesitate to use them as training wheels all year round.

infopete

What are Planet X Model B like compared to Fulcrum 5's?

chambers_a3

Never used them personally but from what i've heard they're a very good all round wheel.

Around the same weight and look pretty similar to Fulcrums, at £119.99 who could go wrong?

I have seen people racing on them in my races and I also see people training on them throughout the winter, seem like a kind of workhorse/do everything wheel.

infopete

Ah BUT do you need to clean them?

:shock:

ride_whenever

Not possible for a road bike, you will always need to clean the braking surfaces and pads at the very least.

If you want bombproof reliability though I'd go for the basic hope road wheels. You will not need to maintain the hub in all likelihood and the rims are cheap to replace.

infopete

ride_whenever wrote:

Not possible for a road bike, you will always need to clean the braking surfaces and pads at the very least.

If you want bombproof reliability though I'd go for the basic hope road wheels. You will not need to maintain the hub in all likelihood and the rims are cheap to replace.

You may need to clean them but .... they don't get cleaned :oops:

warrerj

Hope RS Mono - Hope pro 3 hub with Mavic Open Pro rim about 1600g a pair

I've had a pair of hope wheels on my MTB for 4 years and they still run a smooth and true as they day I got them after a LOT of abuse, mud, grit and water. I haven't done anythign to the bearign except wash the bike down when it gets too muddy to ride.

Add to that they're British made with customer service second to none!

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -11-44505/

warrior4life

for £120 planet x model B's cant be beat, I had fulcrum 5's and they where no better than model B's.
Its hard to beat model B's for under £300 unless you get these http://www.bikesoul.com/2009/index.php? ... &Itemid=10
I got some for my girlfriend and they are every bit as good as my Dura Ace 7850cl wheels.

milese

For winter training wheels why would you go for the model b over the model c?

I got them for my year round winter / training / every day commuting bike and cant complain, stay true, no problems etc.

As for cleaning them, ANY wheel will suffer if you dont clean the braking surface / pads occasionally, especially through the worst of winter weather.

I suppose if wiping the rim once or twice a week is beneath you then the best advice is to buy a cheap set of wheels that you wont mind replacing, and leave plenty of braking distance.

I've also got the Soul 2.0s in white, and they are indeed very nice, they are not however winter training wheels.

infopete

Milese wrote:

For winter training wheels why would you go for the model b over the model c?

I got them for my year round winter / training / every day commuting bike and cant complain, stay true, no problems etc.

As for cleaning them, ANY wheel will suffer if you dont clean the braking surface / pads occasionally, especially through the worst of winter weather.

I suppose if wiping the rim once or twice a week is beneath you then the best advice is to buy a cheap set of wheels that you wont mind replacing, and leave plenty of braking distance.

I've also got the Soul 2.0s in white, and they are indeed very nice, they are not however winter training wheels.

Braking distance from what?. I see the odd badger or hare and sometimes a deer the rest of the time I have plenty of time and space to consider braking.

As for wiping the rims clean, I know I should and I'm sure I want to but......

styxd

Planet X model B - Cheap, light, reliable (although you'll probably have to change rear bearings every now and again)

They're £120 FFS, a no brainer if you ask me

sheffsimon

Fulcrum 5's are excellent wheels.

Used em in my winter/commute bike for ages, probably cleaned about twice a year tops.

No issues with bearings or braking surfaces. Have ridden them through water over the hubs in Sheffield floods a few years back, and had no problems.