Gigantex rims?

Wrath Rob

Evening all, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a Powertap wheelset built by The Wheelsmith. After having a chat with him it sounds like for the kind of riding I'll be doing (race, occasional TT, club training rides at 18+ avg) the Gigantex 50mm clincher option (don't fancy the tubs, its a personal thing) would be the one to go for. I know that several of you out there have bought the Gigantex rims from him, I found a thread dating back to 2009 for example. Can anyone post up experiences of the wheels, positive or negative?

whojanicanackerov

I have had a set 50mm Gigantex tubs of Derek and they were very nice indeed.I sold them to fund my Powertap setup.
He`s a good wheel builder who know`s he`s products well and has helped me out when he really could have just hung up the phone.So it`s a positive from me.

markos1963

whojanicanackerov wrote:

I have had a set 50mm Gigantex tubs of Derek and they were very nice indeed.I sold them to fund my Powertap setup.
He`s a good wheel builder who know`s he`s products well and has helped me out when he really could have just hung up the phone.So it`s a positive from me.

+1 Three seasons now racing on Gigantex 50mm tubs. No dramas, wheels still tensioned, no wear or haasles. Can't say anymore than that, buy with confidense.

Wrath Rob

Thanks guys, sounds good

pilot_pete

Derek built me a pair of 50mm clinchers on Superlight hubs with CX Rays. Lovely wheels. Very strong too.

I have just developed a problem with the front one though, and a very strange problem it is too. The left side of the front rim braking surface has started excessively wearing that brake block down. I have cleaned off any residue, changed blocks to Swiss-stop yellow and tried again. Same problem. Turned the wheel round and now it is excessively wearing the other pad! So it is definitely the rim and not a pad/ brake issue.

Derek has been fantastic thus far. I am couriering the wheel back to him for inspection to find out what the problem is. If needs be he said he will re-rim it. Can't argue with that, another plus for Wheelsmith...

PP

thegreatdivide

What carbon did you go for Pilot Pete and how heavy did they end being?

Can't wait for the good weather so I can order up a pair.

pilot_pete

thegreatdivide wrote:

What carbon did you go for Pilot Pete and how heavy did they end being?

I went for the Gigantex carbon clinchers. Don't know what grade of CF they are, if that's what you asking? I took Derek's advice regarding build. I had experienced problems with my stock wheels - Most Chall clinchers, 20/24 spoke. The rear spokes had started pulling through the rim in less than 12 months use. I am 82kg. Derek said that's not enough spokes for someone my size, but seems to be norm for 'off the shelf' bikes.

So with 50mm carbon rims he said 20/24 would be fine and they sure are strong. I get no flex from them when climbing and the aero advantage is very noticeable when you first ride them, I reckon worth about 1mph on my average speeds.

I have not weighed them, so couldn't comment accurately on what they tip the scales at, but they are VERY light compared to my old wheels. At a guess I would say somewhere in the region of 1400g the pair. The Sapim CX Ray spokes are amazing; they are incredibly thin, light and yet amazingly strong, well worth speccing them. The Novatec Superlight hubs are buttery smooth and again, very light. Very pleased with them. Like I said, just one issue with the front rim, which is about to be couriered back to Derek to take a look.

I got my original wheels replaced under warranty, now been superseded by Most Wildcat, not sure if they will be any better, but the front is standing in as a spare until I get the Gigantex back....

PP