Decent Wheelset

wacka

I'm after some advice on a decent wheel set for between around the £800 mark. I'm also wondering why some pro's have a deeper rim on the rear wheel than the front, this must have some benefit! What are the best to go with out of the likes of Shimano, Fulcrum, Zipp and Mavic?

EKIMIKE

On the lower front rim profile - it's usually when things get windy. The front wheel is inherently more susceptible to instability caused by wind, considering where the riders weight is situated on the bike (rear). Lower profile front won't get blown around so much.

unixnerd

I was in a race recently and met an old mate who had 2000+ quid Campagnolo wheels, lovely things! Deep aero rim and about 1100g he said. My own wheels currently sell for around 300 and are 1500g (Pro-Lite Bracciano). His are 50mm aero, mine are about 25mm and not very aero!

In order to get an advantage from aero wheels you need to have a decent average speed, maybe 20mph? But unless you spend a fortune aero wheels are heavier (a lot seem to be around 1700g) and that spoils acceleration and climbing.

I had a quick look around and didn't find anything under a grand that was under 1500g and offered aero benefits. As I live somewhere hilly and my average over a few runs is 18.9mph I'll be sticking with what I have. Plus it's windy up here and 50mm rims would really catch it in a sidewind.

His wheels are tubulars and he runs them at 150psi, mine are clinchers and I run 23mm tyres at 120. He also said the carbon braking surface and it's matched pads are "sketchy" and useless in the wet.

If you have a higher average speed and live somewhere flatish where you're not overly worried about sidewinds then aero wheels may be worth it.

napoleond

I sound like a sturdy here but give Derek at www.wheelsmith.co.uk a call, excellent service.
To look at what can be done at a budget, have a look at Ekimike's canyon in the 'your road bikes' thread.

maddog 2

what kind of riding are they for?

wacka

maddog 2 wrote:

what kind of riding are they for?

general sunday rides 2 hours plus a good speed session when using a commute as a training session to work which is about 12 miles.

napoleond

In that case get some 32spoke hand built wheels with reliable rims and hubs...

Monty Dog

Yes, decent alloy rims if you're commuting - carbon wheels are relatively fragile and hit a pothole wrong and you'll break the rim. Something with a 30mm alloy rim like an American Classic Aero 3 will still feel plenty fast, come in under 1500g and only cost £500.

Grill

Dura Ace C24. Best wheel for the money.

lofty102

I've got the 34mm alu American Classic 420 Aero on my bike and they weigh in at around 1500g give or take, they feel very quick and responsive, but i am looking to upgrade mine as i have had a few of serious speed wobbles when there has been a cross wind and because of that i'm looking atswapping mine out for some shallow walled wheels like the Dura-Ace C24

smidsy

Lofty - I'm guessiing thats on the Moda? if you do get rid of the AC's I would be interested. I have some at present but they are the pre-3 variant and I would like some of the newer model ones as I am also looking to build a new best bike and demote my current steed to winter use.

tigerben

My usage is broadly similar to the OP's - I went for Strada A23 rims with pmp hubs and 32 spokes.
Bullet proof and very smooth.
Interesting rims the a23.
Should be under your budget

http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/shop/velo ... -wheelset/