Reynolds Solitude v Cero AR30 *update*

Miklosh
Miklosh Posts: 54
edited July 2013 in Road buying advice
Considering upgrading my Fulcrum 7s to either of the above.
I can source the Reynolds for £250, weight 1633g, the AR30s for £325, weight 1400g.
Both options are similar in spoke count and rim depth.
In my opinion, both look great and both are affordable.

Do I go for the AR30s due to their weight and take a punt on longevity as reviews seem scarce?
Or go with the tried and tested Reynolds in spite of the greater weight?
Will either offer me a noticeable improvement over the F7s?

Thanks in advance for your help!
2012 Bottecchia Super 8Avio 105
2007 Focus Variado 105

Comments

  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    I briefly considered the solitude a few years back.

    I recall being forewarned that the soft metal used the hub did give problems in a very few cases. I stress that was 3-4 years ago - and only a few cases - but thought I would pass it on
  • Miklosh
    Miklosh Posts: 54
    Well, I decided to go for the CERO AR30s from Cycledivision.
    Service was excellent, they were ordered yesterday and arrived, very well packaged, today.

    Build quality and finish looks very good, I believe the rims are actually Kinlin XR300, spokes Sapim CX ray, not sure about the hubs!

    Digital kitchen scales put the wheels inc rim tape at 1420g, skewers came in at 90g for the pair.

    Fitted conti tubes, DedaTre RS tyres and 105 5700 12-25 cassette tonight, will give them a spin at the weekend to see how they ride, but I'm sure they'll be a decent upgrade over my Fulcrum 7s.
    DSCF1413_zpsc3d683e5.jpg
    DSCF1415_zpsff8e7dff.jpg
    DSCF1417_zps23e05bf8.jpg
    2012 Bottecchia Super 8Avio 105
    2007 Focus Variado 105
  • Miklosh
    Miklosh Posts: 54
    Well, I've put some miles on the Cero AR30s, over mixed flat & hilly routes, some super smooth roads, some very lumpy and I am very impressed.
    They roll very smoothly, feel quick to spin up and I'm sure climbing is easier/quicker.
    In fact I'm averaging a 1 to 1.5 mph average speed increase on my usual routes.
    I'm a 14st rider and they're still true and spoke tension seems spot on.
    Freehub is loud - but I quite like that :D
    For the price, I would definitely recommend them!
    2012 Bottecchia Super 8Avio 105
    2007 Focus Variado 105
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    I think you did well... for essentially the same thing Wheelsmith charges 470 pounds (IRD rims on 295 grams hubs and Cx ray). 8)

    I don't like Kinlin rims and I don't like Bitex hubs, but mine are only long term durability concerns, if you don't abuse them, they should serve you well for a while
    left the forum March 2023
  • letap73
    letap73 Posts: 1,608
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    I think you did well... for essentially the same thing Wheelsmith charges 470 pounds (IRD rims on 295 grams hubs and Cx ray). 8)

    I don't like Kinlin rims and I don't like Bitex hubs, but mine are only long term durability concerns, if you don't abuse them, they should serve you well for a while

    +1 I have this wheelset - great for the price.
  • mrjono
    mrjono Posts: 4
    Hi,

    Just wondering how you're getting on with the wheels long term? Very interested in buying them soon!

    Cheers
  • Miklosh
    Miklosh Posts: 54
    Hi mrjono
    I'm very happy with them, they haven't given me any problems at all.
    The only slight issue I had was my own fault - I had a lapse in concentration and hit a deep pothole which knocked the front wheel out of true by about 2mm - LBS re-trued it for £5.
    2012 Bottecchia Super 8Avio 105
    2007 Focus Variado 105
  • mrjono
    mrjono Posts: 4
    Great, definitely going to get a pair of these as soon as the bank balance allows then! Thanks

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