What wheels?

3specs

I am currently running Shimano C35 on my existing bike (Trek) and have decided on a Speci frame and groupset but can't decide on the wheels. I am looking at the Zipp Firecrest family and thinking about the 303 size or do. Just get another pair of the Shimano wheels. I have a pair of c50 wheels that I have found to harsh a ride on my existing bike and rarely use them for that reason and I am concerned that the zips may be the same. Any advice would be appreciated!

smidsy

Low spoke count wheels can have a tendency to be harsh as they need a lot of tension. My a.c. 420 aeros are a case in point but good tyres and latex tubes seem to have helped.

Edit: That does not mean they are comfy, just more comfortable than they were.

Low spoke count and deep section is never going to be like running on 32 spokes and a low profile rim.

My Ambrosio Excellights are like slippers by comparison.

fluff.

I don't think you're going to solve harshness issues with low spoke count + deep section, rather the other way around.

ugo.santalucia

If you want a more resilient wheel, you need a light rim and double butted spokes in a cross pattern and many of them... 28 at least.
If you like the look of the 303, buy the 303, the placebo effect does miracles...

Gabbo

Ugo,

What is your opinion on the spoke count of the mavic carbone sl wheels? They have 16 front and 20 rear. To me, the count seems frighteningly low but what do I know..

ugo.santalucia

Gabbo wrote:

Ugo,

What is your opinion on the spoke count of the mavic carbone sl wheels? They have 16 front and 20 rear. To me, the count seems frighteningly low but what do I know..

It depends on the rim... that is a bit of a strange rim, as it's made of two parts bonded and I don't know what is the structural contribution of the carbon... however, even just the alloy part is pretty stiff.
So stiffness is there regardless, durability probably not.
A wheel with 16 spokes generally speaking will have a trouble free life which is 1/10 of the same wheel with 32 spokes. Given the latter is pretty much indestructible, the former might actually live long enough for some.
Remember the typical Carbones customer will ride them for one year and then slowly phase them out, when he buys the Zipp, so in his eyes they will be "bombproof" as they have been ridden for 3000 miles...

3specs

Thanks for the advice.I am still unsure as to what to get and have been pleased with the C35 wheels although i fancy a change.

The other main factor is that i can get a great deal on Shimano products and will have to rely on my negotiating skills on the Zipps.Ideally i could do with a ride on some to get a proper feel as i dont want to have to replace all my fillings!