Wheelsmith wheels...

bikeboxski

Hi
Anyone using Wheelsmith wheels??
I want to upgrade my R500's :oops: that came with my Scott Foil. Only started riding 10 months ago and I want extra performance from my wheels as I compete in duathlons, sportives and the odd time trial.
Trouble is, I can't justify spending big money on aero wheels that I'll only be using 15ish times a year (Derek at Wheelsmith has told me I couldn't train all summer on them).
He's telling me that even the Race 24's or 30's he does would not be suitable for constantly training on.
I'm hoping some of you out there that have any of these wheels and can tell me how 'tough' they are for training on, and how long/many miles they've lasted you so far???
I'm asking you all as I feel Derek is covering himself some what by telling me he can't say they would last 12,ooo miles.
Thanks in advance

napoleond

I have a couple of sets of Wheelsmith wheels. They are built really well! One is a lightweight alloy box section clincher set, the other is a set if 50mm carbon tubs. He's great!

bikeboxski

How many miles'ish have you done on them both?? and have you serviced them much to achieve the milage??

simona75

I have Race 23's (which are the predecessor to the race 24s I think?) I use them for commuting, training, and general bimbling about in all weathers Probably done around 3000 or so miles on them since I got them last August. Still as solid as the day I got them

I think they are a very good all purpose wheel. Think his order books are less full at this time of year too

napoleond

Serviced? Never.
No idea of mileage. I've had for 4 yrs.

bikeboxski

Thanks guys

ugo.santalucia

bikeboxski wrote:

I'm asking you all as I feel Derek is covering himself some what by telling me he can't say they would last 12,ooo miles.
Thanks in advance

He is being realistic... the budget hubs he uses (Wheelsmith branded with Bitex internals) are not the most durable hubs out there (the freehub springs are kept together by a rubber band) and low spoke count wheels (20/24) can't cover the same mileage as higher count. IME a set of 24/28 built on good quality hubs like Hope or Dura Ace and Archetype rims (very similar to his Race 23 rims) last 12,000 dry miles no problem... less if you ride in the wet frequently (you then need new rims at around 6000 and probably new bearings too, which is part of the service you need to do).

If you are concerned about durability, upgrade the hubs to something a bit better than the stock ones... I think he does use PMP hubs, which are excellent