american classic 420 aero 3?

tom3

Hi all

Looking for a wheelset to race on. My budget is quite limited hence I am considering these from a LBS.

My budget is not enough for full aero wheels so wondered if these could be a compromise.

I would be grateful of some honest feedback from those who have them or know about them.

thanks

saprkzz

I have been riding on 420's for around 3 years. In my opinion, for the money they are the best out there in looks and in use.
I have hit so many potholes, splitting tyres, busting tubes etc and still they run true. I have two sets, one set is on my winter bike, they have seen 3 winters and no issues. They run fast, pick up nice speed on descents and I have sat on them on 100 milers with no problems. Cant recommend them enough.

They look great, and don't get caught by the wind too much.

I have a spare set sat in the garage unused... they are awesome!

edit to add: I have raced on these lots as well, and are superb in sprints!!

tom3

thanks for the response. How do they climb? I read a review that said they can be a bit spongy in corners, is this rubbish?

saprkzz

not that I have noticed to be honest, I would say they climb well, more stiffer than spongy.

bikingjohn

I used to rode with the aero 3. It's very light for the height and material. But the brake tracks are not milled, and very narrow. Being light it's not strong also.

Light, strong, cheap.... Pick any two...

paul1000

Totally disagree, I've had a pair since 2011, they are light, stiff and very strong and I'm no lightweight, still true and run great, if you take 5 mins to align the brake pads up properly, the brake track is better than my fulcrum zeros.

bikingjohn

Paul1000 wrote:

Totally disagree, I've had a pair since 2011, they are light, stiff and very strong and I'm no lightweight, still true and run great, if you take 5 mins to align the brake pads up properly, the brake track is better than my fulcrum zeros.

Mine was 2013, maybe the workmanship me came worse than yours 2011...

The brake track wasn't milled, the brake track surface at the rim joint was not flat enough... so that pulses could be felt during hard braking... Maybe that's just mine wheel set being defective...

But the truth is, it's very light and keep speed well... Just dun think it's as durable as the others... The metal are thin... You can compare the depth of the wear indicators with other brands...