FFWD F4R FCC vs VISION metron 55

papajimbo

Anyone got any experience of these wheels? Was thinking of getting some Mavis Cosmic Pro Sl but these 2 have been suggested as better wheels. Looking for some aero improvements for Evening 10TTs but a good all round option for Century rides - so weight, decent braking and predictability in crosswinds are 3 critical criteria. I’m only going to have one set of carbon wheels so looking for an all round option rather than something specialist, especially as I don’t have a TT bike.

mfin

You're much better off putting the money into a second hand TT bike. A good position on one will easily make a bigger difference to your TTs than changing the wheels would on your road bike. Those wheelsets are over a grand aren't they? That kind of money will get a good s/h TT bike and generally they haven't done many miles when you buy them because of the nature of what they are.

Deep section wheels aren't going to do you any favours on century rides really either.

So, your logic on what to do is probably flawed. But if you just want some deep section wheels fair enough, do a little reading then pull the trigger on the ones you like the look of most.

58585

Assuming you have low profile alloy wheels just now then a decent set of wheels is a good idea if you have some cash to spare.
I haven't got any experience on those wheels - but have ridden/owned reynolds, Planet-X, boras, zipps and HEDs, in 50 to 90mm and to be honest I'd advise against trying to limit yourself to these 2 particular wheels unless you have seen a good deal on them (not that there is anything wrong with either).

For the riding you are describing I'd say to go for a set of 45-50mm (or a set with max 50mm on the front and deeper rear) - I am at 73 kg these days and never have an issue on a 50mm front even on the windiest days. I am yet to come across a wheel that has so bad braking that it is an issue (poorly set-up intergrated brakes is more of an issue). If you brake with bad technique you can damage carbon rims, but you need to accept that as user error and if you are aware of it as being a potential issue you can avoid it.

Weight is not going to be hugely different for full carbon wheels and wouldn't be one of my main concerns for the riding you describe.

Then you can keep an eye out for good deals on wheels at the price point you are prepared to pay and check if there are any known issues (doubtful) rather than hunting for a particular wheelset. If you are after recommendations for particular wheels I'd personally say you are better either upping your budget (potentially) and buying something you will keep for a lifetime (well, within reason) eg bora ones, or going cheaper with a set of far-sports or similar.

lakesluddite

58585 wrote:

If you brake with bad technique you can damage carbon rims, but you need to accept that as user error and if you are aware of it as being a potential issue you can avoid it.

Just out of interest, what would you define as bad braking technique on carbon rims? Asking for a friend who's just started with them.

58585

See here for example:
https://enve.com/journal/carbon-care/

sloppyschleckonds

FFWD are nice wheels, but neither are better than Mavis Cosmic Pro Sl if you can get the Exalith brake track