Cyclocross - Which wheels?

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View Full Version : Which wheels?


velocipedio
08-11-06, 06:28 PM
I have two wheelsets that I could use as my cyclo-cross race wheels. I have a set of 2002 Campagnolo Protons, and a set of 2005 Campagnolo Zondas. [Yes, I have a Campy 'cross bike... long story...] I plan to use one wheelset on the road, and one in races. I won't have my road bike with me this fall/winter, so the cross bike will do double duty.

So... which wheels should I use as my cyclo-cross race wheels?


xccx
08-11-06, 07:31 PM
i'm not sure how heavy u are or how hard you are on your wheels, but it seems like a no brainer to me. the protons will probably withstand the abuse of cross better than the zondas, and still be plenty stiff and high performing and light. the zondas might be more aero and therefore might shed/cut thru mud better, but that low spoke count worries me. if you are light and the course is fast and dry, go with the zondas. if its messy, and more jungle/mountain cross, go with the protons. of course i have never ridden either of those wheels so i'm just going on speculation/educated guesses. why not have both handy? are they both tubular? (if yes i can see why you would want to choose now). racing cross in the northeast will present a wide range of conditions and courses. a freak snowfall at gloucester last year had us racing in a blizzard -- and the next day it was warm and sunny, but MUDDY. Highland park was hot, dry, and flat..etc. In short i think the protons will be the most versatile/dependable.

Ive been racing on standard mavic op's 32 h 3x in back and 28h 2x in front but this year ill be on a set of tubular heliums. cant wait. but i'm also pretty light at about 140-145lbs.

velocipedio
08-11-06, 08:03 PM
I'll be using a set of Tufo tubie-clinchers, and I weigh about 165-170. I've raced five seasons on OPs and love them, but I got the Zondas for a song, and my old wheels are dead [the rear hub is pooched and the rim hops like a bunny]. I was all set to use the Zondas, but I saw them today for the first time and... well, they're very nice wheels. :)