wheelset for tri's

[xrunr]

Last year was my 1st effort into triathlons. While I know I need to make the engine better, I was looking to upgrade the wheelset for tri's only and still train on the stock Shimano R-550 aeros. Can't afford to even consider Zipps or the like. Anyone have experience with American Classic 420's, Neuvation, Mavic Ksyriums, or any other wheelset good for racing and under the $1000 tag?

[Psydotek]

Velocity Deep V wheels.

http://spinlitecycling.com/road_wheels.htm

[chrisesposito]

I raced my first 2 years on some AC CR-420s; adding a $60 disc wheel cover from wheelbuilder.com. I still use them as training wheels. Last year I put a powertap SL hub in the rear so I can use my powertap during races as well.

[whiterock]

I like my Real Design Supersonic 60's (~$1000) if you want deep dish, otherwise the Mavic Ksyrium's are really nice.

[Jstyle]

I have some neuvations and I really liked them. I was looking to unload mine for a set of Zipp's (I am getting a second mortgage for these :( ) if you want them let me know.

[Triguy]

http://www.cadencecycle.com/pd_spinergy.cfm

$700, fairly aerodynamic, clincher.

[SaabFan]

Look for used stuff on eBay. Technology from 4 or 5 years ago might not get you OCP points but it'll help win races nearly as well as new stuff. Go deep or trispoke on the front and trispoke or disk on the rear. Don't bother with stuff like Deep-V's if you're looking for an aerodynamic race wheel set. Don't get me wrong, Deep-V's are totally awesome rims (my training wheels have deep-v rims because they're very tough), but they won't get you nearly the same aero advantage of other wheels you can get for the same price.

I race on a Campy Shamal front wheel - not the new Shamal Ultra, but the original Shamal. In tests from "back in the day" when it was new, it rated very well aerodynamically, and it's totally indestructible. In the back, I have a Spengle disk. Again, not new or cutting edge, but a nice wheel. You could probably get a similar set on eBay for $500 or less if you looked hard enough. It'll be 90% of the performance of a $2000 set of Zipps.

[jackman2]

I ride both their 420's and their carbons. I'm a big rider and both sets remain smooth ans very fast-especially for what they weigh.

[Sprocket Man]

Velocity Deep V wheels.

http://spinlitecycling.com/road_wheels.htmI agree. I don't know how much aerodynamic benefit is gained from the rim because at 30mm, it's not really all that deep. But it has a reputation of being really tough. I got mine built at Universal Cycles with Sapim CX-Rays and Ultegra hubs. Cost me a little over $600.

[xrunr]

Thanks. Going to pass on them for now until I can get some more info. LBS is steering me toward Mavics. Buddy is steering me toward HED Jets. It's hard to steer in both directions at the same time :)

[xrunr]

Thanks. Going to pass on them for now until I can get some more info. LBS is steering me toward Mavics. Buddy is steering me toward HED Jets. It's hard to steer in both directions at the same time :)

Sorry, I meant to reply with quote to Jstyle about the Neuvations.

[xrunr]

I agree. I don't know how much aerodynamic benefit is gained from the rim because at 30mm, it's not really all that deep. But it has a reputation of being really tough. I got mine built at Universal Cycles with Sapim CX-Rays and Ultegra hubs. Cost me a little over $600.

OK, I'm doing Olympic Tri's (and some sprints) - Should I think about light weight, maybe bladed or go with something deep like a JET 60 or 90 (or a similar brand)? Any thoughts? Like I said, last year was my 1st season and I'm hooked, so I'm looking to upgrade from the stock Shimano's. Season #2 so I'm not ready to break the bank just yet either. Thanks all, for the help so far.

[Psydotek]

Well, if it's only your second season, you probably don't need wheels yet unless you've really got the $$$ to dish out or you've already great at cycling. :D

No, i'm being serious. Save the $$$ for now and just work on the motor (read: you). :) Of course this is me not knowing what kind of level you are at cycling... Then again, if you accidentally break one of your Shimano wheels that could be reason enough to upgrad too... :p

[Sprocket Man]

OK, I'm doing Olympic Tri's (and some sprints) - Should I think about light weight, maybe bladed or go with something deep like a JET 60 or 90 (or a similar brand)? Any thoughts? Like I said, last year was my 1st season and I'm hooked, so I'm looking to upgrade from the stock Shimano's. Season #2 so I'm not ready to break the bank just yet either. Thanks all, for the help so far.As a general rule, the flatter the course, the more aerodynamics matters over weight. As the courses get steeper, weight matters more than aerodynamics. Those HED Jet wheels certainly offer some very good aerodynamic benefits.

[eriksbliss]

Check out Flashpoints (www.flash-pointracing.com). Made by Zipp in the USA. Got some FP60's (60mm) recently from my LBS, which gives a 10% discount for local bike club members, which brought the total to just a few pennies above your $1,000 target. They ride all nice and such. And they look pretty, too.

[jamiewilson3]

Get a Hed3 front used and a wheelcover for your rear wheel. That will be as aero as just about anything. Unless you are in really hilly races, they will serve you exceptionally well.

[xrunr]

Well, if it's only your second season, you probably don't need wheels yet unless you've really got the $$$ to dish out or you've already great at cycling. :D

No, i'm being serious. Save the $$$ for now and just work on the motor (read: you). :) Of course this is me not knowing what kind of level you are at cycling... Then again, if you accidentally break one of your Shimano wheels that could be reason enough to upgrad too... :p

Yes, I totally understand....the motor needs a tune up! But it's getting there.

[xrunr]

As a general rule, the flatter the course, the more aerodynamics matters over weight. As the courses get steeper, weight matters more than aerodynamics. Those HED Jet wheels certainly offer some very good aerodynamic benefits.

Thanks. Mostly flat courses. There are a few hilly ones, but I've passed on those so far. Maybe later this season.

[Houston_Biker]

I am selling a Real Design SuperSonic wheelset – 700C with 40mm one-piece molded carbon rim. These are really nice wheels for triathlons and time trialing.

Here is a link to my ad on Slowtwitch:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1220441;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unr ead

[Treefox]

If you've not got one already, you'll get more bang for your buck with an aero helmet.

[sctrackboy]

if you get on ebay with some patience you can get a set of zipp 404 for about a grand. You should also check out the Cane Creek Aros wheels. I swear they are the exact same wheelset as the zipp 404s. if you stripped off stickers and put zipp 404 stickers on the cane creek aros's no one could tell the difference. That prolly is the only difference between the wheelsets are price and stickers haha. Someone correct me if im wrong

[Triguy]

if you get on ebay with some patience you can get a set of zipp 404 for about a grand. You should also check out the Cane Creek Aros wheels. I swear they are the exact same wheelset as the zipp 404s. if you stripped off stickers and put zipp 404 stickers on the cane creek aros's no one could tell the difference. That prolly is the only difference between the wheelsets are price and stickers haha. Someone correct me if im wrong

Dimple, Hubs and stickers are the differences. The cane creeks are about 150 grams heavier due to the hubs.

Cane Creek, Ritchey, Easton used to, American Classic and maybe one or two others all make wheels using their own hubs and undimpled Zipp 404 rims. Really good deals usually.

[gipsy8888]

Last year was my 1st effort into triathlons. While I know I need to make the engine better, I was looking to upgrade the wheelset for tri's only and still train on the stock Shimano R-550 aeros. Can't afford to even consider Zipps or the like. Anyone have experience with American Classic 420's, Neuvation, Mavic Ksyriums, or any other wheelset good for racing and under the $1000 tag?

my opinion is that campagnolo eurus is the best semi-aero wheelset

[xrunr]

Thanks for the info everyone. Was considering Mavic Carbone at suggestion of friend even though a little pricey for me. LBS (where friend got his) said it wasn't worth it (can't believe they actually want to save me $ :) ). Suggested Rolf Vigor or if I wanted to go Mavic, the Ksyr. Sl. Both are about 3/4 pound lighter than my wheelset and spin up better. Heard a lot about Mavic, not so much about Rolf. Any thoughts?

[Triguy]

Go deep or it ain't worth it. Ksriums are one of the slowest wheels known to man. Rolf are better but for the $800-900 that Vigors cost you can get something a lot faster.

[snookdude]

Check out Flashpoints (www.flash-pointracing.com). Made by Zipp in the USA. Got some FP60's (60mm) recently from my LBS, which gives a 10% discount for local bike club members, which brought the total to just a few pennies above your $1,000 target. They ride all nice and such. And they look pretty, too.



Another vote for the FP60 wheelset. You can get them for about a grand at the LBS. The hubs are like butter and they offer a very comfortable ride.

Once you are going over 22 they seem to throw themselves forward. They are worth it to me and I am just a weekend triathlete. Not too serious. I use them almost everyday and I have had them about 2 months now.

I can't say enough about them, they look great on my bike, too.

I definately wanted NEW wheels with the warranty and I wanted to try and use the LBS so they were just what I needed. (wanted)

I could not find a better deal for the price point. But that could change in 6 months. LOTS of bike companies are getting on the tri bandwagon.

Next year you could have alot more choices if you wait.

Good luck

Snookdude

[xrunr]

Go deep or it ain't worth it. Ksriums are one of the slowest wheels known to man. Rolf are better but for the $800-900 that Vigors cost you can get something a lot faster.

Any recommendations? Snookdude mentioned the Flashpoints. Friend mentioned the Mavic Carbones, but LBS said they were pretty "cheap" because it's just 2 pieces of carbon sealed together and sealed to the alum. rim. Unless I went all carbon tubular.

[Triguy]

Carbones are a good wheel, what your Local Bike store didn't mention is that the aluminum rim makes them super stiff.

Recommendations?
If you are on a stiff budget and want new, go with the Spinergy Stealths I mention previously in this post and get some Veloflex Record tires for them. $750-800

If you could swing $1000-1100 Flashpoints are a great choice.

For $1225 then I think a Hed Disc with a Hed Jet 60/90 front is fast. You are giving up maybe 1 watt to a Zipp 999 setup with these wheels and Hed has amazing customer service.

The fastest is obviously the Hed Jet with the Disc.

If you want used then you have all the options in the world. Hed 3s, Renn Discs, etc...

[riding4freedom]

Go deep or it ain't worth it. Ksriums are one of the slowest wheels known to man. Rolf are better but for the $800-900 that Vigors cost you can get something a lot faster.

Hey all,

i'm in the same boat with xrunr. first year into tri. done 10 races since start in february, 4 olympic including wildflower and deuceman a couple weekends ago. been training and racing on same shimano r550s.

want to upgrade...--a lot of people have been recommending ksyriums. are they really that slow? compared to other aero rims if i'm not ready to dish out for tri spokes or deep dish yet?

[Dalai]

Hey all,

i'm in the same boat with xrunr. first year into tri. done 10 races since start in february, 4 olympic including wildflower and deuceman a couple weekends ago. been training and racing on same shimano r550s.

want to upgrade...--a lot of people have been recommending ksyriums. are they really that slow? compared to other aero rims if i'm not ready to dish out for tri spokes or deep dish yet?

Ksyriums - indeed not aero. From Tour Magazine wheel test 2006

http://www.rouesartisanales.com/article-4934445.html
and discussions on this test
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24476&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=tour+ksyrium+test&start=30

[Triguy]

thanks for posting that Dalai. From what I've seen the Tour stuff is fairly well representative of most other independent data with a few exceptions.

[Dalai]

@triguy I'd be interested where you see exceptions from the Tour data to others. From what I can gather there tests are valued highly for their accuracy in testing protocols.

[Triguy]

Mostly in the protocol as far as tire's. I think that some of those wheels would do better with their manufacturers recommended tires on them instead of the standard they used. Also, 0-15 degree yaw isn't really representative of real world conditions, 0-25 is probably a much better estimate of what a wheel will see on an average day.

When this test first came out I thought it proved how outdated the Hed 3 was but with more research I've come to believe that the Hed 3 really is superior to the Zipp 404.

You are right that the test is very consistent in it's protocol and is probably the best free public resource for choosing wheels.

[xrunr]

Carbones are a good wheel, what your Local Bike store didn't mention is that the aluminum rim makes them super stiff.

Recommendations?
If you are on a stiff budget and want new, go with the Spinergy Stealths I mention previously in this post and get some Veloflex Record tires for them. $750-800

If you could swing $1000-1100 Flashpoints are a great choice.

For $1225 then I think a Hed Disc with a Hed Jet 60/90 front is fast. You are giving up maybe 1 watt to a Zipp 999 setup with these wheels and Hed has amazing customer service.

The fastest is obviously the Hed Jet with the Disc.

If you want used then you have all the options in the world. Hed 3s, Renn Discs, etc...

Thanks for the info. Would there be a minimum depth to be looking at for an aero rim? The Rolfs are 34mm, Am. Class. makes a 38mm I think, and then there's the 50+ rims.
Also, can anyone elaborate on the statement that the Carbone's are just 2 pieces of carbon "glued" to an aluminum rim, which is why the spokes go in at the sides of the carbon flange - thus making them "cheap." Zipp talks about co-molding and I noticed how their spokes go right in at the apex of the carbon V. Thanks for the input.

[tourist]

Do you guys think a Hed H3/Jet 90 combo would outperform a Flash Point FP60 setup? I have a ton of wind here.

[ETM13]

I have a set of Zipp 404s clincher for sale. If you're interested send me a PM.

[Psydotek]

I know i posted earlier in this thread but i've had some time to think and i've figured out what i'm going to do.

Rear wheel cover for my current Xero Lite XR-1 and use that as my disc wheel. Then pick up a rear HED3 and a track conversion kit so i can use it on both my road bike (for windy days) and fixed gear bikes. I'm planning on using my fixie for at least one event next year (a wheel cover wouldn't work since i use the bike for regular recreational/training rides and having to constantly remove the lockring/cog isn't a good idea). This would of course be sometime early next year though when i have some $$$. :lol:

Both bikes have a 30mm rim on the front already (Xero Lite XR-1 for the roadie and Velocity Deep-V for the fixed gear).

[WxGuesser]

Check out Flashpoints (www.flash-pointracing.com). Made by Zipp in the USA. Got some FP60's (60mm) recently from my LBS, which gives a 10% discount for local bike club members, which brought the total to just a few pennies above your $1,000 target. They ride all nice and such. And they look pretty, too.


you got the last () in the url.. i fixed it in in this post for ya..

[torps]

Anyone have experience with the tubeless wheel by Shimano?