Road Cycling - Help me decide which Aero wheelset to buy...

I am ready to pull the trigger for an aero wheelset. 3 important factors for me are: Price, Durability and true aerodynamic advantages. Clincher only.

I ahve narrowed it down to the following:

1. Hed Jet 60 C2 62mm
2. Reynolds Assault 50mm
3. Mavic Cosmic Carbone Premium
4. AC 420s black bladed spokes
5. Token C50A (50mm)

Thanks!

You're all over the board with the price, no?

why the c50a's and not the c50s?

You're all over the board with the price, no?



Yup. Now your choice please if for example you have no other choices but those above?

Reynolds Assault

Zipp 404s

depending on your weight and the type of roads you ride on, you can narrow them down to whether you want full carbon wheels or with a metal braking surface

I have 2500 miles on my Assaults. They are great wheels.

I also know several people on the Jet 60s. They have been very pleased as well.

The AC 420s were flexy when I tried a set. I weigh less than 150. I know 2 people that have cracked them, as well.

I know several people who use the Mavic. One guy cracked a rim, but he is big and the wheels were like 10 years old. They are heavier, but bomb proof.

No opinion on the Tokens.

When I was shopping, I was looking at the Reynolds and the Heds. I wanted the Heds for Al braking and a more aero savings. I wanted the Reynolds for lighter weight and a better all-around wheel. I opted for the Reynolds in the end. The braking on the Reynolds is very close to an Al rim when the brakes are properly adjusted. They are stiff and I like the ride. They are easier in cross-winds than some 30mm with big aero spoke wheels I have tried. I am glad that I got them over the Heds on most of my riding days (lots of hills and climbs). The new Reynolds Strike would be a close one to the Heds. I wish I had the Heds on flat, calm days. I dont think you could go wrong with either of these. Choose based on your riding.

The Mavics are great too, but heavier and pricey for what you get compared to the above.

Mavic CCP's or HED Jets.

Reynolds

fwiw - a review on the token c50s (http://www.kajakk-fritid.no/tokentest_side1.pdf).

Have a buddy who rides the HED's he loves them. He did pop a spoke on the front recently and no one at the bike shop could get it right so he did have to send it back to HED for a complete re-build, apparently no one in the shop knew how to work on the things.

I own the Assualts, which are 46mm not 50mm, and I love the things! They spin up very nice and really seem to hold speed once you get them up above 20 or so. I have taken them out to do some serious climbing, 8-10% for a mile +, in them and I felt no flex at all they, performed great. I have not been too impressed by the braking, I am using the stock pads that come with the wheels, can't get them to stop howling like a Siren every time I come to a stop.

Of the two if you want reliable wheels that are easy to work on go with the Assualts if you want lots of bling for for the HEDs.

I personally wouldn't buy wheels with a carbon braking surface for day-to-day use.

I personally wouldn't buy wheels with a carbon braking surface for day-to-day use.

Pretty much.

CCP's or Jets.

I would get Reynolds. Bombproof

Mavic warranty is the worst.

I would say go with either Edge Composite 66mm clinchers or the Reynolds SDV66's. They are both really nice rims.

I personally ride the Edge 66 clinchers and love them. Super strong, aero and lightweight.

Spinergy Stealth PBO.

I had a set of AC350s for a short short time. I wasn't impressed, especially with the braking surface. Not sure if the 420's are any better in that area, but I'd look elsewhere if I were in your shoes.

why the c50a's and not the c50s?

Looks like the C50s area nice bet as well. Just scared of a Token made full carbon but looks like the review you showed is a good one.

Are Reynolds Assaults made in Taiwan or China? Could it e possible

Are Reynolds Assaults made in Taiwan or China? Could it e possible

Reynolds carbon rims are made in West Jordan, Utah.

Thanks guys! I think after extensive research here and other boards...I would have to go with the Assaults. I am sick of waiting for the availability o the C2s.....no communication either.

I think that you will like the Assaults. However, I am surprised that you did not have communication from Hed. I spoke directly with one of their main guys when I was wheel shopping, same story with Reynolds. Perhaps because of Interbike?

Hi,
I got Reynolds higher end dv46(lighter) on ebay for less then you can get the assaults new. Actually got the highest end UL(ultralight) for about 1200.00 total(slightly used...but perfect)
Go for the dv 46 either clincher or tubular. You'll wish you did later!

I bought the Reynolds Assault,...used it for the past two days testing it.....I am a Reynolds convert! I still love my HED.3s and will swap em over every now and then for solo TT rides with aerobars but for now I am loving the Assaults overall lightness and aero qualities....could very well be one of the best all around aero carbon wheelsets around!

Thanks for all the valed feedback!

Reynolds carbon rims are made in West Jordan, Utah.

West Jordan, Utah?! Holy crap! I used to live there.

I have a set of 420's that I'm riding right now... They're not super stiff but they're really light for what they are. I haven't had any problems with them so far, but I only have around 1500 miles on them.

Too bad you just purchased the Assaults, chainlove has the DV46Ts on sale for $1,000 right now.

Thanks guys! I think after extensive research here and other boards...I would have to go with the Assaults. I am sick of waiting for the availability o the C2s.....no communication either.

Did you call them? Tim or Paul answer the phone most of the time and ocassionally Steve Hed himself. I've never called there and not gotten through.

for others looking, check out the coupon forum
50mm carbon tubular 1383g $699

Too bad you just purchased the Assaults, chainlove has the DV46Ts on sale for $1,000 right now.
Assaults are clincher. Chainlove only had tubs.

Have a buddy who rides the HED's he loves them. He did pop a spoke on the front recently and no one at the bike shop could get it right so he did have to send it back to HED for a complete re-build, apparently no one in the shop knew how to work on the things.

I own the Assualts, which are 46mm not 50mm, and I love the things! They spin up very nice and really seem to hold speed once you get them up above 20 or so. I have taken them out to do some serious climbing, 8-10% for a mile +, in them and I felt no flex at all they, performed great. I have not been too impressed by the braking, I am using the stock pads that come with the wheels, can't get them to stop howling like a Siren every time I come to a stop.

Of the two if you want reliable wheels that are easy to work on go with the Assualts if you want lots of bling for for the HEDs.

Don't bring your wheels to that shop? The nipples are hex shaped, so you need a different tool, but when you take the rim strip off the nipples are staring you in the face, they aren't even way down in a hole on the jets. Maybe they were confused because the nipples didn't stick out of the rim or they didn't have a hex tool?

The nipples are like these:
DT Swiss (http://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Components/Nipples/DT-pro-lock-hexagonal.aspx)

Don't bring your wheels to that shop? The nipples are hex shaped, so you need a different tool, but when you take the rim strip off the nipples are staring you in the face, they aren't even way down in a hole on the jets. Maybe they were confused because the nipples didn't stick out of the rim or they didn't have a hex tool?

The nipples are like these:
DT Swiss (http://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Components/Nipples/DT-pro-lock-hexagonal.aspx)

You can always buy the appropriate spoke wrench (http://www.bikepartsplace.com/discount/spoke-wrench-pro-lock-hexagonal/).

Like all things proprietary, it costs more to work on yourself.

I had zipps and hated the fact that I "had" to change brake pads when I switched my wheels. That and the carbon braking surface was not that great for day to day use. On top of that I nervous around all of the pot holes around here with a carbon edged wheel. I sold my 303's and bought a pair of Mavic CCP's and have never looked back. These things are FAST and very strong. I hit a pot hole last week that blew a tire and sounded like a gunshot to the guy 3 bikes ahead of me.....wheel damage=0.

Did you call them? Tim or Paul answer the phone most of the time and ocassionally Steve Hed himself. I've never called there and not gotten through.


I e-mailed peeps on their website. No reply. Must be very busy.

I opted for the assaults. First bunch ride I had using the wheelset and its responsive...the brakes are not really noisy on mine. I was expecting noisy screeching....if at all the braking surface is awesome....only very slightly less powerful than alum surface. Negligible really. The wheels are light and spins true and quietly. The Taiwan hubs (that differentiates them from the DV46C) are silent and very nicely done. The rims I understand are made in Utah as mentioned by BT and its also shown on Pro Cycling Aug 08 issue.

The wheelset comes with the spokewrench, plastic tyre levers, valve extensions, rim tape and alloy skewers. I am impressed with the quality. If this is the entry level wheelset of Reynolds....I am very excited to see their higher spec'ed wheelsets!:thumb:

Too bad you just purchased the Assaults, chainlove has the DV46Ts on sale for $1,000 right now.

O goooosssssshhh I feel so lost with buyers remorse :cry: Not really:lol:

Naaah thats alright....really not confident to buy online with wheelsets.....what with the Aussie $ free falling...costs me heaps as much buying online with shipping fees and duties/taxes.

zipp 404s

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