"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Seeking Most Aero Alu Clinchers for under $1K

Yes, it’s another “help me pick the right wheels” thread.

I’m looking for a set of racing clinchers for rough roads, so I’d prefer Aluminum over carbon since I’ve cracked more carbon tubulars than I care to count, but if you know of a very durable carbon clincher, let me know.

Here are the parameters:

Price – Less than $1,000

Aerodynamics – MOST IMPORTANT since I spend a lot of time in solo breakaways.

Durability – Very Important, but I weigh 140 lbs, so they don't have to be bulletproof)

Rim – 30mm +

Hubs – Faster – ceramic bearings if possible

Spokes – fewer and aero such as Sapim CX Ray

Weight – not as big a factor, but obviously, lighter is better. I climb pretty well and would rather have a wheel that’s a little heavier that lets me go faster on the descents and flats.
Ideally I’d like a set under 1600g, but if they’re real aero and durable I could go as high as 1800g.

A couple sets I’m considering:

Roval Fusee Star – Forget about how they look. Is that star hub really an aerodynamic time saver or just marketing bs? These wheels are not too popular so it’s not too hard to find them new for ½ retail simce a lot of people swap them out of their Specialized bikes. Yeah, at 1750g they’re kind of heavy, but as I said, that’s not as important.

Rolf Prima Vigor SL – Deep rim for Aluminum. Very low spoke count (aero!) and plenty light at 1450g. Are they durable?

American Classic 420's?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks for your feedback.

Soul 4.0's?

Just ordered a set of these. Sean weighed mine before shipping them out and they were 1680 grams for the set without skewers. Ceramics are available for about $100 over the asking price 0f $420 and I'm sure he can suggest others ways to cut weight.

41mm rims. 20f/24r spokes. Can get AL nipples if you want to shave a couple of grams and I'm sure he'd build with Sapim CX rays if you paid him extra for the spokes. He builds them himself, so I don't think it'd be a problem. Try contacting him via PM here, or via his sit. He responds really fast!

If you REALLY wanted to cut down on weight, maybe he'd build them with more expensive hubs, or worst case scenario, get the wheels and have them rebuilt here with the hubs and spokes you want. It'd still be under your $1k limit. You could use his hubs for a training wheelset and still come under cost! The hubs are pretty good and light from what I've seen claimed at 274 g for the set (front and read hubs).

He also offered to build me a custom set of wheels for about the same price as the 4.0's. The 30mm rims, with the better spokes and hubs to come in at 1480 grams, but I honestly think that the aero advantage of the 4.0's beats the weight saved.

http://bikesoul.com/s4.html

http://bikesoul.com/wheeldivision/s4link.jpg

You could also consider Hed Jets, they're a strong set of Al rims with a carbon fairing attached. They're a bit above your $1k pricepoint. There are the other wheels, and if you want strength you could go for their 'Stallion' build which is for people above 190lbs. That should be strong enough for you, methinks.

http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/jet50.php

Chainlove often has Reynolds DV46t's for 1k exactly. They're more durable than most aluminum rims. Dont let carbon scare you.

420's.

Yes, it’s another “help me pick the right wheels” thread.

I’m looking for a set of racing clinchers for rough roads, so I’d prefer Aluminum over carbon since I’ve cracked more carbon tubulars than I care to count, but if you know of a very durable carbon clincher, let me know.

Here are the parameters:

Price – Less than $1,000

Aerodynamics – MOST IMPORTANT since I spend a lot of time in solo breakaways.

Durability – Very Important, but I weigh 140 lbs, so they don't have to be bulletproof)

Rim – 30mm +

Hubs – Faster – ceramic bearings if possible

Spokes – fewer and aero such as Sapim CX Ray

Weight – not as big a factor, but obviously, lighter is better. I climb pretty well and would rather have a wheel that’s a little heavier that lets me go faster on the descents and flats.
Ideally I’d like a set under 1600g, but if they’re real aero and durable I could go as high as 1800g.

A couple sets I’m considering:

Roval Fusee Star – Forget about how they look. Is that star hub really an aerodynamic time saver or just marketing bs? These wheels are not too popular so it’s not too hard to find them new for ½ retail simce a lot of people swap them out of their Specialized bikes. Yeah, at 1750g they’re kind of heavy, but as I said, that’s not as important.

Rolf Prima Vigor SL – Deep rim for Aluminum. Very low spoke count (aero!) and plenty light at 1450g. Are they durable?

American Classic 420's?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks for your feedback.

modesty becomes you. ;)

Soul 4.0s, or watch Chainlove for the Reynolds carbons that have been coming up. Why does it have to be Alu?

Yes, it’s another “help me pick the right wheels” thread.


Rolf Prima Vigor SL – Deep rim for Aluminum. Very low spoke count (aero!) and plenty light at 1450g. Are they durable?

.

I know a lot of guys that have used and love Rolf Prima Vigors (I have no personal experience with them). Everyone seems to say they are really durable - even some pretty big guys. Some wheel builders (like WR) scoff at the paired spokes, though. And I am not sure about the SLs, but if I recall you are a light weight so they'd probably be fine.

Cosmic Carbone SSL

http://www.cycleco.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=502&HS=1

Model 1. I have the same thing but with White Ind. hubs.

More info --> http://www.ligerowheels.com/technical/technical.html

420's.

I'm not sure about these. They're 34mm vs 41 for the soul and I've heard bad things about their brake surface and wheel flex.
I've never used them though, so I can't offer a real opinion.



Chainlove often has Reynolds DV46t's for 1k exactly. They're more durable than most aluminum rims. Dont let carbon scare you.

Cedric the OP wants Al clinchers, not carbon tubulars. Based on what I've read, the DV46C's are durable but are atleast a few 100 dollars more expensive than the tubulars.



I’m looking for a set of racing clinchers for rough roads, so I’d prefer Aluminum over carbon since I’ve cracked more carbon tubulars than I care to count, but if you know of a very durable carbon clincher, let me know.

modesty becomes you. ;)

Anyone can try a breakaway, I didn't say my breakaways were ever successful. :D
I just know I can't sprint, so I'll always try and get away.


Thanks for the recommendations.

It doesn't have to be Alu, but many of the courses I race tend to have a lot of carbon eating potholes.
Copperopolis + Zipp = cracked rim

The brake surface on the 420's is marginal.

I've not had any issues with flexing, though mine use the bladed spokes.

The brake surface on the 420's is marginal.

I've not had any issues with flexing, though mine use the bladed spokes.

I rode a friend's bike with 420s on them, and they were noodly to me. And I'm definitely not a big guy. Maybe the bladed spokes make a difference? The brake surface is crap though, and the hubs have a pretty bad reputation. I think the Soul wheels can be built up with bladed spokes if you ask Sean.

I rode a friend's bike with 420s on them, and they were noodly to me. And I'm definitely not a big guy. Maybe the bladed spokes make a difference? The brake surface is crap though, and the hubs have a pretty bad reputation. I think the Soul wheels can be built up with bladed spokes if you ask Sean.

They come with bladed spokes.

OP, the Jets are pretty damn aero. 60/90 are available though that might not work for you in the wind since you're pretty light. I get blown around riding 27mm rims and I'm just a little heavier than you (148ish). They aren't the lightest though, which isn't the biggest consideration unless you're climbing a lot.

They come with bladed spokes.

OP, the Jets are pretty damn aero. 60/90 are available though that might not work for you in the wind since you're pretty light. I get blown around riding 27mm rims and I'm just a little heavier than you (148ish). They aren't the lightest though, which isn't the biggest consideration unless you're climbing a lot.

Oh sweet! I didn't realize they did. I think I'm going to move my 30mm wheels over to my girlfriends bike and buy a set of Souls in the sprint.

Oh, and I've seen these too-http://www.zweiradpool.de/shpSR.php?C=&W=&c=e&CP=&sfC=&A=137&p1=270&p2=361
I don't know a damn thing about them, other than they are heavy but they're another option.
And there is always the older Campagnolo Shamals, they sometimes can go for 350-400 bucks on ebay. Not sure about the hub adaptability though.

The American Classic rear hubs have a bad reputation because they had some bad parts in about 2005. It was a long time ago and they took care of it if you had genuine AC parts.

The problem with AC rear hubs is the narrow hub flanges. They're to make the spoke tension less uneven but they also make for a wheel that is laterally flexy. If you rock the bike from side to side when you stand on climbs you'll feel the wheel flexing, and you won't be happy when the spokes come loose and start breaking.

I also recommend the Ligero wheels. I have an older set he built me and they have been very durable. His new hub and wheel design is made specifically for good lateral stiffness. If you want carbon, the Reynolds carbon clinchers are pretty tough. I am not sure I would ride them at Copperoppolis but I hate that race anyhow.

Some wheel builders (like WR) scoff at the paired spokes, though.

Yeah, I just don't think there's any reason to pair spokes. Pairing doesn't hurt anything other than making maintenance more difficult because of the higher tensions. They're just no more durable, no more aero, and they're not any lighter.

It seems like the fad is finally fading a bit, as no new companies have started messing w/paired, and you never hear new Rolfs mentioned around BF any more.

Oh sweet! I didn't realize they did. I think I'm going to move my 30mm wheels over to my girlfriends bike and buy a set of Souls in the sprint.

I'm guessing you mean spring, but they will help in a sprint too ;)

I just bought a set! I can't wait for them to get here. His more expensive wheels come with 2.3mm bladed spokes and the cheaper ones come with thicker bladed spokes (>3mm) but they're heavier and cheaper.

My neuvations are cracking at the spoke holes, and I'm getting a warranty replacement. Bleh.

+1 to djbowen, something with a carbon fairing would make the most sense. Cosmic Carbones (the 09s will be cheaper) or the older HEDs.

+1 to djbowen, something with a carbon fairing would make the most sense. Cosmic Carbones (the 09s will be cheaper) or the older HEDs.

Aren't the HED Jets lighter than the Carbones?

If you're referring the HED ALPS when you say older HEDs, I think the carbon there is structural, if it makes any difference.

Roval Fusee Star – Forget about how they look. Is that star hub really an aerodynamic time saver or just marketing bs? These wheels are not too popular so it’s not too hard to find them new for ½ retail simce a lot of people swap them out of their Specialized bikes. Yeah, at 1750g they’re kind of heavy, but as I said, that’s not as important.

A friend of mine is selling his. Came with his bike, only ridden maybe 50 miles.

OP, the Jets are pretty damn aero. 60/90 are available though that might not work for you in the wind since you're pretty light. I get blown around riding 27mm rims and I'm just a little heavier than you (148ish). They aren't the lightest though, which isn't the biggest consideration unless you're climbing a lot.

Dang it, now I'm lusting for the Hed Jet C2 60's!:love:
$1,500 is more than I wanted to spend, but if I could find these for around $1K I'd be sold.

I've ridden the hell out of my CR-420s. (I weigh 160 pounds)

I've had them re-built twice, the second time because I wore out the bearings in the rear and I screwed up the front hub... don't ask. :o

The version I have supposedly weighed in at 1460 grams for the pair (the newest version is a little heavier). I had mine rebuilt with brass nipples instead of alloy, so that I wouldn't screw them up when I trued them. I do not feel any flex in my wheels even though I do quite a bit of out of the saddle/in the drops riding.

The braking surface is fine, but the problem is the AC decals got in the way of the pads. The decals on mine are worn away now. I believe this has been addressed on the newest version.

The rear hub is very easy to service, but just don't get carried away with packing them with grease. I think they are much better off with a light coating around the pawls and a thick oil for the other areas.

I got mine off of e-Bay for around $500US two years ago. The last time I rode on them was... today!

Check out Williams...http://www.williamscycling.com/williams/58cc/58cc.html

Some of the guys at Alto Velo race on Williams and like them. The clinchers are a bit heavy but with your climbing power I doubt it will matter much.

Edit: They are carbon but hit the $1000 bogey.

I'm ordering some Souls after the holidays. What is the waiting time???? I need them before racing starts in early March.

Dang it, now I'm lusting for the Hed Jet C2 60's!:love:
$1,500 is more than I wanted to spend, but if I could find these for around $1K I'd be sold.

Yeah, cslone is a huge HED shill on here.

There's a BF member (assosman) selling a used HED Jet 60 rear wheel on the for sale forum. The rear wheel has a crack in the *NON STRUCTURAL* fairing and it was repaired with epoxy. The wheel should be more than rideable. Gsteinb repaired his cracking 404's with epoxy and they've held up for 50+ races after that...

I was going to pick it up, but ended up getting something cheaper cause I'm broke.

If you got that, you could get a C2 or regular JET front wheel and call it a day. There have been HED ALPS on ebay recently. They've all been campy, but I think you can swap the freehub. It would be under 800 for the set after the cassette swap based on what I've seen on ebay. I'd make sure the freehub is swappable first though.

I have to agree though. The HEDs are *really* nice...

PizzaMan,
I have a set of American Classic 420s I'm not using right now.
Let me know if you want to try them out.
I've not had any flexing issues but I'm 130# and don't rock my
bike side-to-side, even in out-the-saddle climbing.

Check out Williams...http://www.williamscycling.com/williams/58cc/58cc.html

Some of the guys at Alto Velo race on Williams and like them. The clinchers are a bit heavy but with your climbing power I doubt it will matter much.

Edit: They are carbon but hit the $1000 bogey.


I am considering the Williams 58's now too. Keith Williams is great with supporting local races and I train and race on a set of Williams 30's currently, but want to get something more aero. The only thing I don't like about the 58 clinchers is that he uses round spokes. I'd pay extra if he could build them with sapim cx-ray spokes. I've sent him e-mails asking if be could do a custom build but have not heard back.

I am considering the Williams 58's now too. Keith Williams is great with supporting local races and I train and race on a set of Williams 30's currently, but want to get something more aero. The only thing I don't like about the 58 clinchers is that he uses round spokes. I'd pay extra if he could build them with sapim cx-ray spokes. I've sent him e-mails asking if be could do a custom build but have not heard back.

Haha, those are heavier than you wanted and all carbon, which is why I didn't suggest those, but then you're back in carbon clincher vs carbon tubular territory, and away from your initial want of a heavy duty Al wheel.

By the same logic Soul 6.0. 60mm rims. Al brake surface, 2.2mm bladed spokes. $1050 shipped.

http://bikesoul.com/s6.html


http://bikesoul.com/wheeldivision/s6link.jpg

If you want lighter and slightly more expensive carbon clinchers, then:
$1165 shipped.

http://bikesoul.com/s52.html

http://bikesoul.com/wheeldivision/s52link.jpg

What's wrong with me? I'm starting to eyeball 24h rims now, to build a 2:1 laced wheel with my 32h PowerTap. I'm even starting to think about shaving my legs again. What's happening to me?

Haha, those are heavier than you wanted and all carbon, which is why I didn't suggest those, but then you're back in carbon clincher vs carbon tubular territory, and away from your initial want of a heavy duty Al wheel.

By the same logic Soul 6.0. 60mm rims. Al brake surface, 2.2mm bladed spokes. $1050 shipped.

http://bikesoul.com/s6.html


http://bikesoul.com/wheeldivision/s6link.jpg

If you want lighter and slightly more expensive carbon clinchers, then:
$1165 shipped.

http://bikesoul.com/s52.html

http://bikesoul.com/wheeldivision/s52link.jpg

I know :o

And after spending an hour at the HED website and reading reviews, now I think I want the HED Ardennes.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=127877

I know :o

And after spending an hour at the HED website and reading reviews, now I think I want the HED Ardennes.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=127877

Haha, those aren't the most aero wheels you can get for under $1k!

OP, you came full circle on this ;)


What's wrong with me? I'm starting to eyeball 24h rims now, to build a 2:1 laced wheel with my 32h PowerTap. I'm even starting to think about shaving my legs again. What's happening to me?

You're finally starting to think like a roadie. Now you'll possibly enter your first race and all that jazz.

Wait. What?

What's wrong with me? I'm starting to eyeball 24h rims now, to build a 2:1 laced wheel with my 32h PowerTap. I'm even starting to think about shaving my legs again. What's happening to me?

http://www.alchemysite.com/blog/old_conversation3.jpg

Good point. Never mind.

Good point. Never mind.

oh... be sure to exfoliate before shaving.

Yeah, cslone is a huge HED shill on here.
I have to agree though. The HEDs are *really* nice...

What gave it away? :D

And yes, I have the C2 60's and C2's 90's and LOVE them. Although not sure how much use the 60's are going to be this year. My motto is 90's in 09. Anything but the most hilly race is getting the 90's for race wheels.

What gave it away? :D

And yes, I have the C2 60's and C2's 90's and LOVE them. Although not sure how much use the 60's are going to be this year. My motto is 90's in 09. Anything but the most hilly race is getting the 90's for race wheels.

I thought it was flat crits or stay home for you. :p

Which is why I said the 60's won't be getting much use. :P

I'm ordering some Souls after the holidays. What is the waiting time???? I need them before racing starts in early March.

I would place an order for them now, so you definitely have them in the spring.

I already ordered mine ;)

I would place an order for them now, so you definitely have them in the spring.

I already ordered mine ;)

i thought you were a 'poor college student.' :innocent:

i thought you were a 'poor college student.' :innocent:

I am. My neuvations broke though, so it's a necessary evil. I'm thinking about selling the warranty set that I get from them. I saved up for half a year for the souls haha.

That and I just picked up a second job, and the extended family tends to be generous this time of year :)

I am. My neuvations broke though, so it's a necessary evil. I'm thinking about selling the warranty set that I get from them. I saved up for half a year for the souls haha.

That and I just picked up a second job, and the extended family tends to be generous this time of year :)

That's a shock.

That's a shock.

I had a feeling you were going to pipe in here ;)