Triathlon - Buying aero wheels...HELP

OK so I am buying my first set of aero wheels for my new tri bike. I have two options in mind as of now.

My first is a set of easton ec90 tt's, which i would get from my LBS for 1500.

The second is a set of HED Jet 69's I can get for 1300 from a shop online.

I prefer not buying on ebay. I realize there are a lot of options there, but I'd like to support a bike shop rather than an internet dealer.

Opinions on these to sets? or other options? These two are the most readily available.

I've also considered a set up Corima trispokes for 1600 or Blackwell 100's for 1300.


Now I am only 5'7'' and weigh about 135 so I need to be able to handle the wheels with some wind. I probably wouldnt go deeper than 60mm in the front.

So lets hear it

Try out Williams Cycling while you are looking at options, they have a set of 58mm clinchers for $999 that I hear good things about. That's what I have my eye on right now. Currently, I run a HED3 on the front and a wheel cover on the back, that was the most economical option for me (around $450)

I am a big fan of supporting my LBS when I can. Here are two thoughts:

1. The Eastons are not as fast. They just aren't. Hed and Zipp have a patent which makes their wheels faster at a given depth. That doesn't mean the Eastons are bad wheels, I just think it should be said.

2. The Eastons are tubulars so I would keep in mind:
a. The tires will cost more, plus glue, etc...
b. Does your LBS store carry fast tubular tires? I personally am a big fan of Zipp tubular tires or Bontrager. Continental is popular but the butyl tubes makes them a little slower than the previous two I mentioned.
c. They are lighter
d. some carbon rims favor different brake pads to prolong their life

In the end the Hed Jet 69 are a more versatile, cheaper, more user friendly wheel but if you ever have a problem with them, it won't be as easy as dealing with the Easton's.

the hed jets are clincher wheels

and seem more versatile


ill look into the williams wheels as well as reynolds

Did you go with the P3 DA? If so, how do you like it? I'm sure it's to notch!

No it sold before I could get a hold of the shop. I was kinda disappointed but instead I am going with a Quintana Roo Lucero Lite with full DA, which i am very excited about.

Good for you, hope you love the new ride!

Me too. I am very excited for the build


Alright opinions on rear wheel:

HED Jet 9 flamme rouge vs Jet Disc

Ok guys i need some last input before i buy.

My two choices are:
HED Stinger 60/90 (FR available)

or

Zipp 606

So are zipps worth the extra grand?

So are zipps worth the extra grand?

Both a using the similar toroidal rim shape, just one doesn't have the dimples which many argue have limited if any value. I have a Stinger 9 front wheel and have no complaints with this wheel...

I'd save the $1000 and put it towards a powermeter.

Get the stingers. I have a set of 808's and they are nice but I would do the heds and save some cash.

You might want to consider a set of Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL's, they aren't as aggressive as some of our other choices but you can pick up a set for around $1100 out the door and they are a 52 mm deep wheel. I just put a set on my QR Seduza and am pretty happy with them.

http://www.mavic.com/triathlon/products/cosmic-carbone-sl.995533.1.aspx

I ended up getting some stinger 60's. i was gonna go with a 60/90 combo but the 90 is backordered. So i have a set of 60's on the way and some vittoria tubulars ready to go on them. First i'll take the decals on i think.

Right now my QR Lucero Lite is just haning out at the shop waiting them and a rear wheel for training.

I rode it on thursday after it was built it is has full DA and its so amazing.