Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Knock-off B-43's with Tubes, Tires, and Shipping for Under $150

I figured it was time for an updated version of this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?596011-Knock-off-B-43-s-with-Tubes-Tires-and-Shipping-for-Under-100), since they've raised the price and the quality of their deep v wheelsets.

The new ones, which can be found here (http://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/bike-parts-and-components/tec9-dv43-43mm-deep-v-track-fixed-gear-wheelset-with-high-flange-sealed-bearing-hubs-black.html), are now $149.95, and they offer free shipping. If you prefer to pay more, just do a search for Tec 9 DV43, and you'll find them on ebay for $157.95. My guess is that they have to charge more there to cover seller's fees. The difference between the old set and the new set is mainly in the hubs. Instead of inexpensive loose ball bearing hubs, the new ones have some cool looking CNC machined hubs with sealed bearings. Like before, they include tubes, tires, a freewheel and a cog/lockring. While the extras may not be the best quality, they'll get you by until you can get some better rubber and a decent cog.

I got a set for my Hour, and so far, they've held up nicely. Since I already posted about them in the original thread, I won't go into too much detail. Out of the box, I had to true up one of them, but nothing terrible. Not light, but that's expected. With my 28mm Fyxation tires mounted, the ride is really smooth. I had built this up as my winter ride, but it handles our notoriously crappy roads very well, and with this low-maintenance wheelset, I can see it getting more use year-round.

Here are some photos. Don't be hatin' on my single speed - I didn't like riding fixed in the snow and slush.

Yeah, you need a white Turbo on that thing.

Where can I find a used one, at a decent price? I need the white/yellow bar tape to seal the deal.

heads up man. DO NOT RIDE THESE WHEELS. I bought some a few months ago and realized that they are sub-standard. meaning, they are not 700c size and thus the tire does not fit on the wheel safely. I was able to put three fingers between the tire and rim which means the rim was too small. With a sub-standard wheel, the tire does not sit on the rim wall well. Furthermore, under 120 pounds of pressure, the tire can fall off as you are riding, as did a friend on mine's.

Took it to a bike shop and they confirmed all this. We even tried different size tires on it. Bottom line is this wheelset is 150$ for a reason. You get what you pay for.

heads up man. DO NOT RIDE THESE WHEELS. I bought some a few months ago and realized that they are sub-standard. meaning, they are not 700c size and thus the tire does not fit on the wheel safely. I was able to put three fingers between the tire and rim which means the rim was too small. With a sub-standard wheel, the tire does not sit on the rim wall well. Furthermore, under 120 pounds of pressure, the tire can fall off as you are riding, as did a friend on mine's.

Took it to a bike shop and they confirmed all this. We even tried different size tires on it. Bottom line is this wheelset is 150$ for a reason. You get what you pay for.

Ha! I wish. Whatever you bought, it wasn't these. I had to wrestle the original tires off, and it was hell fitting the Fyxation tires. A very snug fit.

Ha! I wish. Whatever you bought, it wasn't these. I had to wrestle the original tires off, and it was hell fitting the Fyxation tires. A very snug fit.


good to hear it, yea your hubs are different.

the tire can fall off as you are riding, as did a friend on mine's.

All your bead seat diameter are belong to us.

I have no suitably geeky response to post #7.

I forgot to mention - the axles are partially drilled, not fully hollow.

Where can I find a used one, at a decent price? I need the white/yellow bar tape to seal the deal.
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Turbo+Saddle&vendorCode=SELLE&major=1&minor=18

Cheapest I've found, but I've never ordered from there before. I believe benscycle has them for slightly more.

Charge also makes a turbo knock off for 25-30.00.

Knock off of a knock off...Velocity knocked off H+Son.

Just curious, why invest money towards obviously risky knock offs, when there are tons of great wheels in a similar price range. You can regularly score cxp22s for under 150 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mavic-CXP-22-700c-fixed-gear-track-wheelset-Forumla-DT-/250600128362?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a58ee7f6a#ht_2189wt_1167) on ebay, or if you really want they have deep rims they have dp18s for even cheaper. Even though the dont come with $hit cog/lockring/tire, they are a sure thing.

Just curious, why invest money towards obviously risky knock offs, when there are tons of great wheels in a similar price range. You can regularly score cxp22s for under 150 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mavic-CXP-22-700c-fixed-gear-track-wheelset-Forumla-DT-/250600128362?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a58ee7f6a#ht_2189wt_1167) on ebay, or if you really want they have deep rims they have dp18s for even cheaper. Even though the dont come with $hit cog/lockring/tire, they are a sure thing.

The wheels you linked to are $170, and I could have gotten a similar set from my LBS for $125 right before winter started, so they're no bargain. What you don't realize is that while they would certainly do the job, some people are looking for a specific style - a deep v. In my case, it had nothing to do with the brand, I just wanted a wheel that wasn't going to go out of true or fold up when it drops into a 2-3 inch deep pothole covered in snow. These "DV43" wheels roll smooth, and seem to hold up well to our bad streets. Not that the looks concern me, but I've gotten some compliments on them, so they're more than just utilitarian.

Since a few other members mentioned that they bought a set, it would be nice to hear their opinions as well.

Just curious, why invest money towards obviously risky knock offs, when there are tons of great wheels in a similar price range. You can regularly score cxp22s for under 150 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mavic-CXP-22-700c-fixed-gear-track-wheelset-Forumla-DT-/250600128362?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a58ee7f6a#ht_2189wt_1167) on ebay, or if you really want they have deep rims they have dp18s for even cheaper. Even though the dont come with $hit cog/lockring/tire, they are a sure thing.

Eighthinch sells there Deep V's (30mm) for 139 shipped. 32h forumla hubs I believe, and they come in non-machine/machined and colors. The b43 version from them is 199 ish. There are plenty of wheels out there to be had for a nice price. I read the other thread on the ones Brian posted and they don't seem hateful but I would be pretty weary about the cog/lockring quality. I wouldn't want to have a malfunction 20 miles out somewhere.

anyway, thanks for posting that link gobby, I found these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BLACK-VUELTA-TRACK-FIXED-GEAR-BIKE-WHEELSET-700C_W0QQitemZ380148267556QQcategoryZ58099QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26it s%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D16%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8820335696314876326

I think I'm going to pick them up as a spare wheelset, maybe throw a trainer tire on the rear until winter comes then make them the beaters.

The wheels you linked to are $170, and I could have gotten a similar set from my LBS for $125 right before winter started, so they're no bargain. What you don't realize is that while they would certainly do the job, some people are looking for a specific style - a deep v. In my case, it had nothing to do with the brand, I just wanted a wheel that wasn't going to go out of true or fold up when it drops into a 2-3 inch deep pothole covered in snow. These "DV43" wheels roll smooth, and seem to hold up well to our bad streets. Not that the looks concern me, but I've gotten some compliments on them, so they're more than just utilitarian.

Since a few other members mentioned that they bought a set, it would be nice to hear their opinions as well.

Yeah im aware cxps go for cheaper, just the seller that usually has them for 130 shipped is apparently out of stock. And if you want deep V you can get the eighthinch ones mentioned above for less than the "DV43" (with trusty ol formula hubs, DT spokes/nipples, and rims that people know) or actual velocity deep Vs for like 70 bucks more, shipped. So one can clearly find real-deal wheels, even deep Vs for lower than your $150 pricepoint. And when you get those you at least can be completely sure of the quality you can expect. Ill be you that my cheaper pair of cxp22/formula/DT are stronger and more pothole resistant than the "DV43s".

Just saying, before everyone buys these and experiences catastrophic hub failure, like your last $100 pair haha.

Hey, no one said you had to buy a set. I'm happy with mine, and no hub failures. The one guy that posted photos of his destroyed hub appeared to perfectly illustrate operator error. But from what I understand, those wheels aren't even available any more.

I got this wheelset from eBay. They are pretty similar to the Tec9 set. They ride smooth and they were less money when i bought them. I think they were around 140 when I bought them last fall. I'll probably upgrade the cog after a while but the wheelset is fine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/43mm-Deep-V-Aero-FIXED-GEAR-TRACK-BIKE-WHEELSET-WHITE-/270564650906?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3efee8ef9a#ht_7523wt_1575

Highly considering getting this wheelset. Are the stock components that it comes with okay enough to commute with or would I have to swap them out?

I got this wheelset from eBay. They are pretty similar to the Tec9 set. They ride smooth and they were less money when i bought them. I think they were around 140 when I bought them last fall. I'll probably upgrade the cog after a while but the wheelset is fine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/43mm-Deep-V-Aero-FIXED-GEAR-TRACK-BIKE-WHEELSET-WHITE-/270564650906?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3efee8ef9a#ht_7523wt_1575

those are the wheels I warned about. Check what I mentioned above...

Highly considering getting this wheelset. Are the stock components that it comes with okay enough to commute with or would I have to swap them out?

The tires are ok, nothing special. If you're planning on running theses wheels single speed, keep in mind that the freewheel is pretty generic, so it could last years, or die a sudden death. That's kinda true for almost any freewheel though. If you're planning on riding fixed, you need to take all the usual precautions with the cog and lockring. I grease mine, tighten them down, then back them off, clean the grease off to remove any grit, then regrease and tighten down again properly. And check them often. My installation may seem a bit obsessive, but this insures that there is nothing foreign in the threads, and that everything is tight as can be.

Good stuff, will probably pick up a set of these this summer when my moto messenger. :)

Good stuff, will probably pick up a set of these this summer when my moto messenger. :)

Be sure to post photos.

So versus this wheelset, which is the better quality and value?

http://www.cyclingcloseouts.com/Products/EighthInch-Tessa-Wheelset-White__Eighthinch_Tessa_White.aspx

Tessas are rebranded Weinmann DP18s laced to Formulas. I'd rather have those.

The Tessas over the knock off B-43's? Is the build quality better? Lighter?

those are the wheels I warned about. Check what I mentioned above...

I haven't had any problem with mine. Are you sure these are the same as yours? Maybe you just got a bad set. My wheels are definitely 700c. I've ridden them pretty hard and have already replaced a tube and the tires go on pretty tight. There is no way I could get three fingers in between the tire and rim.

I've had the Tec9 wheelset for about two or so weeks and I'm impressed. Not bad, front wheel may need a bit truing. Paint job isn't so great, but only noticeable from up close. Other than that I'm loving them. Ever since I got the set, I get compliments on my bike everywhere i go.149922

I've had the Tec9 wheelset for about two or so weeks and I'm impressed. Not bad, front wheel may need a bit truing. Paint job isn't so great, but only noticeable from up close. Other than that I'm loving them. Ever since I got the set, I get compliments on my bike everywhere i go.149922

Quality of the rubber?

Quality of the rubber?

Actually, i didn't use the tubes, tires, nor rim strip that they came with. The tires seemed a bit too thin, so i'll use them as spares or something.

Actually, i didn't use the tubes, tires, nor rim strip that they came with. The tires seemed a bit too thin, so i'll use them as spares or something.

Did you have fun swapping them out?

Did you have fun swapping them out?
actually, it was quite easy for me.

I would not expect much for $150.00 and would have someone who has good wheel building skills to check these over... I find that most factory built wheels are crap unless they get some post build / pre-ride service.

The wheels on my recent UO8 conversion came off my old Peugeot... they are uber light single walled Weinmann rims laced to Normandy hubs with single butted spokes and have gone 10,000 miles without issue and have a suicide hub to boot. I built these up a long time ago and used them when I was commuting 50 km a day.

The hubs are still as smooth as silk (they get get regular service and are never out of adjustment) and the rims have stayed true despite the abuse they have experienced.

Give me some cartridge bearing hubs and decent dw rims and I can build amazing wheels that won't need a deep section rim to compensate for lesser build quality... and they will be lighter too.

Give me some cartridge bearing hubs and decent dw rims and I can build amazing wheels that won't need a deep section rim to compensate for lesser build quality... and they will be lighter too.

Not that I don't agree with you, but people who buy deep rims for strength are deluded or lying. Deep rims are for style. Really deep rims are for aero (made redundant with 36+ non aero spokes though). Wide rims make stronger rims.

Really people buy them for style.

Hey, my bike has mad style now. So much, that I don't need skinny jeans or a Chrome bag. ;)

Decided to sell mine off to a friend. Decided to strip the bike I was planning on using them on so not much use for them. My friend does a lot of tricks so we'll see how they hold up. I can say that the paint is pretty crappy. Chips very easily. I could do better with a can of krylon fusion :/

Is it possible to get it with just one of the wheels machined, not both?

Is it possible to get it with just one of the wheels machined, not both?

What would be the point of that?

So I could have just a machined front one for a brake, but not the rear?

Just get non machined ones if you really hate the machined side walls...you can still use brakes on it or email them if you could have one machined and one without.

Yeah, I was thinking about just getting non-machined and using brakes on them. Will they be excessively squeaky or inefficient?

I have non-machined rims, and they squeel like crazy, but otherwise the front brake works fine. I have not had any problems with the anodized finish wearing off on mine. However, I use the front brake very little, mostly to control max speed on long/steep downhills and rare panic stops.

I'm wondering if these will fit on my 70's peugeot...

I have non-machined rims, and they squeel like crazy, but otherwise the front brake works fine. I have not had any problems with the anodized finish wearing off on mine. However, I use the front brake very little, mostly to control max speed on long/steep downhills and rare panic stops.

There is a big difference between painted and anodized rims.

^Are these painted or anodized? Painted, right?

anodizing is expensive. i'd assume they are painted.

Painted. Chips very easily.

anodizing is expensive. i'd assume they are painted.

surprisingly, anodizing can be cheaper.
main reason why you don't see anodizing on frames and rims are because they discolour at the welding joints.

are the rims welded, pinned or sleeved?

I bought these back in '09, saw that there was an updated version, and bought those.

The original tires they come with aren't the best, but they'll last if you're not one to skid very often.

The paint is cheap and does chip easily.

The newer hubs roll much better than the ones on the older model.

My set hasn't let me down yet (though it's slightly untrue).