rekon

What do you guys think of buying wheelsets used?

I found a few used wheelsets on CL: C35 Dura Ace 9000 for $800 (doesn't come with brakes), C24 Dura Ace 9000 for $500, and Boyd Altamont for $400

I'm looking to upgrade my CAAD10's rs-11 wheelset. I want a wheelset that's light, stiff and climbs well.

I'm 150 lbs and live in southern CA -- i climb a lot.

Recommendations are appreciated.

D1andonlyDman

When buying used wheels, the particular condition of the wheel set you are buying is much more important than the specific components. I would not buy used wheels off of a remote site - unless I had the right to return them for a full refund if they were not in a condition that I was satisfied with. I would, and have, bought used wheels from craigslist sellers, but in all cases, I inspected the wheels before accepting them and handing over the cash.

Also, none of these were high end wheels - they were basically moderately priced wheels that I was buying to be used as spares, or to build up bikes I was going to sell. I don't think I'd ever buy high end wheels used, and I'd never buy them without being able to physically inspect them first. For this caliber of wheel set, maybe they were a $200-300 wheel set when brand new, and I paid maybe $20-50 per wheel 2nd hand. That's about the extent of the wheels that I would buy used - basically, standard caliber fairly rugged, not-light weight wheels, because they are a bargain in the aftermarket.

Sol588

I don't think there is anything wrong with buying used wheelsets. In fact, I just recently upgraded to the Boyd Altamonts and have a perfectly good set of lightly used Giant PR-2s that I planned to sell via Craigslist. Absolutely nothing wrong with them, just wanted a better all around set.

The Boyds at $400 looks like a good deal. Obviously, you will need to look them over but that is almost 50% off lists price...I would probably try and get the seller to come down another $50.

Bluecoupe

I bought my Reynolds Assault SLG's and a set of C35's used. Both sets are fine just make sure to check them carefully when meeting up. And if there's something about them that bothers you then just walk away and look for the next set at that point the most you're going to be out by is just gas money and time.

I can't comment on the C24's or the Boyd's but the Assault and the C35's are fine for me except for cross winds.

topflightpro

I've bought several sets of wheels used: Mavic Aksium, Zipp 404 tubular and Reynolds DV46 tubular. In two of the cases, I bought of Craigslist and was able to inspect the wheels. In the third, I bought from a friend.

I would not hesitate to buy a used wheelset. Many people change out wheels well before they have reached the end of their lifespans. Just make sure the hubs roll smoothly, the rims are not noticeably out of true, the spokes all feel equally firm and that the brake track looks to be in good shape, and you should be good.

rekon

Excellent feedback! I'll be sure to thoroughly inspect them before I buy.

Out of these three wheelsets (C24, C35, & Altamont) wheelset which is the best for climbing/racing?

seymour1910

Man, you've had the shopping bug lately. Just built a bike and now going for the other one. Good for you my friend. Here is my take. I would ask Boyd about warranty on his used wheels. I have a set of his wheels and love them, but it's worth it to know if something happens if you're on your own. The wheels are $650 new, taking $250 off that isn't half the price. I have the Rouleurs, paid $420 shipped and they have been great. Some people here knock them because they are 19mm wide but I have no issues. They don't hold me back at all.

andr0id

I LOVE Dura Ace hubs. But the 10 speed wheels can't be upgraded to 11 so if you're ever thinking of moving to the new 11 speed groups, keep that in mind.

Some brands allows swapping the cassette body to a new one. Usually about $100 or less.

Sol588

Whoops! I was referring to Boyd's disc wheel hub option ($700 on Boyd's website) in my response.

rms13

Good point and I'm pretty sure OP's CAAD is 11 speed

rekon

Between getting a promotion and going car less - I've developed a serious shopping bug.

Did you feel a significant when switching to the Roulers?

My other option is to share my Bianchi's Fulcrum 3s with my CAAD. I tried them on the CAAD yesterday and it made a clicking noise while pedaling. I probably have to adjust the rear derailleur for them to work properly.

I'll call Boyd today -- It will be interesting to know their warranty policy.

rekon

Correct. My CAAD is 11 speed.

seymour1910

I did notice a difference and I will list them here. To start I'm 6'1" and weigh 225. I had stock Shimano wheels that were 16/20 spoke count. As you can imagine that is not a lot of spokes under my weight. I couldn't keep the wheels true. When I decided to upgrade I knew the wheels wouldn't make me faster, but trips to the bike shop to have wheels trued and spokes replaced were adding up.

I went with the Rouleurs because I didn't want to spend more than $500 and I just needed a strong wheel that looked nice. I got both of those as well as a set that was over 200g lighter than the stock wheels. I have 2600 miles on them and have never had an issue at all. Boyd and his wife Nicole answered all my questions promptly and provided a service I was happy with.

So, while they are not 23mm wide, they ride nice. I have 25mm Michelin Pro 4's on them right now. No complaints.

coachboyd

I can respond on here (not that I don't want to talk to you or anything :-) )

We only warranty the wheels for the original owner, but the crash replacement is transferable. When we send a wheelset out to a customer, we know it's in good condition. When it gets transferred to a new owner, there is no telling what has been done to that wheelset before the sale. We see people selling stuff all the time on ebay that is mislabeled (calling it a 2015 model when I can tell it's a 2013 model), and we can't assume responsibility for all the different variable that can happen with buying used.

rekon

Thanks @coachboyd I appreciate the info!