Radish_legs

I would eventually like to get some carbon clinchers. But I'm cheap. So dilemma.

Thinking about something like the Reynolds R4, which would be sub $1000 for the wheelset on-sale. Just wondering what other suggestions you might have in that price range or slightly higher.

datlas 

You could do far worse than Reynolds. Be sure to use the appropriate brake pads.

Radish_legs

What about the R4s vs. R6s? They are about the same price. I guess R6s worse in crosswinds. Is that a big deal?

datlas 

Deeper section will be heavier and worse in crosswinds, but more aero. Depends on your weight, riding conditions, and comfort level with this.

Radish_legs

I weigh 190lb. Most riding conditions are flats and very small hills that you can power up.

andr0id

At 190, you can go a bit deeper. You will less affected by the crosswinds and the extra weight is very small overall in ratio to your body weight.

datlas 

I would still stick with the R4 but you could get the six if you are planning to do a lot of triathlons and/or time trials. If you want an good all-around wheel get the four.

rms13

My chinese clinchers were $450. Ive got about 150 miles and 15000 feet of climbing and descending on them so far and I'm very pleased with them

patrickgm60

Similar experience, here. I'd at least give them a look. Yoeleo link:

Wheels - Bicycle Wheels

patrickgm60

Also: If this is your first set of CCs, ask yourself what you expect to gain from them. Lots of guys I see with them are gaining nothing but the aesthetics. Nothing wrong with that; but if you are "cheap" and expecting noticeable performance gains, you may be in for a disappointment.

Radish_legs

I am rolling with training wheels (powertab hub). Very shallow rims with lots of spokes.

I have another bike with old ksyrium elites that I feel like roll much faster. And my perception is that my old American Classic CR-420s rolled much faster than these training wheels.

However the new bike I have (cannondale supersix 105) has rims about the same caliber as the ksyrium and ACs. (I think). So I may try them for a while. And just save my old training wheels w/ powertap for trainer. And backup.

milkbaby

^This... The only real advantage of carbon clinchers is to be able to go to a deeper rim without adding a huge amount of weight. A heavier rider might also benefit more from a stiffer deep profile carbon rim as they may stress the spokes less than a flexier aluminum rim so your wheel build is more durable. (I'm just speculating here, some wheelbuilding experts should weigh in for confirmation).

I'm only 135 pounds, and I do not notice much a difference between my 38 mm deep carbon clinchers and 32 mm deep aluminum clinchers (both from the same company, basically the same hubs), except the braking is worse with the carbon especially in the wet. If I had unlimited funds, I'd go with deeper rims except that I don't like getting blown around more in stronger winds.

If I were you, I'd experiment with the cheaper generic Chinese carbon clinchers from a source that has good reviews (like the aformentioned Yoeleo, FarSports, and the like), that way you're only out about $350-$500 to test it out. Don't know what tires you're using, but I've noticed a little bit of difference between different tires, so it may be worth using a little nicer tire next time you're needing to replace an old tire.

K.Katso

Funny you mention that, I just ordered a set of 88mm carbon clinchers from FarSports for my TT bike as winter beaters. $527 shipped. Quite frankly, from my conversations with them I don't expect to be disappointed and might actually be surprised. Based on my experience, this is probably sound advice for someone wanting to test the waters, as I've seen some of their wheelsets on alibaba for $300 (with decent hubs).

Silvercivic27

Here's what you need to know: Carbon Clinchers suck.

StanSeven

Why? I've got tubulars but rarely ride because of flat concerns and having to carry a spare tire.

asiantrick

I ordered custom 38MM carbon clincher from Yoeleo. $900

I like it better than my 404. No joke. Climb like a beast and flew down the hill at 50mph just fine.

Jiggle

No.

They are awesome.

Silvercivic27

No.

They are not awesome...unless they have a disc rotor attached to them. Then they're OK.

GlennR

I have Zipp 303s, they can take a beating and still run true. Alloy wheels would of needed work with I put them through.

krusty

Is everywhere you go downhill?

Jiggle

If you're having trouble with braking, that is your fault.

GlennR

ingo

What do you need to know about carbon clinchers? The only benefit is in your mind. There should be no market for deep carbon clinchers. If you really need the tiny advantage they provide, you should be riding on tubulars and are probably sponsored. Otherwise you are doing it for looks and perhaps to get home from the training ride 15 seconds earlier.

StanSeven

If your training ride is 5 miles long, this is true.

jaranth

Hahahah are you trolling? I'm going to have to partially disagree...

...ok, so maybe the "all-carbon" clinchers suck (I wouldn't know)... but my Dura-Ace C35's (which have an aluminum brake track) are just plain awesome. When I got them, I *immediately* noticed a difference. They were smoother, more solid and much better at cornering than the previous wheels I had, as well as quieter and just all-around better... and it wasn't in my head, it was blatantly obvious. My previous wheels (alloy Bontrager Race TLR's) were creaky and felt bouncy/flimsy. Just weak.

So, as far as the benefits pro cyclists get from carbon clinchers... well, that's out of my league, admittedly. But, MY experience is that *bike handling* was very much improved, at least with these particular wheels.

Regardless, though there may be alloy wheels out there that perform just as well as the C35's, declaring universally that all carbon clinchers suck is... well... that's incorrect, at best. I would agree, however, that most carbon clinchers seem overpriced, and some of the so-called high-end all-carbons are just plain dangerous.