domestique

I'm looking at getting new whees: I've decided on either Reynolds Alta Race ($300.00) or Campy Zonda ($450.00)

The alta race have hidden spoke nipples and a larger rim 30mm. They are also lighter 1,510 grams

The campy Zondas, only the rear wheel is a 30mm rim but are heavier at 1,610 grams but they have "bladed spokes".

My main question is: Is it worth to have the heavier wheels with "aero" spokes or a lighter wheel with round spokes?

FWIW: I ride mainly in rolling river hills where cross winds aren't a huge problem.

the beef

I've heard good things about both wheelsets. However, the Zondas are simply too hot to resist. Mm.

As for your question, aero inevitably means a bit heavier. And apparently it IS worth it for many forum members on here. Read up on the advantages of each; in the end it's your call.

Lithuania

Are the 07 zondas different then the 05s? I am considering getting pair to replace my bonty race lites.

domestique

from what I read the 06 zondas are not diff. form the 07's. But im sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong

Lithuania

I think I am going to look at a pair of 06 zondas tomorrow

Surferbruce

zondas. you won't regret it.

operator

Whichever one has removeable decals/no words on the rims.

Vinokurtov

I have both. The only advantage the Zondas have over the Altas are they are a bit more more sexy looking. Weight, stiffness, durability, performance all go to the Altas...

goldfish

i voted with my own money and bought the Zondas

domestique

Can you tell the difference in stiffness between the two? How do the hubs compare?

My biggest concern is keeping speed coming off of hills and going up the next one. I was originally leaning towards the Altas but have been reading some negative reviews on their durability (especially spoke breakage).

Vinokurtov

The Altas are stiffer, not a huge difference but I'm not a big guy (150-160) and I haven't raced the Zondas so I haven't really sprinted on them. I have on the Altas and have won a bunch of swag taking primes.

If you're concerned about speed, the Altas seem faster, especially on higher speed decsents. They also accellerate and climb better.

Hubs have both been bombproof. I've got two set of Reynolds proprietary hubs and haven't had any issues.

Spoke breakage has started on the Alta's drive side after a season of hard racing over some truly ugly stuff (think Paris Roubaix). I'm just going to upgrade the spoke to Sapim X Rays like they use on my Stratus (never had an issue at all with those spokes). Cheap upgrade that should rebomb proof these and will lighten them a bit to boot.

I've spoken to Reynolds about the spoke issue BTW, they have very responsive customer support.

I've had issues with spokes loosening on the Zondas, I went back and locktite'd several that had come loose. The Zondas are more of a pain to true, both have required touch ups from time to time but I've ridden both pretty hard.

Hope this helps.

domestique

Thanks Vino, I still am on the fence about which ones to get. I think I am leaning towards the Alta Race just for the sheer fact I can get them over 150 bucks cheaper. I really like trhe looks of the Zondas and would probably choose them if I needed an "everyday" wheel, but I am mainly looking for a race day wheel. Thanks for the answers.

Lithuania

i think vino just talked me out of the zondas and into the alta race. Luckily for me my guy at the lbs wasnt in and the other dude quoted me 700 on zondas other wise I might have been riding them home.

TMB

I have a set of Alta Race and love them. They are smooth rolling, pretty to look at, Very low decal count ( a good thing) and the hubs are just bomb proof.

I bought the Alta Race instead of Neutrons. They are cheaper and lighter than Neutrons. The hubs are every bit as good as any Campy hub.

No experience with Zondas, happy with the Alta Race wheels.

domestique

Riskus, What drive train do you run? If you run shimano you can get a pair of Altas for 259.99 at pricepoint and If you run Campy you can get them for 300. at (I will tell after I order my pair! )


Shimano: https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/155...d-Wheelset.htm

Campy: https://www.repartocorse.com/


Thanks for all the replies. I've decided on the Alta Race and with the money I saved I am replacing ym seat post to a Thomson.

Lithuania

i have campy too and I saw them for $299 on repartocourse

man i might order them today but the zondas are sweet looking.

with the money i will save getting the altas i will buy some more of our favorite things

BIBS

I think i will get some knickers

domestique

lol, thats where I just ordered a pair from (reparto corse). Cheapest price on the net. Can't wait to try them out. FWIW I boutht a Centaur cassette earlier this summer through Probikekit

domestique

Vino, are you doing the spoke swap yourself or sending them to reynolds to do it? What's a ball park figure?

Lithuania

hmm i better buy another cassette too. I didnt even think about that. I cant wait to get these bonty wheels off my bike

domestique

PBK has the Centaur for 93 bucks
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=l1086

I chose to go with a Centaur 11/23 for racing, I have a Veloce 12/23 that I use for training paired with a compact 50/34.

Lithuania

Ah well I just ordered up them wheels too. Too good a deal to pass up for me. Now I have money left over for rollers.

seely

I love my Alta's... I can't believe what a great value they are at $300. They are STIFF, LIGHT and FAST. The hubs are butter smooth out of the box. They are easy to true, and don't use special spokes or nipples. Fantastic design for a wheelsystem. The cornering and acceleration is just incredible in my opinion, while they maintain a good ride quality, especially for a deep section rim.

Lithuania

heh i just remembered that i voted for the zondas in the poll

domestique

Then it makes it 8/6 Altas win!

domestique

Wheels arrived! Wow! I am impressed. not only with the wheels but with Repart Corse. I ordered the wheels Mon. night and the shipment arrived today. Can't wait to take them for a spin.

Thanks for all the replies.