milesbeyond

I've been looking at a wheelset upgrade from my low spoke count Shimano RS-10's on my KHS Flite 800 Reynolds frameset. I'm finding lightweight + high spoke count usually isn't a common combo, but I had my eyes set on some Easton EA90SLX (or SL's) for a couple weeks. I live in Portland, but stumbled across a set just south of Seattle for $500 (SLX w/ceramic bearings). Unfortunately it's the 10-speed only Shimano freehub, which looks like it'll cost me another $100 for the SRAM freehub. These wheels have less than 500 miles on them.

I've also stumbled across some Topolino C-19's. I had never heard of the brand but after some research, it seems like their unique build allows for very sturdy wheels at a shocking low weight. But the only concern is the frailty of the hubs. I can pick these up for $300.

Weight-wise they're about the same. But I've never had any first hand experience with the Topolino's. Being in Portland, I've got a Topolino dealer in Cyclepath and they have experience with minor maintenance of their wheels (the used Topolino's were purchased from them about 3 years ago). These would be going on the dry-weather ride, so I would definitely be babying them as much as I could. They do however have 3000 claimed "soft" miles on them in dry weather for recreational riding.

I don't really have the budget to be spending more than $600ish on a new wheelset, which is why I'm patiently searching for some good used deals. The Topolino yellow spokes are a bit ugly and don't really match my bike at all, but I don't think that should be the only reason to spending another $300 on a wheelset.

Good deal on the Topolino's? Save up for another set? Go with the Easton's?

Seattle Forrest

I've heard good things about Topolino wheels from someone on bike forums who enjoys them. Supposed to be good, strong wheels. He said they were a comfortable ride, and blamed the carbon spokes. I asked my LBS about them, since Topolino lists LBS as a dealer; they said these are good wheels, but that if anything happens, it's hell trying to get T to call them back, and they've stopped selling them years ago for that reason.

ColinL

OP, how much do you weigh? kind of need to know that if we're to respond regarding your concerns of hub and/or whole wheel strength.

milesbeyond

Whoops! I'm at 180-185lbs.

ravenmore

I had some Topolino's a while back and I'll say they ride like nothing else. Really hard to put into words, but definitely a very unique and very noticeable difference compared to a more conventional wheel. I did have a warranty issue on my first set (loose spoke) but they took care of me reasonable fast. It's been a few years though.

NRZ

Two guys I ride with have Topelino's and one guy has rebuilt his hubs twice now and the other guy has done it once. First guy had so much play in the hub he had to run his brakes loose. I would stick with the Eastons if those are your two options.

ColinL

I'm not 100% sure I would suggest the Easton SLX. They were briefly on my shortlist and after some digging here on BF and other places, I wasn't convinced in the durability. Here's one source: https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wh...8_2490crx.aspx

robberry

I don't know from experience, but I like the look of Easton wheels.

milesbeyond

If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up purchasing? (If anything)

I've read similar reviews, so I do feel partial to the Topolinos. I guess it's just simply because it's a lesser known/used brand which I'm sure scares some people. Most of all, 1400 grams at $300 seems like an unbelievable deal.

ColinL

$300 is a good deal for the Topolinos, but I assume they are used. As used the deal is not amazing...

My bike: Mavic Ksyrium Elite. I am 178 pounds and my morning ride is 1/3 cobblestones. I wanted a very tough wheel that was reasonably light and I got it.

Wife's bike: Boyd 30mm Rolleur. She's so much lighter than me that this wheel should be just as durable for her.

If I had to do it again right now, I would try the Stan's Alpha Comp: https://www.notubes.com/Alpha-Comp-Wh...2-P895C58.aspx

ravenmore

Topolinos are more comfortable than any other wheelset I've ridden. If you're going to do long miles on chipseal (like I do) they're worth a hard look. Especially for $300.

They do not build this wheel like a normal wheel. For those who don't know Topolino spokes go from one side of the rim, through the hub, all the way to the other side of the rim. They do not terminate at the hub. The spokes are made out of carbon encased in kevlar and are unbelievably strong. I saw a Topolino wheel involved in a wreck with a car - it was taco'd but none of the spokes were broken. The carbon kevlar spokes dampen a HUGE amount of road buzz before it even gets to the hub. Ride quality because of that is amazing.

soma5

I have no experience with the Topolino wheels, so I'd go with those. There are several other good choices that others have mentioned. Take your time and don't be pressured by the "once in a lifetime" deal. It's never once in a lifetime.

ravenmore

Actually if you don't do the Topolino's pm me the sellers contact info if you don't mind.

milesbeyond

I got really excited about the Alpha Comps, but then realized they were tubeless. Seems like clinchers are so much easier...

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm heading over to take a look at the Topolino's tonight and I'll give them a good look over. Appreciate it!

ColinL

The stans are clinchers. They're road tubeless, which is a special kind of clincher developed by hutchinson and shimano.

If for some reason you decide to not use hutchinson road tubeless tires, you install a tube and the clincher tire of your choice.


They're not tubulars.

Painful Chafe

I own a set of Topolino CX2.0's

For all you picture critics, the seat is a tad higher, most of the spacers are gone, and the seat is a little more back.



Much of the info posted so far is pretty accurate.

Ravenmore's description of the ride is spot on.

The issue with the hubs was resolved a while ago, and the wheels are bompproof. Unfortunately, I don't remember which wheels that had the hub issues.

As far as not being able to get customer service, maybe I was lucky, but I called them one time to ask a question. I chatted at length with a couple of guys that were very informative and helpful.

After doing a bunch of reading and research, I decided on the Topolino's. I wanted a very light set of wheels, but I weigh 210. I couldn't find anything else that I would consider durable under 1400g. The bike shop owner I purchased the wheels from has sold a few sets to people in the 250lb range and has had no issues. Amazing for a 1360g wheelset.

Carbon Unit

I have owned two sets of Topolinos. I started with a used set of C19s I bought off of Ebay. They had been involved in a wreck so I sent them back to the manufacturer. Then, I broke a nipple on the rear wheel and sent them back to the factory a second time to be repaired. When this happends one side of the wheel is replaced. I rode them for about eight months and the other side of the wheel broke. Each repair is about $90.00. However, Topolino wheels are most amazing riding wheels I had ever experienced. They make the road feel like you are riding on glass. Topolino offered me a great deal on a trade in so I bought the True Black ATR 3.0 which have solid back spokes and a 30mm rim instead of a 19mm rim.

I love these new Topolino wheels, they are stiffer than the C19s, handle better and spin up faster. They also have the same amazing ride quality. I haven't had any problem them and if anything happened to them, I would have buy another set.

By the way, I was 232 lbs when I bought the C19s but am 195 now. I think the reason that I had a problem with the C19s was because they had been involved in a wreck before I bought them. I have talked to other people that put more than 10,000 miles on them without any problems. I would not hesitate to buy them, if fact if I buy another bike I will put Topolino wheels on it.

hawiken

I have 2 pairs of the AX 3.0's. Bought both of them used, and I have had the bearings replaced on both rear wheels, and the freehub on one of them- they still cost me considerably less than retail: I really, really like these wheels, and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. The ride is outstanding. You have to ride the carbon/kevlar spokes to appreciate them.

From what I've read, I understand that the C 19's had hub problems, so I've avoided them- but, for $300, I'd have to think about it. The 3.0's cost $600-$650, with another $100 or so for the bearings/freehub replacements.

I weigh 225, and called Topolino to ask about weight issues- they told me to ride 'em and have fun. Their service is pretty good, too- I'm in Hawaii, and they're in Connecticut, and both times I had the wheels back within 7 or 8 days, using priority mail- every time I've called, I've gotten right through to someone.

pezcyclingnews.com did a review of the c19's here: https://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=3824

Greenfast

I have a set of C19's that I bought used in 2008, they had 1500 miles on them, so far the only problem I have had was needing to replace the bearings in them.

I use them for mainly racing both on the road and cyclocross so they have seen everything from rain to snow to sand, been over some really rough terrain, and have only had to have them trued once since owning them and that was from a guy running into me in a cross race.

ravenmore

By the way on a side note, 'Topolino' means 'Mickey Mouse' in Italian.

calRider

I've ridden EA90SLXes for about 3 years--no real complaints: broke 1 rear spoke, and 3 front spokes. I think I've only trued the back wheel once, and the front wheel a couple of times. I've also replaced the rear hub--which they sent me for free (along with everything i needed to replace it), although the wheel was 2 years out of warranty. I bought a supply of spokes from them early on, which I got in about 2 days...overall, outstanding customer service.

There was an issue with the pre-load screw thingy (technical term) loosening on earlier models, so I had to adjust it before most rides, but they've since fixed that (it was a simple part replacement--took 5 minutes).

I'm 160 pounds, BTW.

Seattle Forrest

I've borrowed a set of Madfibers from LBS several times. Like the Topolinos, these are carbon (but no kevlar) spokes and carbon rims. They felt like pillows. Really, they did a surprisingly good job of hiding imperfections in the road. LBS said it's partly because the MFs are made to flex in some places to soak up the buzz, but also because of the carbon fiber goodness. So I believe what you say about Topos being very comfortable; it's why I asked about them in the first place.

Great ride quality seems to be a recurring theme in this thread. I assume that's what Carbon Unit means ... I read "riding on glass" to mean broken glass, but you probably mean smooth, like when a kayaker says the water looks like glass.

Carbon Unit

Yes, I mean like smooth as glass. I can ride over cobble stone roads and hardly feel the bumps. Topolino wheels can make a harsh riding bike ride smooth and lively.