and1homer

Looking around for aero wheels, I came across a few wheels with 50mm aero carbon faring, but an aluminium brake track (and/or rim).

Dura Ace C50 - 1712g, $1435 (for the pair, claimed weight)
Bontrager Aura 5 - 1740g, $1200
HED Jet 4 FR - 1643g, $1900, 190lb rider limit
Soul CA 5.0 - 1600g, $820
Cosmic Carbone SR - 1595g, $2000
Cosmic Carbone SL - 1740g, $1200
Zipp 404 Clinchers - 1662g, $2295 (edited: not the new Firecrest)


So, is this a good idea, to mix aero carbon and alu brake track (and/or rim) in one wheel?

Seems useful to have a deep-ish aero section, but with reliable descending (i.e. braking).

Or are these just an ineffective compromise that are not very excellent in any one respect?

[edit: added Zipp 404s]

and1homer

FWIW, I am looking at these because I'm not a racer, I just ride for my own enjoyment, but would like to enjoy an aero wheel, especially for flat fat Fredly fondos.

I already have great climbing (and descending) wheels - my Shimano RS-80s are light-ish (1516g) carbon-laminate clinchers, shallow (24mm), with alu brake track for reliable braking.

I would love deeper (40mm+) aero wheels, but don't want to change brake pads every time I change wheels. I also like the idea of confidently climbing and descending an occasional steep section on otherwise flat rides.

Aero/alu combos seem like just what I need. The Soul's especially seem too good to be true - light, aero, and reliable braking for less than a grand.

Or should I just suck it up and get full carbon aero? Are they that much better they are worth the effort?

simonaway427

For what its worth, you get marginal weight savings by going with a full carbon clincher. Given that you're in Colorado, you may want the piece of mind of the aluminum braking surface for not only heat issues, but also you won't have to switch brake pads when you go between your aero and climbing wheels (not really a chore, but still something to consider).

Don't forget the Zipp 404 (non-firecrest) that comes with an aluminum track.

rangerdavid

I've had the cosmic carbone's for about a year now. I just love 'em. Mine have taken a beating and still ride like the day I bought 'em.

and1homer

Good to hear about the Mavics - I think my brother has them too, seems very happy.

Forgot about the Zipp 404s too - they look great. Out of my price range, but a worthy inclusion.

I wonder if there is a useful difference between wheels where the spokes connect to a deeper carbon (or bonded) rim (like the Shimanos and the Zipps), and those that connect to a shallow alu rim with a carbon faring over the top (like the Bontragers, Mavics, Souls, HEDs)?

MikeyBoyAz

I have last year's Cosmic Carbone SLR and I am in your fat category at 255lbs. I don't worry about descending ever, weight is no issue for the wheels either.

merlinextraligh

Lots of places are offering very good close out prices on these now.

nhluhr

The Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels you listed are full carbon.

bored117 

Love my RS-80 C24. Ended up getting me RS-80 C50 on side. No need for adjustment, etc I do notice a little easier to maintain my speed once I go above 18-20mph. For my commute with 30-45 miles with 1500ft-2000ft climb, (actually, shorter route has more climb), I am absolutely happy with RS-80 C50. I am keeping my RS-80 C24 more for lots of climb centuries, etc now. (Like those with over 9k ft climb)
Only thing I noticed, the cross wind does make it a little unnerving until I got used to reacting to it especially when I am bombing down at 40mph... Very noticeable vs C24 at that speed.
Comfort wise... I think it soaks up more vibration than C24... Could be my imagination though.

stonecrd

Just a note on the Mavics I vary between 170 - 180 lbs and bought a set of Carbone SLs about three years ago. After about a year I had a cracked rear wheel where the spoke nipple attaches to the rim. I had MP3 and Mavic replaced the wheel. 1.5yr later same problem, this time I was outside the original MP3 so I was out of luck. Mavic said they would give me a credit they would rebuild the wheel for me for $500. At that point I did not want to sink anymore money since I did not trust the rims anymore so I picked a pair of Boyds. Just one datapoint, I do about 5k miles per year.

topflightpro

I have Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLRs - the 2010 version and very similar to the current SR - and Zipp 404 tubulars.

The Mavics are fine. They are heavier than the Zipps but brake much better.

I don't recall where I saw it, but the Mavc's actually have pretty solid aero numbers.

calamarichris

We none of us are racing in the Tour de France.
I'm chubby, I like to go down steep winding roads quickly, and I chuckled at the terrifying sound of carbon brake pads on carbon rims during l'Etape du Cali last month when I was flying past those poor guys.
I have a pair of 7850-C50's and I think they're a great idea.
BUT I also have a pair of 7850-C24's and they're almost a full pound lighter than the C50's. And someone posted an aerodynamic drag comparison between different aero wheels and the difference between the C24's and C50's looked negligible.

Jed19

I too have a pair of the Shimano 7850 C50s. and they are very fun wheels. Yes, they are heavy, but once you get them rolling, it's very easy to keep the momentum. Super dependable and very solid. You can't go wrong with shimano, in my opinion.

And, I am one of those people who think you have to go up to at least 50mm wheels to get any significantly appreciable aero advantage.

and1homer

Oops, so I did. They ones I linked are new Firecrests. Edited the 1st post, thanks.

and1homer

Interesting. CC has them right now for $1600 - still a fair chunk of change in my book, but much better than retail of $2300 for sure. Tempting.