Bluebatmobile

Searching for a wheelset for my project bike. Right now I'm considering the Rolf Vigor Wheels. Lighgtweight, durable and aero rim. I'm also considering a set of American Classic 350 or 420's. These will be my Daily Rider wheels. Anyone input would be appreciated .

Bat

joejack951

I've seen the AC 350 Sprints praised on this site and actually bought a set for my new bike. I have not ridden them yet so I can't really comment. But, they redefined my perception of a light wheel. I've also seen many recommendation that they are not used by riders over 190-200 lbs. (I've seen both numbers thrown around). I hope they can stand up to the roads around me.

StanSeven

They are light but not very aero. Take a look at the shape. You're better off going for a more aero and heavier rim.

Bluebatmobile

I'd like to stay in the 1500 gram weight.

Bat

55/Rad

For everyday riding, you will be happier with the 420's or the Vigors. For climbing specific, you might want the 350's. I couldn't make up my mind, so I bought both the Vigors and the 350's.

FWIW - the 420's and the Vigor's are very similar in terms of style, overall weight, performance and price. Both are sub 1500 grams and excellent. The 350's with the Sapim option are 1276.

55/Rad

MacMan

I just bought a set of 420s to race and train on. They haven't got here yet but I'm hoping to race them on March 6th. I'll let you know how they go. Sub 1500 grams and very aero wheels.

Lectron

Want sub 1500 wheels, go tubular !!!
Here's what I wrote after my 3. ride with the 420's:

I’m done with wheels making use of micro size sealed bearings
and rims that can hold two litres of water. Problems solved my ašš !!

Defiantly going back to fully serviceable hubs like Shimano and Campa.
A set of WH-7800 is already on its way.

Good bye worlds lightest deep section alurim and microhub.
Balls, cups, cones and standard rims here we come.

And here some stuff from weight weenies:

https://weightweenies.starbike.com/p...p?p=16426#16426
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/p...p?p=18780#18780
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/p...p?p=17461#17461
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/p...p?p=10740#10740
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/p...p?p=10745#10745

timmhaan

i got AM 350's. About 500 miles on them so far and no problems. They feel very light though and i cringe everytime i hit a pot hole. but, they have been flawless so far and remain true. great for climbing. the company itself is awesome- great service, friendly, and very helpful. you'll also get a pair of socks with your new wheelset.

55/Rad

What??? I've been jipped (gyped?) I didn't get no stinkin' socks.

55/Rad

timmhaan

Sorry, man. They're pretty nice socks too.

Actually, i did order my wheels right after all the destruction in Florida last year. Because of that my wheels were delayed a few weeks. Maybe they threw those in there on the really late orders? Not sure.

StanSeven

Bluebatmobile,

I'm bringing this up again just so you look into your potentail choice further. I considred getting these wheels too. The 420 seems attractive until someone I consider an expert on another forum pointed this out to me. Those rims are deep - not aero. The sides of the rim are flat and come to a point. That is not the optimum aero shape. Instead the sides should be more tear-dropped shape that bulge as you more from the tip back towards the contract arae of the tire. The sides of the tire should be just slightly wider than the rim.

This individual posted data that showed these rimes to be just slightly faster thanless depp trims like CXP and Aerohead.

Also there are quite a few studies that show you gain speed with aero shape over weight so if you want to go faster, your concern needs to be with aero shape rather than weight.

I admit AC looks nice but what you end up with is moderately light wheels that look cool but not especially fast.

Bluebatmobile

I heard they were similar. What should I expect to pay for a set of either wheelset? Any places have 'em at a good price?

Bat

roadbuzz

I've got a set of 350s w/Sapim cx-ray spokes, 28f/32r, that I've had for a little less than a year. My take is that they're a great, lightweight wheel for the price, and fairly sturdy... mine haven't needed any trueing. And with the sapims, they're reasonably aero w/out any ill effects in cross-winds. They're also a standard build, which makes repairs easy.

Personally, I don't think they're daily riders. Nothing concrete, it's just a gut feel. I think the Al in the rims is thin and the seals/protection for the bearings in minimal. In my book, that makes them a good value and great for races, hilly centuries and the odd club hammerfest, but not quite suited for the daily "ride hard and put up wet."

pacesetter

I bought a set of AM 350 for there light weight, never touched or seen them first only pics. as soon as i got them out of the box i didnt want them. i sold them a week later. they seem to be made cheap, and the dont accelerate well.

Patriot

I was contemplating the 350's when building my bike, but decided to fork over the extra money and get Rolf Elan Aeros. They are really nice, but in all honesty, I think the 350's are probably just about as good. And for the cheaper price, they are worth it.
For everyday riding, I would say though, that the 420's are probably a little stronger and more aero. If I had to choose, I would probably get the 420's if I wasn't such a weight weenie.

55/Rad

I gotta admit I had the same first impression - these things are so light they seem "cheap". But they aren't and that's the bottom line.

Pacesetter - did you ride them at all or just immediately sell them?

55/Rad

doctore

I've got a set of AC420s. They're light but rugged - they've survived 2 crashes (one racing, one training). However, quality control on my wheels isn't quite what I would expect (seams in the rims) and the freewheel seems to have too much drag (even after servicing). I don't know if I would recommend them.

Patriot

Freewheel drag? hmmm... Yeah, definitely sounds like something rubbing. Could just be the O-ring though. I've heard that happen on ocassion.

Phatman

you know thats a racial slur? I just found out a few weeks ago...haha, awkward moment. I've kinda stopped using that term. personally, I'm not offended...but other people might be...

anyway... back on topic...

has anyone tried rebuilding their am classic wheels with something like white industries, hugi, king or tune hubs? I've heard a lot of bad things about the hubs on the American Classic wheels, I wonder if they've been fixed in the past few years. I was thinking about getting a set for racing, I was thinking about the 420s, since I'm kinda hard on wheels.

55/Rad

I did not know that and a quick search confirms that it is indeed a slur against Gypsies. I apologize for my insensitivity.

55/Rad

Patriot

My grandmother was full Hungarian, so I am 1/4 Hungarian, and I am so horribly offended, I will never post on this site again!!!

Yeah right. Like I would ever care.

Serpico

haha, the Gypsy contingent is totally pissed off at Rad

bac

How much do the weigh?

Patriot

As long as they don't say "FSA" on them, I'll believe the "claimed" weight.

55/Rad

Well, another group I've offended has now been crossed off my list. Who's been eating my crackers?

55/Rad