AchiLLe..s

So i am in the market for a new set of wheels. I am looking for something that can be used as a daily training wheel in addition to the occasional race/crit. At the moment what is the best all around wheel in terms of lightness, aero, stiff, reliable and affordable? I was thinking the Cosmic Carbone SL with the aluminum brakign surface, but I would like a full carbon surface if possible. The Zipp 303/404 firecrest might be a bit too out of my price range. I would like to keep the price under $2k.

seymour1910

This sounds like it fits the criteria
44mm clincher wheel set - Boyd Cycling

GlennR

I just sold a set of Easton EC90SL 38mm for $800 including a Ultegra 11-28 cassette.

I used them for everyday and the new owner wanted them for training for Tri's.

Don't discount the used market, there's some huge deals available.

bt

boyds

SirHustlerEsq

I bought November Rails because I don't have Enve or Zipp money, wanted an ultimately reliable hub (T-11), wanted a reasonable crash-replacement program, and wanted a vetted rim. I'm happy with my decision, would buy again, Boyd is probably my second choice solely dictated by the T-11 hub reputation and getting stranded three times due to hub problems.

jsk

I've been riding a set of Boyd Altamounts. I think they're great AL wheels, and I'm sold on the benefits of wider rims. When I decided I was ready to buy some deeper carbon wheels, I was a little disappointed to find that Boyd's carbon wheels aren't as wide. Research on the web led me to November's website, and after reading through all of the information in their blog about the development of the Rail wheels, I decided the Rail 52's were what I wanted. Still awaiting arrival, hoping they'll be here in the next week or so.

datlas 

Look at Boyd, November, and/or Williams if you are on a budget.

Hiro11

Build up a set of Farsports rims with good hubs. You can get a nice set of carbon wheels for much less than $1K. I've had a lot of luck with their products: lightweight and strong.

milkbaby

If you're strictly speaking of bang for your buck only, then some cheapo China direct carbon wheels from a good feedback seller on eBay or direct like FarSports would be the best deal per dollar spent. When you crash a $400-600 set of these and break a wheel, you're only out for $200-300 to get a replacement for whichever wheel you asploded. There's a big thread over on another online forum with the name that starts with "roadbikereview"...

You can get some relatively inexpensive Eastons or Reynolds carbon wheels used on eBay or forum classifieds as oldnslow2 mentioned.

The only carbon wheels I have are Easton EC90SL clinchers, and while it's been reported that they have pretty good braking, I think anytime riding in the wet the braking sucks. And I'm relatively lightweight, tho a little fat right now at 140 pounds. But braking only slows you down, right?

giantdefy

Custom built wheels from light-bicycle.com have excellent reviews. I ordered a set from them, so far the quality is outstanding!

donhaller 

I have the same criteria for budget and use. I test rode a couple and decided on a pair of Roval CLX 40s. I found a set at one of the LBS for a great price with light use from a few demo rides. They were last years model.

Bah Humbug

I've got a set of November Rail 52s; they get tons of compliments. They're super reliable, aero, and look great. Way under your price target.

BoSoxYacht

What did you get, and how much use have they seen? What is your weight, and road conditions?

Dunbar

You can get Zipps for (slightly) under $2k if you're patient and wait for a good sale.

Bunyanderman

Chinese rims are the best $/impact, mine are tubulars though. 50mm deep, claimed 1320g actual more like 1420g for the set. Included skewers, brake pads, and extra spokes. Less than $300.

deacon mark

So if I pay $1400 for those Boyd's would I really go any faster than my own built AL wheels with Kinlin rims and Novatec hubs? I paid $269 I believe from Bdop cycling but I had to build them myself. The real question I have is not really a joke I would want to know about any real gains in speed. I guess unless I do a side by side comparison I will never know but I cannot do that so I throw this out for consideration.

Dunbar

Depends on which wheels you get but assuming the 60mm deep wheels they'll save you ~8-10w at 25mph. More at higher speeds, less at lower speeds.The 44mm wheels will save you a bit less. You probably won't feel the difference but that doesn't change the fact that the savings are there. Only you can decide if they're worth the money.

Adrianinkc

Specialized roval CL 40 or 60's off eBay. $1000 or less, wide carbon clinchers with dt350 hubs.

Dregus311

I just got a set of 58 carbon clinchers from Road Bike Wheels, Road Bike Wheelsets - Williams Cycling and took them out for first ride yesterday. They were a wonderful surprise and are considered competitor to the Zipp 404. Keith Williams is the owner and in the process of my research he not only emailed me back immediately with answers to questions, but also called me back with early the following morning after I left a message for him late evening the day before. The customer service has been outstanding. The wheelsets are straight black now to and look awesome. I paid $1199 and they had free shipping over the holidays. I chose the Williams over Boyd, only because of the $300 savings for equivalent wheels, Good luck in your search!

fried bake

have a set arriving shortly. what brake pads would you recommend? 185lbs, moderate degree of climbing. thanks in advance.

giantdefy

U-shaped 35mm rim
Disc Hubs: Black, Novatec front D711-100mm standard QR/ rear D712-135mm standard QR for Shimano 11s. 24f/ 24r disc specific hub
Spokes: Black, Pillar Aero X-TRA 1420 aero
Nipples: Pillar PT 734. black

weekend 30mile rides, 90% mountain rides, lots of climbing and 30-40mph twisty downhills where I've tested squeezing the brakes as hard as possible and felt the fork flex. Lots of stress on frame and wheels, yet still spins true. Roads are mainly smooth. Stiffest wheel laterally in my inventory. 165lb rider. Very impressed so far.

Jiggle

I think you're going to confuse people if you keep calling them 38mm rims when they are the 35mm.

giantdefy

Fixed. thanks.