johnybutts

So I'm trying to shore up my gear for the 2013 season. I've got the opportunity to get some 2010 808s clincher aluminum breaking surface for $1000.

Bottom line is that I haven't done the research yet, but the window to get these is small. Would I be OK using these as an all-round race wheel? The other option I have would be to make a trade after I get these 808 front for a 404 front.

Anyone have any opinions on 808s as an all round race wheel?

Racer Ex 

I'd go 404 front and 808 back. I like tubulars but they come with a hassle factor. The aluminum rim Zipps are their most reliable product to date. I'll tell you I couldn't ride an 808 in some of the TX winds on the TT bike; it would be a death wish in a mass start.

404 front can be ridden in 85-90% of the stuff you'll see.

Hida Yanra

+1
I have a front 808, and I'd ride it in the conditions we see here - but not some of the conditions I've seen in NM/KS/FL/etc.
Windy conditions can be messy with the older non-super-wide wheels.
1.Get the 808s, trade for a 303/404 front.
2.Run latex inner-tubes & low rolling resistance tyres (if you are jealous of the tubular crowd).
3.Be happy.

johnybutts

Thanks guys. One last question, in y'alls opinion would it be reasonably easy to make a 404/808 front trade?

rkwaki

Go to slowtwitch and do it. Those fuggers will trade their wives if it will make them look cool.
You should see the deals I've made over there.

rkwaki

Oh and some feedback on the 808s.
I have raced crits on a 808/1080 tubular combo and they are great once they are rolling but they tend to spin up slowly.
I love my 404s and just got a set of Mavic Carbone Ultimates which aren't as deep but very quick.

I have a teammate that races on a 404/808 combo and likes it though finds the 808 a little sluggish until at speed.

If it were me I'd get the 808s, ride them then decide from there.

mattm

Was your 2012 gear holding you back?

johnybutts

Didn't race in 2012.

I had EC90 Aeros but I hated them - the maintenance was ridiculous and I wasnt using them so I sold those. Also my power is a power meter - so I always had to choose wheels or data.

This year I want to move to crank-based (TT and road bikes are both BB30), and get a set of race wheels. Also, cleaning closet, selling CX bike - never use, can sell ptap if i get a quarq, I've got another road bike I can finish up and sell. Buying some MTB race wheels as well, current stock wheels are beat up pretty bad. The net expense for everything will be <$500.

That's my justification/logic.

rkwaki

You're like me, I wheel and deal for everything, trade, beg, borrow, etc. Racing gets too expensive when you are buying everything new/high end.