Nothing new for most of you. Deep carbon wheels are fast and the stopping power of SwissStop yellow pads is very impressive.

Finally tried out a new set of 50mm carbon tubular wheels I got over the winter. Very similar to the Bike-Direct group buy wheels, just without the hidden nipples. Once these things get up to 20mph, they are at their best. It isn't really a huge difference in terms of feel but looking at the speedometer, something was different. When I couldn't get them over that speed threshold, really didn't do much. They are much stiffer than my similar weight clinchers (AC 350). I can feel a little "whip" of the rear wheel when climbing standing up with the AC350 but not with the carbon wheels. They are a little rough on bad roads but tires were at 140psi. Will try 120psi next time.

I'd always figured carbon rims will result in bad braking performance. Well, surprise. With the SwissStop yellow pads and Rival brakes, I got that "over-the-bar" feeling at a couple of lights. These things are amazing. Now I understand why I saw them on most bikes sold at a very knowledgeable local bike shop, irrespective of the rim material.