I believe the perception with carbon wheels is that they are more fragile than the aluminum one. In some cases this is true and im some cases this is false. I only ride Reynolds carbon as my full time wheel but I have the benefit of getting them replace / Fix at little cost, while most people will have to pay a premium unless they have the protection policy. That being said we sell alot of these wheels and have yet to have 1 single problem. Actually wait we had one set with some play in the rear hub but that was fixed fairly easily. regardless if you want them and can afford them buy them. great wheels and great generic hub for the $$$