Riddle you this... Do I really need full carbon clinchers?
06-08-17, 01:13 PM
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Riddle you this... Do I really need full carbon clinchers?
So, I do own a set of 38mm full carbon clinchers, and two sets of 50mm carbon clinchers with alloy brake tracks. I have been pondering the idea of getting a set of full carbon 50mm clinchers for the reason to shave some bike weight. But, I can not find the logic in it when most 50mm full carbon wheels are only about 100 grams lighter than what I already have (Zipp 404 at 1560g). I have been looking at Firecrest but don't see the $$ in getting another set just to shave ~100 grams. Even the Enve 4.5 with king hubs don't make me feel warm and fuzzy to buy them. The current 404s are in great shape, look and ride like new. I have thought about the Chinese version, but realllllly don't want to go that route. So why should I, or anyone else for that matter, buy a set of 50mm full carbon wheels when I have a rather nice set of 50mm already? I guess I'm fishing for an excuse one way or the other?
Cheers
Cheers
06-08-17, 01:19 PM
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06-08-17, 01:30 PM
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06-08-17, 01:51 PM
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Do you race? If not, then no. Otherwise, you probably have the wrong forum and need the 33 racing forum. 
06-08-17, 02:10 PM
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Yes, aluminum braking tracks are unsafe garbage. Send your current wheels to me and I will dispose of them with all the latest proper safety precautions for the low, low price of $42. I doubt you'll find anyone local who can beat that - if you can, they're probably skimping on their OSHA/EPA regulatory requirements.
06-08-17, 02:12 PM
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All snarkiness aside, I don't think you "need" new full carbon clinchers, but if you have extra money to spare, it would not be wrong to get a nice set. It's probably more of a financial and philosophical decision. You don't need them, but if you want them and can afford them, you could get a set.
I hear nice things about the new Zipp 454 NSW, btw. I keep wanting to read it as NSFW though.
I hear nice things about the new Zipp 454 NSW, btw. I keep wanting to read it as NSFW though.
06-08-17, 04:12 PM
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Read this thread....
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1098371-true-confession-aero-wheels-meh.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1098371-true-confession-aero-wheels-meh.html
06-08-17, 05:12 PM
#14
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^this.
You can build a set of alloy tubular wheels for half the price and just about same weight as a pair of carbon clinchers. If you're going to spend the money for all the carbon construction, then get the weight (and aero) benefit you're paying for.
J.
You can build a set of alloy tubular wheels for half the price and just about same weight as a pair of carbon clinchers. If you're going to spend the money for all the carbon construction, then get the weight (and aero) benefit you're paying for.
J.
06-08-17, 06:06 PM
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I bought some PowerTap wheels for the kid's team this year.
One kid wanted a carbon clincher upgrade from the alloy rims.
They were heavier. Same profile, same builder/brand.
One kid wanted a carbon clincher upgrade from the alloy rims.
They were heavier. Same profile, same builder/brand.
06-08-17, 07:14 PM
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06-08-17, 07:33 PM
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06-09-17, 06:51 AM
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So why should I, or anyone else for that matter, buy a set of 50mm full carbon wheels when I have a rather nice set of 50mm already?
Just to have another set. Unless there is some appreciable difference, that's the only reason.
Just to have another set. Unless there is some appreciable difference, that's the only reason.
06-09-17, 08:07 AM
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I've been looking at wheels recently. For the way I ride I can't justify the cost of carbon. And, to me sew ups are a hassle so they're out. I've looked around and decided that my Ksyrium Elites are fine for me and if I decide on a second set it would be something like Fulcrum Racing 3. Relatively inexpensive at under $400. and 1550 gr. If you have the money and just want something, buy it. Sometimes you just have to scratch the itch.
06-09-17, 08:16 AM
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Carbon = disc brakes
Alloy = rim brakes
Alloy = rim brakes
06-09-17, 08:16 AM
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I just finished building a set for a customer that came in at 1,376 g with 28mm wide and 45 mm deep lightbicycle.com rims, Carbon-Ti superlight hubs and CX-Ray/CX-Sprint spokes. (I build a few pairs every now and then for folks who have been referred to me.) Those are some really fine wheels for the price. The rims are only $188 each.
Not the big name stuff, but really well made rims.
Not the big name stuff, but really well made rims.
06-10-17, 07:32 AM
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All snarkiness aside, I don't think you "need" new full carbon clinchers, but if you have extra money to spare, it would not be wrong to get a nice set. It's probably more of a financial and philosophical decision. You don't need them, but if you want them and can afford them, you could get a set.
I hear nice things about the new Zipp 454 NSW, btw. I keep wanting to read it as NSFW though.
I hear nice things about the new Zipp 454 NSW, btw. I keep wanting to read it as NSFW though.
