Plosive

I am considering replacing my Mavic Equipe wheels (putting them on a commuter build up) with American Classic 350s. They are low weight for the $...but I am concerned because they are not deep rims.
For example
American Classics 350s at 1330g
https://www.gottaridebikes.com/Mercha...roduct_Count=7
or American Classic 420 deep section wheels at 1521g
https://www.gottaridebikes.com/Mercha...roduct_Count=2

Obviously on a mountain climbing section lighter is better and deep rims suck in a cross wind BUT
What is the current tech data as to which is more benificial in general I.E. FASTER

blandin

Can't provide you with any technial data, but I do own a set of AC420's which on my gram scale without skewers weigh 1467 grams, not the 1521 listed in your post. They are fast and are very nice anywhere above 20 mph. I've had a few rides with cross winds and yes they do suffer in that respect. All in all I've enjoyed them very much.

tvphobic

I am pleased to say "It Depends"

Conditions, conditions, conditions & altitude profile of the stage.

For a pre-made debate check out https://tinyurl.com/jnmyv

Retro Grouch 

I replaced a set of Rolf Vector Compe's with some Ultegra/Open Pros. On the very first ride I noticed how smoother the Open Pros seemed to ride. I still have the Vector Compe's but I've never switched back.

Anybody want to make me an offer on a lightly used set of Vector Compe's?

cydewaze

I prefer light weight, because the deep aero rims always seem like they get bullied around my cross winds. Just my personal experiences on the types of rides I do.

YMMV.

djtrackie

does anyone have any data on the aero difference of between some open pros and some 30mm deep rims?

pedex

below 20-22mph or so the aero advantages of a deep section rim are next to nothing vs a decent lightweight rim with bladed spokes and/or low spoke count.......either way your still talking minor numbers here even with super deep zip's for example.........they shine when the wind resistance becomes a factor, so how fast you gonna be goin is the answer to what you want

55/Rad

I had the 350's and currently have 2 sets of deeper rim wheels - Bonty X-Lite Aeros and Rolf Prima Vigors. The advantage of the aero wheels on the downhills and flats far outweighed the advantage of the 350's on the uphills.

55/Rad

The Octopus 

Probably an unusual case, but if you're doing 24-hour races over mixed terrain with a lot of riding in the mid-20s during the day and then settling down into the high-teens and low-20s at night, what wheels do you grab? I've been riding the Mavic Equipe's myself and have been very happy with them, especially for their durability, but they're neither light nor aero and over 400 miles I imagine that the benefits of either less rotating weight or less drag are considerable. Should I drop the bling for some 404s for this kind of riding? Note that acceleration is pretty much irrelevant for this kind of riding. I'd guess that tips the balance toward the aero end of the spectrum. Thoughts?

Plosive

RAD
The price difference from the 350s to the Rolfs is about $300!!! Kinda comparing apples to oranges?
However in a TT, Tri situation I am sure you are right.
BUT what about the old grizzled cyclist adage about making up seconds on the flats/downhills and making up minutes on the uphills? Besides everyone knows that races are made or lost in the mountains/hills right?
I am NOT saying you are wrong...just trying to get more opinions/discussion
RAD, PS I don’t “like” Treks but OOOOOH SNAP the pics of that 5500 are tight!!!

Brycycle

Get the best of both worlds!

I'm had a set of 30mm's built-up by Mike Garcia (www.oddsandendos.com), Niobium rims (Niobium is a light-weight alloy), DT Swiss rear hub, Speedcific front, 20f, 24r spoke count. From his numbers they should weigh in @ around 1450g (waiting on delivery to confirm). You could lighten them up by going all aluminum nipples except for the drive side rear, this would drop another 8-10g (approx.).

Price? $520 shipped if you are in the US.

I was going to go w/ the AC hubs myself until I talked to Mike and he suggested the DT Swiss/Speedcific combo as tehy are much more durable and better for all around training.

55/Rad

My x-Lite Aeros cost less than the 350's with Sapim spokes. My Vigors were $50 more. But you are right - comparing deep rimmed wheels to conventional rimmed wheels is apples to oranges. I would also argue that the difference between a 34mm rim and 24mm rim isn't so noticeable either. Sure, I feel a cross wind here and there but I can't honestly claim that the 34mm rim cuts through the air significantly better than the 24. Others may be able to but I can't.


Sure, that's true for the racers - but I'm not one. Yet, it is my opinion based on my personal experience. The difference in my climbing ability between the 1276 gram 350's and the 1470 gram Rolf Prima Vigor was negligible, yet the difference in descending was huge because the 350's felt unstable at speed and I had no confidence in them. I sold them because of this - they simply weren't right for me. FWIW - they were the first and only set in a long line of wheels I've ridden to gain this distinction. I certainly didn't have that problem when I test rode the the equally lightweight but more expensive Rolf Prima Elan Aeros for 2 weeks (which I should have bought) nor the 1500 gram Mike Garcia customs I now have. Based on reviews, I knew this was a possibility even before I bought them - but I had to try them anyway.

To each his own - you may find them to be the best wheels you ever rode - you certainly wouldn't be the first.

55/Rad

patentcad

To each his own to be sure - but lighter wheels do make a significant difference climbing. It does depend on how MUCH you climb (I climb quite a bit thanks to the terrain around here) and how HARD you climb (on the competitive group rides I regularly do the hardest part on each are 3/4 mile long power climbs that are real tests of fast climbing mojo). I'm not going to race much going forward either - but those rides are effectively HARDER than most of the USCF races I used to compete in (and I literally raced hundreds of times) - so it's all the same except for the entry fee I suppose. The guys I'm trying to climb with are all Cat 2,3,4/vets racers.

Tough question for sure. It's one that I'm currently researching myself. It may boil down to what you THINK is effective : ).

531Aussie

how big are ya?

If you're a big dude you might prefer the stiffness over weight.

I go for stiffness any day!

Warblade

Honestly you are not going to notice the difference between the 350's or 420's. 34mm is not really that deep enough to make a big difference. I would go with the 350's because the lightweightness is going to be a more noticable difference.

CPcyclist

Just buy both. and you will have a back up set of nice wheels for flats when racing.

Gustav

I'm looking to buy either the Bonty Race X or Race X Aeros for my recreational and group riding (not racing) and for some riding in Colorado mountains this summer. I'm debating the pros and cons of each since the cost is about the same. Bontrager says the aeros are faster & stiffer than the lighter Race X. Of course lighter is good too. Which would be the most durable. Can you add anything to your impressions of the Bontys that would be helpful. I'll have a chance to ride the Race X set next week.

55/Rad

I owned and rode the X-lites 2 years ago and have the X-lite Aeros now. The X-lite is definitely the better of the 2 - mostly due to the lighter weight. They are durable and stiff.

I also have the Race Lites - nice wheels also. About the same weight as the X-lite Aeros but in a traditional rim.

If you are going to spend the money - I'd also look at the Rolf Prima line. And also Mike Garcia's Niobium 30's as previously mentioned.

55/Rad