Zonda or Proton?
 

Hey all,

Well, I've read just about every post that I can find in the search area about the Campy Zondas. I've read about the Zondas vs. Elites, Zonda vs. Torelli, Zonda vs. Alta Race, etc. However, every time I read the feedback, I quickly realize that I am reading about how the wheels relate to a person with different criteria than mine (my weight being the most differentiating criteria). In addition, I don't think I've read any comparisons of the Zonda's to the now discontinued Protons (which are still around in a few spots).

So, my question is: With a weight of between 195 and 215 lbs (yes, I can vary that much), I'm looking for a wheel that will be used mostly for training in the hilly Connecticut terrain by me, and do the occasional triathlon. So, with a priority list of durabilty, aero, and then lightness, which wheel should I be going with? Visually, the Protons look beefier (can that G3 spoked Zonda rear support me?), but I read one BF member say that if you're over 180lbs, you should be on the Zondas. Any thoughts?

Oh, and I've also looked into the Ksyrium Elites, and Alta Race's, but these Campy wheels sound like they have great hubs - and look cool too!

Thanks in advance for any help.:beer:

- Brian

i have zondas and am 100% happy with them, but i weigh around 170#. I think they'd handle your poundage fine, but for training wheels why not go with some tried and true open pros laced 3x to some campy hubs? that's probably what i'd do.
that said the zonda hubs are like butter.....

If it were me i'd save a few bucks and get the Sciroccos

I've thought about the Sciroccos too, but was turned off by the extra weight. Then again, who the heck am I to complain about a little extra weight? So, then between the Scirocco's Protons and Zonda's...

The price increase from Scirocco's to Proton's is $50. Then the it's another $90 to the Zonda's - if that should influence my decision...

The Zonda (front and rear) have a slight taller rim than the Scirocco.

By the way, SurferBruce, I've looked into the Open Pro/Dura Ace or Ultegra option (didn't think about the Campy hub option - good suggestion). I passed on the idea originally since I wanted something not only for training, but for the occasional race too - didn't think that the open pro was the most aero rim out there.

...then i'd step up to the zondas. the spokes are stainless and beefy and the wheels feel really stiff. the extra $ is worth it for the better hubs.

Great stuff. Thanks for the input!

One added question, should anyone else want to chime in: With a ti bike should I go with an all silver or all black setup, wheels-wise?

I was originally thinking I would get Protons, but the more I researched the more I started thinking Zonda. Came across a deal for Zondas in the mid $300's and pulled the trigger last fall. ('06 version) I love them. Roll great, smooth hubs, perfectly true after 1200 miles (I'm 235ish). Crosswinds are noticable, but not bad.

Had a racer friend get the new '07 versions ... he had problems with loosening spokes and returned them. I love mine.

Thanks for the warning on the '07s, and nice purchase on your '06s (did they change anything on the '07s?). Where did you find them at that price?

I totally stuffed up here. For some reason I was thinking of Eurus vs Zondas, instead of Zondas vs Sciroccos.

The Zondas are a pretty good price, and, for not much more money, a worthwhile option over the Sciroccos, but the Eurus are a lot more buck for not much bang.

Just to add to your dilemma, I would consider Fulcrums. I have a pair of Racing 1's that are holding up great under my 200# self. They're made by Campy (so the innards are the same) but look much cooler IMHO...

hmmmm. YOUR fulcrums are cooler than the zonda's???? i'll have to check out those fulcrums.

DrPete, thanks for the info!

Hate to disappoint you, but I believe DrPete is married.

Hey Pete and 531...

I hear ya. I've looked at the Fulcrum 3's (I think that the Fulcrum 1's are above and beyond...), and I haven't seen sales prices that are comparable on those to the Zonda's. I'll have to admit, the Fulcrums are a damn nice looking set of wheels, and I like that they are built with Campy hubs (I think I read that before, maybe that was written by you, Pete?). Anyhoo, I'll look into the Fulcrums further.

My Zonda's were 2005 model. They replaced a set of 32 hole Daytona hubs laced 3X to Ambrosia rims. The Zondas are stiff and much lighter than the wheels they replaced. I am only 150 - 155 lbs though. For me Zondas are plenty strong.


Tim