Triguy

All right, so I have been pondering two different ways to build up my Kestrel Evoke frameset. The bike is for good day riding, rest days and group rides. No rain, no commuting, no rough roads, I have an old bike for that. I used to have a set of tubulars wheels that I loved but never trained on them for fear of flatting. Now I'm older, have a few more bucks and Vittoria came out with PitStop.

So my question is, should I go for a real weight weenie build, starting with some American Classic 350s or Handbuilts in the range of 1300 grams. These wheels would cost about $600, I'd ride them with 200 gram tires and latex tubes. I'd save about $150-300 and put that towards a KCNC seatpost and Syntace F99 stem and maybe even some Zero G brakes.

Other option, a new set of Stinger 60s with some Vittoria Evos on them. The money I'm spending on wheels would mean a downgrade to a Oval R700 stem and seatpost. The total additional weight on this setup is about 250 grams.

Pros of going with lightweight aluminum clinchers and nicer components...
1. Ridiculously light bike, probably 14.75 pounds
2. Easy flat changing
3. Not as aero
4. Probably no upgraditis in the future of stem, seatpost or brakes

Cons
1. I race triathlons and although I have Hed 3s, having Stiner 60s would be nice for some races

Pros of going with carbon tubulars
1. Still a fairly light bike 15.25 pounds
2. the "feel" of tubulars
3. Aero wheels should be faster
4. Might regret not just getting the nicer seatpost and stem and then get them and have wasted money on the Oval stuff

Cons
1. Flats


Third option... Hed Jet 50s, best of both worlds but heavier.

What would you do? Remember, I've got a back up road bike. Meaning I'll have back up wheels should I need them.

My favorite option, and this is the most important part as I'm the one riding the bike is the Stinger 60s.

ElJamoquio

Do you ride latex tubes now?

Triguy

yes, I really like them

iab

You probably don't want to hear this but how about another option? Get some handbuilts with an aluminum tubular rim. Same cost (less if you build the wheels yourself) and weight (again, could be less) as the AC 350s and then you can spend the saved money on some silk Dugasts. Just a thought.

Triguy

iab, I had already ruled that option out. Though you may get a kick out of the build list...

Velocity Escape rims (385-390) grams 24 hole front and rear, triplet lacing on the back
Record rear hub 32 hole 225 grams
American Classic micro 58 gram front hub
DT Swiss Revos

It's not lighter than going the way of clinchers. I still have the hassle of tubulars. It's one saving grace? it's probably the cheapest or as cheap as AMC Sprint 350s.

iab

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but let me suggest an alternative build I posted in another thread.

Ambrosio F20 (Al) - 740 grams (for both) $80-$100 on ebay
SpeedCific Serenity front hub - 70 grams $50 https://oddsandendos.safeshopper.com/index.htm?753
SpeedCific Serenity rear hub - 218 grams $120 https://oddsandendos.safeshopper.com/index.htm?753
Sapim spokes (56) - 255 grams $170 (includes nipples)
Nipples (al) - 25 grams

Total - 1308 grams, $420-$440, 158 grams more than Zipp 303s and 58 more than 404s.

As for the hassle of tubulars, personally, I don't find gluing a hassle but I have tried the tape. Honestly, tape makes them easier than clinchers, it's freaky how easy tape is - your put the tape down like a rim strip, mount tubulars, inflate, ride. No hassles looking for pinches between the tube and the clincher.