pharding

I am now focused on carbon fiber wheels for use as my all-purpose wheel set, primarily for training. I have it narrowed down to the Zipp 404 and the Edge 68. The biggest differences are the aluminum braking surfaces on the Zipp wheels versus the carbon fiber braking surface on the Edge wheels and the weight with the Zipp 404 being the heaviest. Plus the Zipp has better aero technology. Which are the better wheels?
https://www.edgecomposites.com/
https://www.zipp.com/

Blade-Runner

Did you look into Reynolds wheels? I recommend them.

bdcheung

Edge all the way.

From one person on the WeightWeenies forum:
"I have been passing a set of Edge Clinchers around.

let's be frank, these things have been gang-banged by a circus train full of bad roads, and bad ideas. 5000 miles later, I haven't needed to think about truing them. "

cslone

68mm wheels might be a handful to ride every single day based on the depth and depending on your size.

Johnny Rad

Edge, hands down. Lighter and early results indicate no durability trade-offs. Check out https://fairwheelbikes.com and ask for Jason.

https://fairwheelbikes.com/edge-compo...9b92117339c938

Agreed with Blade-Runner on adding Reynolds to your short list, too.

With a 60cm bike, looks like you're a big person. You might need to consider weight limits. I don't know the weight limits with any of these or even if they have weight limits.

Happy shopping!

pharding

I appreciate the input, however it would be helpful to know why one prefers a particular wheel.

The shop that I am going to use dropped Reynolds when they significantly raised their prices on rims. They also believe Edge Wheels to be basically the same at a lower price point.

pharding

Wheels with higher weight limits, i.e. Zipp Clydesdale's are the same as the basic wheel except for a higher spoke count, 32 on the rear wheel. The rear wheel probably should be 32 however I cannot get the wheels in a 32 except by special order. The 28 spoke count on the rear should be fine.

I am extremely impressed with wheelbuilder.com and their sophisticated tools and engineering. They are highly respected at levels far above me. They built wheels for 7 teams in the 2008 Olympics.

SushiJoe

Tangentially related: I read in ProCycling that Reynolds sources their carbon for wheels from Edge Composites. Isn't there a law suit going on right now between the two?

bdcheung

You can download the complaint here: https://bike.pk0r.com/MacleanFogg%20complaint.pdf

Basically Reynolds is claiming Edge has infringed on their patent.

DaveSSS 

I'd like to know why you need high buck carbon wheels for training. You'd benefit a lot more from PowerTap wheels with ordinary Mavic Open Pro or DT Swiss RR1.1 rims. Excel Sports will build up a nice pair for about $1600 (wireless).

If you race, then use carbon tubulars for race days only.

wfrogge

A deep carbon wheel will handle much differently than a box rim so it would be wise to take it out on a few training rides now and then to get used to it.

Jynx

How much are the edge rims? I thought they were $850 each for the 68's and $800 each for the 38's? Thats not cheap at all or a lower price point considering you still need hubs, spokes and a build. Are you finding them for a better price somewhere else?

Reynolds Assaults can be had for less than $1000 brand new and complete so it seems like an obvious choice no?

briscoelab

I agree the PT would be a better "training" wheel. But, of the choices you presented, go with the Edge rims. They are lighter and very durable. Have you though about getting a PT hub laced into an Edge clincher? I know I have

Lithuania

Edge

s4one

I just got my SDV's, they are superior in craftsmanship, yet I have not used them.

Dubbayoo

2009 Zipp Clydes are now 24h front and rear. I like that the Edge rims have spoke holes molded in instead of drilled. Drilling weakens the carbon layup so the wheel will be much stronger. They are significantly more expensive though. I'm 250 and I went with 20f/24r Assaults. I'm pretty easy on wheels as far as big guys go though. Good roads and I don't sprint much.

bigskyTi

I understand that EDGE makes a nice product, but have never ridden their wheels. I've been on Zipp 303 Tubies for two years and have no complaints at 185lbs and 4000miles.
I also have a set of 404's clinchers in the basement that came with my Archon. I only ever rode them twice and decided that I liked the 303 tubie better for my road bike and threw them on my TT/Tri rig. They're for sale if you want them. I've got a set of 909's for the Tri bike on the way and won't use the 404's hardly ever.

Cateye

For every day training and durability I would go with the Zipps.

SushiJoe

For every day training and durability I would go with option (C) Reynolds.

USCswimming

Hello Paul,
I would definitely go with the Edge Composites. They were the other company I mentioned besides Reynolds. I train on a set of 68 clinchers and they are awesome rims. You won't be disappointed.

pharding

Are there any issues with the Edge Composites wheels over heating when braking on downhill hill descents?

PlatyPius

That's been our experience too. The service manager built himself a set of them (tubulars) with DT 240s and has barely had a chance to ride them. He keeps loaning them out to customers who want to try them out. He hasn't had to do anything to them.

patentcad

Edge has one of the most annoying and least informative websites I've ever seen. Well done.

USCswimming

I do agree that the edge composites website isn't the greatest. But I do know they are spending more time refining their current products and working on future products as well. In the end quality products go way beyond the marketing capabilities of a great website.

Lithuania

go to bed old man. its better for the board if you dont learn about edge anyway.