This.

NEED OPINIONS:

I created a thread "Choose my wheels" - but things got heated in there. I have a 2012 CAAD10 105.

I am shopping for wheels.

I narrowed it down to Shimano RS80 C24 or Boyd Vitesse. I can get the Shimano for around $500.00 and the Vitesse $650.

Which one would you choose? I do all sorts of riding, am 170lbs, just want something lighter and that performs better.

:(...makes me sad. On the school note, the CAADs are super popular on our team--off the top of my head 6 of our ~25 regular racers ride or until recently rode CAAD9s or CAAD10s.

Haven't ridden either pair, but from a repairability standpoint I'd go with the Boyds, since they're using CX Ray spokes instead of Shimano's custom ones. I blew a spoke off my RS20 and it took trips to 3 shops before I found someone who had the right replacement spokes. Of course, YMMV if you've got a shop that carries a lot of Shimano-wheeled bikes.

Good deal. I've only heard good things about the A23s. I was asking though because I am trying to estimate what the weight of my CAAD10 is, since I don't have a legit scale. My wheels are a tiny bit lighter [Fulcrum Racing Zero], with Red group, but with heavier seatpost [3T Dorico Team] , probably lighter saddle [SLR kit carbonio], roughly equivalent bar/stem [3T Pro], and slightly lighter frame [54cm black anodized 2011 CAAD10-1]. I was guessing it was closer to 15.75-16lbs, but it looks like I might be right around 15 based on your build. I am going to have to get a digital scale now...

I m waiting for this post too :-)
"I just got the 10, and Minneapolis' weather has been less than bike friendly :notamused:, so honestly I have no idea as of yet. Will try to post something when I've gotten out and about on it for a bit, "

It did get fussy in there....but I posted in that thread and I think I was the first to point out the Boyds to you. At less than 1500g and a very nice looking set you can't go wrong. Now, that's not to say the Shimano wheels won't ge the job done.

Count me in too.

The Boyd wheels must have gone up in price. I thought they were around a $100 less just a few months ago.

he named them the "2013 version" and shot the price op $100
he did a closeout sale on 2012 carbon wheels no such sale on 2012 Vitesse.

The Boyd wheels went up in price. Better hubs and great quality. BUT people were. Attracted to Boyd's because they looked great, performed well and were a great price. Not that $650 is wicked expensive but it is a significant bump in price that outs it in a category of other options. I have the original Boyd vitesse wheels and love them, but I got them for $500. I still stand behind boyd and his products but if finances put you in a spot that you want to look for other options I would look at psimet and soul wheels. Rob/psimet does great work and makes custom wheels according to what you want. You tell him your weight and price range and he will come up with one or a couple options to accommodate your needs. Soul/Sean is also great at building wheels, only thing to consider with Sean is that they are across seas so if any warranty issues came up, you would have a longer wait. Regardless, all 3 builders are good and have a great reputation around here. Personally I would choose any of these 3 over the shimano wheels you mentioned.

Thanks - looking forward to your report...

I'm in almost exactly the same position as you, so I'll watch replies closely.

What were the weights of the Boyds (1,500g?), and the RS-80s?

I discussed Boyd, Williams, Soul and psimet with my LBS. Obviously, they were not positive - because they'd rather build me a custom pair. They claim they can build me a set for around $700 at around $1,400g, with easily replacable spokes, which will be almost as bulletproof as my RS-20s. They also warn that the Soul (at 1,300g or so) will probably go out of true and need a lot of maintenance. I really enjoy the fact that my RS-20s have been almost maintenance free and they look good - but they weigh 1,830g.

So my question: How "bulletproof" are boyd, Williams, psimet, and (particularly) Soul?

I have had my vitesse wheels for 2 years. I was getting my planet x brakes installed and she was like...hmmm this one spoke looks a little off....wrench this....that...done in 1 minute and was perfect true again. That is the only thing I have had done to the wheels since I have owned them. I would put my wheels in the same "bomb proof" category as yours.

For what its worth psimet just quoted me $440 for 1220g wheels which included stans rims, double butted sapin spokes. I don't recall the hubs he would have used.

I'm good friends with nearly all the people at my LBS and they all lift their nose at my Boyds because none of them had heard of them. I let 2 of them ride my wheels and they came back impressed.

I can only speak to Psimet but mine have been very bulletproof. I'm 200lbs and he built them with that in mind. I think Boyd offers two choices with one being more spokes for heavier riders. Others probably do too. The benefit of custom is they will build to your needs. Your LBS can probably do a nice set as well. Local has it's advantages. I have a shop here that actually builds tons of wheels and I think they could do a very nice job and to my specs. However, they were more expensive than Psimet even with shipping. I think your average LBS probably doesn't do a lot of custom wheels and while they can (many people can) they may not be as well done or maybe more expensive than some of the dedicated builders.

Thanks for the feedback!

Price wise you got a fair deal. For the answer to if you got a good deal, once you get the bike and ride it, if you love it you got a good deal, if you don't then......

Full 2013 Force?

You're gonna love it. You got a good deal. I just built mine up for just over 2.5k.

Force is on the CAAD10 2.

This frame with Force comps=nice ride
http://www.cannondale.com/2012-caad10-4-rival-20059

2013 Force is amazing.

Congrats! Don't forget to post some pics when you get it!

:thumb:

Essentially 2011 Red right?