Wanted to post some quick first impressions. I was really tossed up on a set of zipp 101s versus a custom set of wheels. I ended up going the custom route. These were built by Phillip from valleycyclist. I originally was going to go with Velocity A23's but did not want to wait for their shipment to come in from Australia . These are Hed C2 wheels with WI H2/H3 hubs. CX-Ray spokes 28 rear 24 front. All allum nips in the frt, the rear I went brass ds and allum nds. There are laced cross2 int he frt and cross3 in the rear. I was hoping they would come in the 1400's but I know the C2 is a little heavier of a rim. They weighed in at 1558. Not a light weight but theyre not bricks either.

In my research I didnt find too many custom builds with the HED rims so i'll update when I can.

Took them out for a quick spin today. They roll nice but i'd be pressed to tell the difference between these 23mm wheels and my other 19mm wheels. I slightly underinflated them for my size 90psi frt and rear. They were very comfy. My main concern was stiffness and the wheels came out to be pretty stiff. The hubs roll really nice. Overall so far i'm happy. I'm doing a local climb tommorrow and am itchy to see how they descend. People say the wider wheels give better cornering feel.

Beautiful wheels! They match your bike well.

Weight?

Cool, I just built some A23s. I've only used them with 28mm training tires but the cornering feel seems good even with those. I did 32h front and rear, DA front hub, Velocity rear, DT comp spokes with aluminum nipples all around (we'll see how they hold up).

I do know I'm sold on wider wheels for cross so if I like them for road riding too it's just a bonus.

The main difference I noted was in technical descents and fast cornering. IMO, the wide rims track very well and instill confidence when leaned way over. I ride 10 psi less than with 19mm rims, which provides a bit cushier ride. According to HED, they roll slightly easier and are more aero since the match the width of the tire more closely. I can't vouch for that.

Sweet wheels and nice lookin' ride! I've been curious about wider rims, too, and I just built up a front wheel with an A23 - so far... it feels like a wheel! Actually, it does feel a little different - I don't know if it's less rotational weight or if it's the wider profile, but it seems... how do I say this? It seems less insistent on staying upright. More willing to bend over in a turn. More flickable. I like it. I'll give it a little more time, but based on what I've experienced so far, I'll probably rebuild the PT rear with an A23, too.

1558 per my post. I know it was winded though so it's cool hahahahahha

Those are great looking wheels. I really like the HED stuff.

I hear it's all going to wide stuff, which is why I'm waiting for the Zipp 303 Carbon Clinchers!

Wide rims are definitely worth considering. I use A23s on my daily rider, and I love them. The HED rims are a little deeper, and they are constructed very well. The rim joint on the HED rims is not visible.

My daily drivers are A23's, race wheels are Ardennes. Definitely different to corner on, and I can get away with some pretty low pressures, which makes the bike handle a bit better and ride smoother.

Nice wheels. I have some handbuilts with the same rim and agree that the bike feels great when really leaned over and countersteering happens a lot more with the wide wheelset (because I like it).

What did they cost?

Not to go OT too much, but any comments/comparisons between the A23s and the C2s?

Good questions i'm also interested. Might go with A23's for my other bike.