Merzperson

I'm in the market for a new racing wheelset (clinchers only) in the $850-$1150 range. I weigh 190-200lbs and am a climber. I'm 6'4" so stiffness is important. I've narrowed my options down to two wheelsets:

2011 Reynolds Attack Carbon Clincher ($1179)
Shimano Dura-Ace WH-7900-C24-CL ($1100)

Any input? Are there better options? Thanks in advance!

Elvo

Zipp 101

achoo

For that much money, and at your size, you should probably also look into some good handbuilts.

But between those two, I'd go with the Reynolds - lighter and a higher spoke count on the rear. FWIW, I wouldn't want to ride a 20-spoke rear wheel at your size and weight. I'm 200-210, and I've gone through a few 20-spoke rear wheels rather quickly.

valleycyclist

I agree that you probably want more spokes, and the number will depend partly on the rims and hubs used on the wheels. If you will only use them for racing the long term durability of a lower spoke count may not be as important, but they will definitely not be as stiff as the same wheels with more spokes.

Since you say you are a climber, if you want to get the weight really low you can use Stan's Alpha 340 rims. They weigh 350 grams each, but are fairly stiff for their weight. To get the maximum stiffness out of the wheels you can go with Alchemy hubs, or alternatively use White Industries or Shimano Dura-Ace hubs. Thinner spokes like CX-Ray will also not be as stiff as thicker spokes like DT Competition or Wheelsmith DB-14. A good compromise would be to use CX-Ray spokes (or non-bladed Laser spokes) everywhere and DB-14 spokes on the rear drive side. You probably want 24f/28r spokes with those. Or you can use Kinlin XR-270 rims which will give you a stiffer, more aerodynamic wheelset with a weight penalty. But even that wheelset will not be heavier than the ones you are currently considering.

merlinextraligh

yes. https://www.boydcycling.com/clinchers/c50.html

And a couple of questions 1) why limit yourself to clinchers for a set of racing wheels?

and 2) why does anyone pay $1100 for a 1400 gram wheelset that is as aero as a brick?

Merzperson

Thanks everyone for your help! Here are my observations.

The Dura-Ace is actually significantly lighter than the Reynolds (1395g vs 1498g).

I limit myself to clinchers because I don't want to blow the bank on tires and seem to have terrible luck with blowouts, and also because I frequently get deals on clinchers but not tubulars.

I'd rather not go too deep/aero because it is often very windy where I live and I don't want to suffer more than I already do in crosswinds.

I don't know anything about handbuilt wheels, but I'd be willing to look into that.

Neither the Dura-Ace nor the Reynolds have weight limits. The Zipp 101s sketch me out with the 205lb weight limit. I've heard rumors of Zipp wheels not being particularly durable.

That said, I think I might be able to get a super good deal on a set of the Reynolds, so I might just go that way anyways. Those Boyd wheels look very promising, but again the 205lb limit is a little concerning.

jmX

My 2010 Reynolds attacks ($720 after tax/shipping during the xmas sales) came in around 1450g if I recall. Their quoted weight seemed to include 30-40g worth of rim tape (which came included in the box), and I used 2g worth of veloplugs. 2011's could be similarly high on the 1498 number, so the weight difference might not be as big as you think.

2011 Reynolds are redesigned a bit, 15g heavier, with new decals than previous years....and of course back at full price.

Anyway, as you alluded to, deals can be had on Reynolds stuff since its sold at Performance Bike.

achoo

1430 g (24/28), $885:

https://www.novemberbicycles.com/rfsc-wheelset/

nhluhr

You know, despite appearances, the Shimano wheels are probably more aerodynamic than those particular Reynolds wheels. The Attacks use butted but not aero spokes and that is not a very deep section anyway so you're just not getting much benefit there. Also, the Attacks have 20/24 spokes vs the Shimano's 16/20. FWIW, I am loving my 7850-C24-CL wheels and I'm the same weight as you and also enjoy climbing.

I am personally in the market for something like the Reynolds ThirtyTwo or FortySix.

RMMJ

+1. I have the 1370 gram build.

Merzperson

Oh wow, those November wheels look like they may just take the cake. I notice on the order form there is a collegiate discount... Almost $100! I wonder if this applies to all collegiate racers as I am one. Thanks again for everyone's valuable input.

gus6464

Their Wheelhouse frame also looks pretty nice at under a grand.

Runner 1

You know, I'd never heard of November Bicycles, but I just read through their website and they seem like a pretty interesting business. They've been added to my list of wheel considerations (for the far off future) although those decals need an update ASAP.