HED ardennes
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 520
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Bikes: 2013 Specialized Allez, Iro Mark V
HED ardennes
Anyone ridden on the HED ardennes? Any possible way you could get the rear rim by itself to lace to say....antheer hub?
Mostly im intrested in what other peoples experiences have been since im considering getting this wheelset.
Mostly im intrested in what other peoples experiences have been since im considering getting this wheelset.
#2
I like beans
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1
From: Meffa, MA
Bikes: Tarmac Pro, Bianchi Zurigo, Raleigh Gran Sport, Fuji Del Rey, Ironman Centurion
This is the rim:
https://www.wheelbuilder.com/store/he...ncher-rim.html
I have a set of handbuilts with these rims. Nicest riding wheels I've ever owned.
https://www.wheelbuilder.com/store/he...ncher-rim.html
I have a set of handbuilts with these rims. Nicest riding wheels I've ever owned.
#3
One of the best purchases was this wheelset. I was considering the Zipp 101's for the wider profile, but the Ardennes suits me just fine. And it is lighter, too! It corners well and makes bombing down hills seem more confidence inspiring. Call it a placebo effect, but when I know I have steep hills to climb/descend, I'd take my bike with the Ardennes over my other bike with the Reynolds Assaults.
#4
Hanging On

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
Wider rims seem to make for more confident cornering, at least for me. Mine are not Hed, but I think the comment still applies. I would like to get a set of wheels with wider rims for training and the less-expensive Hed wheels seem like the ticket.
#5
I bought a set of Ardennes. After a spoke popped, my LBS discovered that my straight-from-the-factory Ardennes were laced with mismatched spokes. The wheel contained several off-brand "clone" spokes and two spokes were not even bladed spokes. Bad deal. My wheel was delayed coming from HED and, when I cancelled my order, my wheels were suddenly ready. I suspect they were out of the proper spokes and threw it together with whatever they could find, just to get my order out.
That's probably not true of every set of HED wheels, but it soured me on their product.
That's probably not true of every set of HED wheels, but it soured me on their product.
#6
Hanging On

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
I bought a set of Ardennes. After a spoke popped, my LBS discovered that my straight-from-the-factory Ardennes were laced with mismatched spokes. The wheel contained several off-brand "clone" spokes and two spokes were not even bladed spokes. Bad deal. My wheel was delayed coming from HED and, when I cancelled my order, my wheels were suddenly ready. I suspect they were out of the proper spokes and threw it together with whatever they could find, just to get my order out.
That's probably not true of every set of HED wheels, but it soured me on their product.
That's probably not true of every set of HED wheels, but it soured me on their product.
#8
I eat carbide.


Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,678
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From: Elgin, IL
Bikes: Lots. Chapter2, Van Dessel, Giant, Trek, etc Dealers for BMC, Chapter2
Wider rim profiles are gaining in popularity. I sell more and more everyday. I am not a Hed dealer but most shops can get these rims through QBP. I sell Velocity's version - the A23 and it seems to perform well.
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#9
I like beans
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1
From: Meffa, MA
Bikes: Tarmac Pro, Bianchi Zurigo, Raleigh Gran Sport, Fuji Del Rey, Ironman Centurion
I wouldn't say that's over the top at all. Many peeps use Alchemy Orcs, King or DT Swiss 240s hugs for maximum bling. A nice set could be made with Bitex or Formula hubs as well and White Industries has a great hub that is pretty comparable in price point to the Phil Woods. As Psimet says, A23 rims are slightly lighter, cheaper rims from Velocity for another option.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,411
Likes: 13
From: Haunchyville
I have A23/White Industry wheels with 23mm gp4000s on them and couldn't be happier so far (500 miles). I use them for fast group rides and solo training. I've been running them at pressures that I use for 25mm tires on standard width rims and have had no flats while getting a grippy and confortable ride.






