BayAreaUser

After a very long wait, the new Soul C6s are here. These are the new model, i'm told this pair is the first one out into the market. They got here last week but i was out of town. They will be put to the test during my next triathlon this Saturday!!!

I'm uploading pictures as i post this, so my second post will have pictures and other details =)

petalpower

What are you on dialup? It's been 20 minutes!

BayAreaUser

So here are some stats.
Both Front and Rear Wheel come with velo plug like plugs. I don't know their weight, but I do not expect them to weigh over 10 grams for both wheels.

Front wheel =735 grams
Rear Wheel =895 grams
Total 1630 grams.

Heavy compared to my Soul 2.0s (1315 grams), but only 100 grams heavier than Zipp 404s I had raced with before. However, once mounted with tires and cassette, the difference was under 70 grams. Considering the C6s are deeper(62mm) than the 404s(58mm), it's expected to have them be a little heavier.

Sean's packaging is secure and the wheels seem to be very protected for their overseas voyage.







Trying to capture their shape




Beast ready for this Sunday. I will try the wheels a few times this week and report back. The wheels came with skewers as well as brake pads. I'm not using the skewers, but will report back on the braking qualities of their pads.


As with the 2.0s, mounting Conti 4ks on these rims was biatch. So far, I'm pleased. The carbon finish is very nice. The brake track is smooth, but i can't tell much else without riding them.

Quel

Next step: getting pedals for your bikes.

BayAreaUser

I only have one pair(speedplays) that i have to rotate over 3 bikes. I just came back from Kona, so i had to take my pedals with me for the rental.

korean

Yummy! Congrats

datlas 

Nice. I am surprised at their section, looks more U-shape than V-shape.

Is that a fancy rear rack on your bike?!?

Did you break any tire levers mounting the GP4Ks?? I broke one mounting mine on my Williams 38C's.

simonaway427

absolutely gorgeous....what's the price on these?

Clinchers?

nhluhr

The profile looks remarkably similar to the new Firecrest CC 404 shape.

kabex

Without price these pics are worthless.

BayAreaUser

That is the speed draft box thingy for the Speed Concept bikes. Replaces under saddle bags.
I did not break any tire levers, but my palms, fingers are missing layers of skin.



I agree. I was surprised at how much they resembled the firecrest.

Pictures are never worthless. If you are interested in pricing you can contact Sean directly. Soul wheels have a website and he answers emails promptly.

Grasschopper

I recently got my wife a set of the S3.0 wides and mounted Conti GP 4 seasons on them and MAN was that a PITA. No broken levers but had a hell of a time and though I was going to snap them.

I would guess the price was around $1400? Just going by the C5.0 cost and the C8.5 cost here.

bbattle

Nice looking wheels; I wonder if they'd work for Justin. I hear he's got a triathlon coming up, too.

BayAreaUser

Review...
I took the bike out for my 16 mile regular tt ride. My time is pretty dialed in on this particular course. I have used regular bontrager wheels,zipp 404s, soul 2.0s and now the new C6s. The c6s (without aero helmet) were 36 seconds slower than the 404s with an aero helmet. Sadly, i don't have a 404 w regular helmet time. =( I'm sure a fraction of that could be attributed to the lack of aero helmet, but overall i'm very pleased.

This course can get particularly windy, so i chose a late afternoon session to ensure i get plenty of crosswinds to determine the wheel's handling characteristics in an effort to avoid unwanted surprises during my race this weekend.

The wheels were a handful, but that was expected and today's ride was particularly plagued with crosswinds. On a positive side, they rolled very well and were incredibly smooth.
One of the draw backs of riding carbon is the icy feeling one gets when braking. Although I only had one major opportunity to engage the brakes (descending a hill at 30mphs before fully stopping before turning around.) The braking felt quite solid. It was not as solid as slowing down with aluminum clinchers, but not far behind.
I had read somewhere someone commenting of squeak sounda when using soul carbon rims, but i experienced none. I used the pads provided with the wheels.

So far, i can't complain. They seem solid, roll very well and stop markedly better than other carbon wheels with cork pads.

In any case, i know none of this is very scientific, but i'm very pleased. All my bike needs is a new cockpit and i''ll be set.

justkeepedaling

Not quite sure I understand what's going on with your setup. Looks all fair and aero and you dropped quite a bit of coin, and then I see the basebar you have... What no aero basebar????

Elvo

Your seat is too low

Kind of Blued

Wides? Is he making a wide-rimmed version of the 3.0s that isn't on the website? I'd totally be into some of those.

martialman.45

very nice, I don't see those on the website

BayAreaUser

My whole fitment is less than ideal. I was fitted at my LBS, but they fitted the bike more like a road bike than a tri bike (I'm further back and therefore not engaging the gluteus as much)- it was free so i can't complain. They are awesome guys though. I will get a Slowtwitch approved fit after Sunday. I don't want to change anything too soon before race day.

BayAreaUser

I'm not sure I understand your confusion.
The bike is a speed concept 7.0. It's the cheaper of the 7 series models. I managed to snag this during an end of year sale for way below retail price. I opted for the cheap"er" model because I knew I would upgrade the wheels, so the super heavy and non aero wheels that came with it did not bother me- they will make wonderful training wheels. Additionally, the cheaper apex groupo vs ultegra of the higher end model has done just fine, and though i may upgrade to red components in the very far future, they'll suffice for the next few seasons. I don't foresee me losing much time (if any) due to slower shifts, or heavier components.

The huge bullhorns and aluminum aerobars are less than ideal- i know, but that's what i get for getting the cheaper model. The 7.5 comes with a bontrager aero carbon basebar and extensions, however, it costs an additional $1,000+, so i compromised. I have a barely used zip vuka basebar and extensions, which are far superior than the ones on the 7.5 and most others in the market, sitting in my living room. I bought those used for a fraction of what they go for new. I will install them and get properly fitted after this race. I'm tempted to do it now, but it's just too soon for such radical changes.

After changing the cockpit, i will be done with the bike and it will be far more aero than the 7.5. for a significantly lower price (not counting the rims). I can't stand the white and blue of the current 7.5 anyway. I heard trek is using my frame (black/grey) for their 7.5s for next season.

guadzilla

Do the wheels go "Whoosh whoosh"?

BayAreaUser

Can't tell. I'm too busy breathing hard to really hear much else.

Ramjm_2000

They look great. Congrats!

Grasschopper

Yes. Same price as the SL (I believe), Prodigy hubs, 2.3mm bladed spokes, wide 30mm deep rims. Just over 1500g for the pair. Might just be the new S3.0 as I think he is taking the entire lineup to wide rims.

BayAreaUser

what's the advantage of going with wider rims?