Jiminni

So I'm running the DA C24's now, great wheel set. Would like to find more speed on flats, not my greatest thing, I would consider myself to be a climber. That said, after finding out that the Rovals are actually lighter than the C24's, would it be correct to assume that they would be even better climbing wheels? I am actually demoing a set of Rovals right now, I feel they are a stiffer wheel than the C24's, with the ceramic bearings they should roll better?, even though I think the C24's roll really well with the cone bearing. And with the obvious aero advantage, they, the Rovals have to be better straight line? Add in the good looks, I have a flat black Trek, show me how the C24's are better for me. Two cons I have come across, 1: they are harder to brake, I have to adjust my braking point, that's doable 2: they are noisier when braking, people know when you are on the brakes. Any thoughts? Thanks!

K.Katso

They are only 20g lighter if the manufacturers' posted weights are accurate (which most of the time they aren't), so you probably won't notice any difference when climbing. It might actually be negatively affected due to deflection, which is quite common in lightweight high-profile carbon rims, in other words - brake rub when you stand out of the saddle climbing. You might have to get used to riding with the rear brake open on climbs.

The other thing is, aero wheels won't really make you faster on the flats. They will make it easier for you to maintain speed once you get there, but you're not going to see a huge boost in top speed, if any. Keep the wind in mind as well, as you will be more affected by crosswinds with a 40mm rim than a 24mm.

The braking is something you can deal with. Buy good quality carbon-specific pads, and practice with them. Ride in the rain a few times so you can get used to how they work in the wet. The SwissStop Black Prince pads work pretty well in both conditions. One thing to keep in mind here with regard to the braking distance is if you are the only one in a group riding full carbon rims you might have a slightly longer stopping distance than the others.

For looks, they can't be beat. They look nice, and if you already have a black bike they will fit quite well.

lennyparis

I have these wheels and they are great. Very fast and light. Do get some deflection though

Jiminni

I'll have to see if I can get them to "deflect". I weigh 170 lbs.

Jiggle

C24s are already aero.

Do some intervals and increase your power outputs.

K.Katso

I only weigh 140, and most of my carbon wheels do it to one degree or another. You don't have to be a big guy to make it happen.

lennyparis

I am only a bit over 130lbs and these mostly hold their line well. But just be careful for an unforeseen gust of wind which can take you a little off course. These wheels roll very well. I have had many racers I ride with say they like these wheels better than their Zipps

Jiminni

Have rode three days in a row with them now.....they seem to ride very hard.....feel all the bumps. About 3 months ago I changed over to 25mm tires, got rid of a lot of that, now with the Rovals, seem to be back where I started? Couldn't imagine what they would feel like with 23's! My bike is fairly stiff riding, a 2012 Trek Madone 5.2.

caloso

Many times the apparent deflection in carbon wheels is caused by cheap, external cam skewers. Try switching them out for a decent internal cam type like these, and see if the brake rub goes away.

Jiminni

Im actually using my Dura Ace skewers. I don't seem to have much of a defection issue, but am having very rough riding issues with the Rovals. I'll know more next week after I put my DA C24's back on.