Carbon Road bike wheels

[TLK]

Good day everyone

 

I am looking at upgrading the wheels on my road bike to carbon ones.

I am just not sure where I should start looking.

 

I am not a professional racer, and mostly ride for the enjoyment and fitness.

However I do compete in almost all the usual road races that take place.

 

So having said that which wheels would be good for me?

I like the Mavic Cosmic wheels, but have no clue if they are any good!

 

Thanks in advance

[Furbz]

Things to think about

What do you want to spend?

New or used?

Weight - both yours and the wheels. Most wheels have a weight limit.

Clincher or tubby?

And why carbon? There are plenty great aluminum wheels out there!

[GoLefty!!]

Anything with an ENVE or Reynolds Composites rim is at the top end.

Zipp have some good aerosections but the hubs are a bit lacking (as it is with most aerowheelsets)

 

The Shimano Carbon aero wheelsets are great value and are solidly built

A new brand is about to hit the market, its local and built from top quality materials - Carbon rims made in Taiwan, Spokes by Wheelsmith and Hubs of your choice of Chris King. Got my name on a set already

[Madlight]

Anything with an ENVE or Reynolds Composites rim is at the top end.

Zipp have some good aerosections but the hubs are a bit lacking (as it is with most aerowheelsets)

 

The Shimano Carbon aero wheelsets are great value and are solidly built

A new brand is about to hit the market, its local and built from top quality materials - Carbon rims made in Taiwan, Spokes by Wheelsmith and Hubs of your choice of Chris King. Got my name on a set already

 

Lefty, give us more info on these wheels please!!!

 

Otherwise I would go for the new Mavic C40's (new cosmic carbon clinchers) as, if hype is to be believed, these are tested under extreme braking and associated heat build-up.

[Li Mu Bai]

Try get yourself a set of Clinchers (much easier to deal with punctures considering how much glass litters our roads), with either 50 or 58/60mm rims.

You will notice the difference in accelleration when you use them, even if they are slightly heavier than std alum wheels.

you will also notice a much smoother ride as the carbon absorbs much more of the road surface chatter than alum rims do.

Dura ace, American Classic, Trigon, Reynolds, Mavic, synergy, zipp, Campag, fast forward - long list to choose from depending on your budget.

Definitely worth while, the changes are noticeable and you will enjoy your outings.

[Red Zone]

Anything with an ENVE or Reynolds Composites rim is at the top end.

Zipp have some good aerosections but the hubs are a bit lacking (as it is with most aerowheelsets)

 

The Shimano Carbon aero wheelsets are great value and are solidly built

A new brand is about to hit the market, its local and built from top quality materials - Carbon rims made in Taiwan, Spokes by Wheelsmith and Hubs of your choice of Chris King. Got my name on a set already

He GoLefty, alu or carbon brake track?

[jcza]

Start with how much you want to spend - I would say aero is more important than superlight. 50mm should do the trick.

[carbon29er]

Check out darkhorse wheels, speak to Tony. A set of aero 50mm wheels from him is great value.

[TLK]

Thanks for the replies

 

Just to answer a few questions

 

I am looking to spend around R15000

I would prob look at getting a new set of wheels

I think based on the replies and a bit of research, Clinchers or the way to go

and

My weight is 72kg

 

Where would be the best place to buy the wheels? I am based in JHB

 

Thanks again for the replies

[Race Turtle]

I bought myself a set of Concept clinchers as a Christmas prezzie last year and I'm very happy with my set. There is a lot of good reviews on these wheels on theHub.

 

Check em out

 

http://www.conceptcycles-sa.com/road.php

[jcza]

Thanks for the replies

 

Just to answer a few questions

 

I am looking to spend around R15000

I would prob look at getting a new set of wheels

I think based on the replies and a bit of research, Clinchers or the way to go

and

My weight is 72kg

 

Where would be the best place to buy the wheels? I am based in JHB

 

Thanks again for the replies

 

R15k is plenty enough to get decent wheels. Shop around.

['Dale]

I roll with Mavic wheelsets

 

Very good brand

 

Key questions would be rim depth and tubby / clincher

[GoLefty!!]

Corse Components Carbon Wheels will be availabe in:

 

700C carbon Clincher carbon brake surface, 50mm deep aero section

650B disc

29er Disc

 

Initially the 700C will be available with a Std Hubset with cartridge bearings or a Chris King R45 option. The standard drillings is 20F/24R.

All laced with Wheelsmith spokes.

 

I have held the prototypes and waiting for the set to be available to ride them. But just the parking lot ride between these and the Roval proves the Corse Components to be a much stiffer and stronger wheel. There is no soft carbon fairing on these. The whole rim IS the stress bearing structure.

The Carbon Layup is also superior to many "boutique rims on the market and comparable to ENVE and Reynolds but at a reduced cost.

 

Once they're available I'll tell you how to get hold of them. No sense creating a lot of hype and the resultant negative emotions if the container is delayed for what ever reason. These are wheels Johann Bornman would be proud of; strong rim, excellent hubs and excellent spokes, handbuilt and stress relieved

Edited March 18, 2014 by GoLefty!!

[gummibear]

Corse Components Carbon Wheels will be availabe in:

 

700C carbon Clincher carbon brake surface, 50mm deep aero section

650B disc

29er Disc

 

Initially the 700C will be available with a Std Hubset with cartridge bearings or a Chris King R45 option. The standard drillings is 20F/24R.

All laced with Wheelsmith spokes.

 

I have held the prototypes and waiting for the set to be available to ride them. But just the parking lot ride between these and the Roval proves the Corse Components to be a much stiffer and stronger wheel. There is no soft carbon fairing on these. The whole rim IS the stress bearing structure.

The Carbon Layup is also superior to many "boutique rims on the market and comparable to ENVE and Reynolds but at a reduced cost.

 

Once they're available I'll tell you how to get hold of them. No sense creating a lot of hype and the resultant negative emotions if the container is delayed for what ever reason. These are wheels Johann Bornman would be proud of; strong rim, excellent hubs and excellent spokes, handbuilt and stress relieved

 

Sounds very interesting

[Prince]

Campag. Sorted!

[Spark]

I had Bora's and Lightweights. Currently on Zipp 303 clinchers. Enjoy them much more than the tubbys, because a puncture is not R900 anymore. By the way , the Zipp hubs , is the smoothest you can get. Check out what they say about the bearings they use