User Review: Prime RP-50 Carbon Clincher wheelset

[Alastair_S1D]

So recently I purchased Fuji Transonic frame and built it up to my spec. One of the goals of the Transonic was I wanted to go aero, and Aero means deep wheels. But deep wheels means deep pockets right? Wrong! Part of the spec was a pair of Prime Components RR-50 wheels. But you called this an RP-50 review? Well bare with me a moment.

 

I really had my heart set on this pair of wheels. But unfortunately when I wanted to purchase them. They were out of stock. But much to my delight the RR-50's were on special. Purchased and taxes paid I had these wheels landed in SA for less than 10K. Yummy! So what is the difference between the RP-50 and the RR-50 anyway? The answer is not much. Both use a 50mm deep U shaped T700 rim. So the biggest differences are in the hubs and the spokes and around 2.5K depending on if you get em on special or not. The RR-50 uses DT double butted J bend spokes and DT nipples and re-branded Novatec Ultra light hubs and comes in at 1530g advertised. (I got 1580g on my hanging scale no skewers) The RP-50 uses Sapim CX-Ray straight pull spokes with Sapim nipples and rebranded Novatec hubs as well and weighs in at 1490g advertised. So with that out of the way lets got moving along.

 

 

I sat down and with a bit of math and I worked out that I could grab some Sapim CX-Ray spokes and nipples and have them rebuilt and the finished product would still be cheaper than the RP's anyway. So guess what I did? So now I am basically riding RP-50's with J-bend CX-Rays instead of straight pull.

 

So packaging was pretty basic to say the least. Just a big cardboard box with the wheels inside. And cardboard partitions and a bit of bubble wrap. I was worried they might of been abused by baggage handlers. But to my delight they were in perfect condition! I only got a pic of the box sorry guys.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20170908_152844_zpsj9gpgtre.jpg

Whats in the box? I really liked this! It made my life super easy when I decided to re-spoke the wheels. I got 4 spare spokes in the box. 2 front and a rear drive and rear non-drive side. So it made getting the right spoke lengths super easy. And means if you snap a spoke. You have one on hand! I also got two pairs of Prime Carbon Pro brake pads, skewers, a 10 speed adapter ring, a return form and a manual. The manual states that the warranty is valid for two years from date of purchase. Prime also has a crash replacement program. But I have yet to investigate how or if that applies to international buyers. I did not take pics of the inside and contents. Sorry about that.

 

Now onto the wheels. They have a 50mm deep U-section rim made from Toray T-700 UD carbon. It has a High TG resin 3K brake track. Whatever that means. What I can tell you is the braking surface is lightly textured. Not anywhere near the extent of Showstopper or Exalith but I think it will be enough to keep you confident in the wet regardless. The Prime R020hubs are re-branded Novatec hubs. The rear weighs in at a claimed 228g while the front comes in at a claimed 60g. The wheels in RR-50 form with DT spokes weighed 1580g without skewers according to my hanging scale. In modified RP-50 form they weigh in at 1556g on the mark. Skewers weigh 70g for the pair. So all in all pretty darn light. Defs not the lightest. But for the money I am not complaining.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20171011_184744_zpsnni7j6jm.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20171011_184817_zpslqkrh9my.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20171011_184833_zps944xpmhj.jpg

I know these are tubeless ready rims. But I don't use them tubeless. Instead I mated these up to my GP4000S II's with Conti Race Light tubes. My 25C tires stretch out to 27C on these rims. So I will move down to 23C's when these tires are done. Note that some tires might be a bit tight to get on. I really wrestled with my Conti's and wrecked a tube and a tyre lever in the process. So just take some extra care when mounting tires.

 

I have done two races on these wheels now. Carnival City Macsteel 104km and Tshwane Classic and have a few training rides on them too. So I have gotten a fair impression for how they ride. And I reckon that these wheels are awesome I really do. As a first time deep carbon user I really am impressed by these wheels. I have heard stories of carbon rims not slowing down nicely and in cases of 40mm and deeper sometimes a bit scary to ride in windy conditions. I am pleased to say for the most part these wheels have proved that wrong for me.

 

These wheels are stiff and responsive. And they seem to accelerate really quickly too. At least they do not seem any slower than the 2010 Ksyrium Elite wheels that I now use for training. They are much stiffer than the old Ksyriums they are replacing. They are stiff enough that when out of the saddle I dont sense any perceivable flex from the wheels.

 

In the crosswinds they seem more than manageable for my first foray into a deep wheelset. But when the wind gets gusting to 25kph or more from the side you need to take some extra care to keep the bike straight. But I think that is more on the extreme side of things. These wheels feel really fast. I am not sure how much faster. As an every day user its really hard to have any scientific or really quantifiable results. But I would say over my usual 61km training ride they are probably on average around 1KPH average faster for what seems to be a similar level of perceived effort. I don't know whether the idea of being more aero has made me braver or faster or whatever but when it comes to the big races I seem to hang off the front of the bunch pushing it harder and faster for longer compared to sitting down and taking shelter in the bunch.

 

Braking on these wheels is really good to me. Remember this is my first foray into a deep carbon clincher so I don't have much to compare to. But in dry conditions when paired with the supplied pads they seem to brake at least just as good as the Ksyriums. I have not ridden them in the wet.

 

Durability. They are only 300km old now. And I've had to have them trued once. But this would not be the first new wheel set I have had to have trued while the spokes and nipples bed in. I'll get back to you on durability. But there is at least one other online reviewer who used these at the Junior Paris Roubaix and they made it through ok. So based on that I think that they should be strong enough for SA roads.

 

So all in all. I am in around 10.5-11K for a deep carbon wheel. If you are happy to get the RR-50 with standard spokes you can snatch it up for 8K if you are lucky to grab it on a special at Chain Reaction Cycles (The Tubular RR-50 is around 8K right now!) If you want the premium RP-50 it can be had for 12.5 to 15K. But for what I spent I think these wheels are a treat. They do not cost as much as some of the big brands out there, but they have a real quality feel to them. They go fast. They look a treat. I dont know what else you could ask for in a wheelset?

 

I would certainly score the RR-50's a 10/10 for value. My modded RR's definitely a 10/10 the more expensive RP-50's maybe an 8.5/10 if a few extra grams and aero spokes are worth it to you. (They were to me) There are also various different options as well out there to suit pretty much any riding style as well. Tubular Clincher and disk versions of the tubular and clinchers as well. So these wheels really have their bases covered.

 

So I reckon a really good wheel upgrade for someone who wants to go deep good quality carbon without spending a wad of cash look no further. (No weird carbon fairings to be seen here )

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/DSC_4197_zpskrozadx4.jpg

[Alastair_S1D]

Sorry that the post had posted before it was done. I pressed the wrong button. It is fixed now. 

[Mopkop]

So recently I purchased Fuji Transonic frame and built it up to my spec. One of the goals of the Transonic was I wanted to go aero, and Aero means deep wheels. But deep wheels means deep pockets right? Wrong! Part of the spec was a pair of Prime Components RR-50 wheels. But you called this an RP-50 review? Well bare with me a moment. 

 

I really had my heart set on this pair of wheels. But unfortunately when I wanted to purchase them. They were out of stock. But much to my delight the RR-50's were on special. Purchased and taxes paid I had these wheels landed in SA for less than 10K. Yummy! So what is the difference between the RP-50 and the RR-50 anyway? The answer is not much. Both use a 50mm deep U shaped T700 rim. So the biggest differences are in the hubs and the spokes and around 2.5K depending on if you get em on special or not. The RR-50 uses DT double butted J bend spokes and DT nipples and re-branded Novatec Ultra light hubs and comes in at 1530g advertised. (I got 1580g on my hanging scale no skewers) The RP-50 uses Sapim CX-Ray straight pull spokes with Sapim nipples and rebranded Novatec hubs as well and weighs in at 1490g advertised. So with that out of the way lets got moving along. 

 

 

I sat down and with a bit of math and I worked out that I could grab some Sapim CX-Ray spokes and nipples and have them rebuilt and the finished product would still be cheaper than the RP's anyway. So guess what I did? So now I am basically riding RP-50's with J-bend CX-Rays instead of straight pull. 

 

So packaging was pretty basic to say the least. Just a big cardboard box with the wheels inside. And cardboard partitions and a bit of bubble wrap. I was worried they might of been abused by baggage handlers. But to my delight they were in perfect condition! I only got a pic of the box sorry guys.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20170908_152844_zpsj9gpgtre.jpg

Whats in the box? I really liked this! It made my life super easy when I decided to re-spoke the wheels. I got 4 spare spokes in the box. 2 front and a rear drive and rear non-drive side. So it made getting the right spoke lengths super easy. And means if you snap a spoke. You have one on hand! I also got two pairs of Prime Carbon Pro brake pads, skewers, a 10 speed adapter ring, a return form and a manual. The manual states that the warranty is valid for two years from date of purchase. Prime also has a crash replacement program. But I have yet to investigate how or if that applies to international buyers. I did not take pics of the inside and contents.    Sorry about that. 

 

Now onto the wheels. They have a 50mm deep U-section rim made from Toray T-700 UD carbon. It has a High TG resin 3K brake track. Whatever that means. What I can tell you is the braking surface is lightly textured. Not anywhere near the extent of Showstopper or Exalith but I think it will be enough to keep you confident in the wet regardless. The Prime R020hubs are re-branded Novatec hubs. The rear weighs in at a claimed 228g while the front comes in at a claimed 60g. The wheels in RR-50 form with DT spokes weighed 1580g without skewers according to my hanging scale. In modified RP-50 form they weigh in at 1500g on the mark. Skewers weigh 75g for the pair. So all in all pretty darn light. Defs not the lightest. But for the money I am not complaining. 

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20171011_184744_zpsnni7j6jm.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20171011_184817_zpslqkrh9my.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20171011_184833_zps944xpmhj.jpg

I know these are tubeless ready rims. But I don't use them tubeless. Instead I mated these up to my GP4000S II's with Conti Race Light tubes. My 25C tires stretch out to 27C on these rims. So I will move down to 23C's when these tires are done. Note that some tires might be a bit tight to get on. I really wrestled with my Conti's and wrecked a tube and a tyre lever in the process. So just take some extra care when mounting tires. 

 

I have done two races on these wheels now. Carnival City Macsteel 104km and Tshwane Classic and have a few training rides on them too. So I have gotten a fair impression for how they ride. And I reckon that these wheels are awesome I really do. As a first time deep carbon user I really am impressed by these wheels. I have heard stories of carbon rims not slowing down nicely and in cases of 40mm and deeper sometimes a bit scary to ride in windy conditions. I am pleased to say for the most part these wheels have proved that wrong for me. 

 

These wheels are stiff and responsive. And they seem to accelerate really quickly too. At least they do not seem any slower than the 2010 Ksyrium Elite wheels that I now use for training. They are much stiffer than the old Ksyriums they are replacing. They are stiff enough that when out of the saddle I dont sense any perceivable flex from the wheels. 

 

In the crosswinds they seem more than manageable for my first foray into a deep wheelset. But when the wind gets gusting to 25kph or more from the side you need to take some extra care to keep the bike straight. But I think that is more on the extreme side of things. These wheels feel really fast. I am not sure how much faster. As an every day user its really hard to have any scientific or really quantifiable results. But I would say over my usual 61km training ride they are probably on average around 1KPH average faster for what seems to be a similar level of perceived effort. I don't know whether the idea of being more aero has made me braver or faster or whatever but when it comes to the big races I seem to hang off the front of the bunch pushing it harder and faster for longer compared to sitting down and taking shelter in the bunch. 

 

Braking on these wheels is really good to me. Remember this is my first foray into a deep carbon clincher so I don't have much to compare to. But in dry conditions when paired with the supplied pads they seem to brake at least just as good as the Ksyriums. I have not ridden them in the wet. 

 

Durability. They are only 300km old now. And I've had to have them trued once. But this would not be the first new wheel set I have had to have trued while the spokes and nipples bed in. I'll get back to you on durability. But there is at least one other online reviewer who used these at the Junior Paris Roubaix and they made it through ok. So based on that I think that they should be strong enough for SA roads. 

 

So all in all. I am in around 10.5-11K for a deep carbon wheel. If you are happy to get the RR-50 with standard spokes you can snatch it up for 8K if you are lucky to grab it on a special at Chain Reaction Cycles (The Tubular RR-50 is around 8K right now!) If you want the premium RP-50 it can be had for 12.5 to 15K. But for what I spent I think these wheels are a treat. They do not cost as much as some of the big brands out there, but they have a real quality feel to them. They go fast. They look a treat. I dont know what else you could ask for in a wheelset?

 

I would certainly score the RR-50's a 10/10 for value. My modded RR's definitely a 10/10 the more expensive RP-50's maybe an 8.5/10 if a few extra grams and aero spokes are worth it to you. (They were to me) There are also various different options as well out there to suit pretty much any riding style as well. Tubular Clincher and disk versions of the tubular and clinchers as well. So these wheels really have their bases covered. 

 

So I reckon a really good wheel upgrade for someone who wants to go deep good quality carbon without spending a wad of cash look no further. (No weird carbon fairings to be seen here  )

 

Kudos!!!!

 

She looks like a beast!

[Alastair_S1D]

Thanks man.????

[Alastair_S1D]

Here is a close up of the brake track for anyone interested. I figured I should post a pic since it is quite an important part of peoples purchasing decision with wheels.

 

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/DSC_4215_zpskit7iyid.jpg

[Alastair_S1D]

So just a quick durability update. 700km on the wheels. And after the first truing that was done after the wheels initial rides, they have since remained true as a whistle.

[verandapanda]

Great post Alastair, I too have been considering Prime! 

Quick question regarding the shipping and taxes. Time? Cost? Hassle? New to this and wonder how much admin it is. 

 

Regards

[Popit]

Nice post Alistair ,

I bought a set of the RP28's last week .

I love them .

I paid R8100 for the wheels , 770 for an 11 speed Ultegra cassette and R1300 for DHL Express .

A further R1500 tax/clearing charge and I had my wheels 4 days after ordering .

Have done 3 rides on them and am suitably impressed .

For the price , they are awesome .

[Popit]

Great post Alastair, I too have been considering Prime! 

 

Quick question regarding the shipping and taxes. Time? Cost? Hassle? New to this and wonder how much admin it is. 

 

Regards

 

VP the most admin you gonna do is filling out your delivery address and credit card details .

[pista]

Nice post and nice bike.

[Thomo]

Any updates on the Prime wheels.?

Performance, durability etc.?

[Coolspin]

Cool review.

Bike looks awesome.

[Alastair_S1D]

Any updates on the Prime wheels.?

Performance, durability etc.?

Yeah man! The Prime's have been great! I am loving them!

 

I have had them trued twice. Once after I built them up with the CX-Ray's originally, spokes bedding in, and now recently the front went slightly out after a big hit on a pothole at the Lowveld Tour. Otherwise these have been very durable. Bearings are good. They spin very well. They have about 2500 maybe 3000km on them now. The bike has over 6500km now. I take them off when I am not racing.

 

The brake track appears to be holding up well. But I am not a heavy rider and I like to think of myself as having good bike handling skills and good descending skills, so I do not brake very hard or hold the brakes down the hills.

 

The wheels are definitely fast! On my usual routes my average speed generally goes up by around 2kph or more for similar heart rates. I don't have a power meter so its the only way I have of perceiving my efforts to be similar. I am also always looking forward to when I put them on the bike for races! Or sometimes I just decide to break them out for a big Sunday ride because I feel like it. And I dread having to take them off again. So I really do enjoy riding on these wheels and I guess enjoyment is one of the best "measurements" of performance in a sense I guess.

 

During the Lowveld tour, I did get exposed to some pretty gusty winds on day 2. I definitely felt a bit of a tug on the bars. But I think I have a way of improving on the crosswind performance. One thing I noticed is that on these rims my 25c GP4000II's stretch to over 27mm, which isn't ideal since the width of these is 25mm. The one thing I have learnt since building the Transonic, is that for the best aerodynamics, you want the tire/rim interface to be as smooth as possible. So I think that because the 25's are stretching out  and making a less ideal transition, the wheel stalls a bit in more extreme crosswinds. I have now fitted 23C GP4000's which are now almost exactly 25mm. So I think the crosswind performance will now be better since tire and rim widths now match. I have not yet had a chance to ride them yet in this configuration.

 

The freehub has a steel anti-bite guard. A steel insert to protect the aluminum freehub body. But the cassette has still managed to to wear a few nicks into some of the softer aluminium splines. But it has not affected the performance of the wheels. I love not pedaling with these wheels. If buzzy freehubs are your thing these won't disappoint!

 

As for the finish of the wheels. They have held up well. They looked really good until very recently when the sweeper truck at the Trapnet did not pack the bikes in nicely. They had placed someone's bike on mine and the pedal chipped the rim. I proceeded to fill the area with nail-polish and then took 1500 grit car polish and polished the wheels.They are now glossy. They were matte. But I think the new glossy finish looks BEAUTIFUL and the damaged area is filled in perfectly smooth, you wouldn't think anything had ever happened.

 

So overall so far I would rate these wheels highly. I would definitely give them a 9/10. Only marking them down for the very occasional true'ing that has been needed. Value, performance and durability have all been impressive. This is my first pair of deepish aero wheels. The only point of reference I have are my now very old Ksyrium Elites I use for training. So I don't know how fast they are compared to the competition but they certainly

"feel" much faster to me and I love riding them. Maybe more expensive wheels like Zipp's and Enve's are faster I don't know. But if I got 90% of the performance at 1/3 of the price I think that's a steal!  I would call that a bargain!

 

Some eye candy for your eye holes!

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20180808_114010_zps78evffke.jpghttp://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG_20180808_114221_zps2texa4g7.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG-20180813-WA0036_zpsmytlgbra.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/Alastair2308/IMG-20180813-WA0009_zps0exgzrc8.jpg

[Thomo]

Thx for the feedback.

And apologies for the various threads ... figured you must see one eventually.

[Alastair_S1D]

Thx for the feedback.

And apologies for the various threads ... figured you must see one eventually.

Yeah sorry it took me a while to reply. I'm not super busy on the Hub.

[Alastair_S1D]

I think I should also add for the record that Prime Components have sponsored a team, Vitus Pro Cycling, who seem to be using the RP50's quite extensively. So I think these wheels are doing well out there. I think we can expect big things from Prime in the future. They have recently updated the RP and RR 50's to v2 status. So now there is just the RR50v2 wheels. They changed the spokes again. However they now have a new black edition version of their wheels. You can find them on Chain Reaction Cycles but not on their website for some odd reason.