Road wheel advice (racing set)?

[b-rad]

Hi hubbers,

 

I am currently using a set of Mavic Kysrium Elites (Shimano) on my road bike, but am interested in getting another set of wheels which will be used mainly for races, and have some questions to ask.

• firstly, will it be better to get clinchers or tubbies (have no team car)?
• Are deep section carbon wheels the way to go and what depth gives the best flexibility? (I would also like to get lighter wheels than the Mavics.
• Is it best to go with wheels which have an aluminium braking strip,( as opposed to full carbon) so that brake pads don't need to be changed all the time, and can the brake pads position remain the same for both wheels ie. current Mavic's also?
• 2nd hand or new?
• I am looking to spend a maximum of around R7500, what is available in this price bracket?
• What brands could you recommend, (how do American Classic, Spinnergy and Mavic Cosmics compare to the above questions)

Basically I am looking for lighter, faster wheels, where no adjustments must be made when I change wheel sets. Sorry for all the questions, but your help is appreciated...

Thanks

[bikemonster]

What do you weigh? That might influence your choices.

 

Do you fancy yourself on the steeps or on the flats?

 

If you want lighter, than aero are really out, because light and aero are mutually exclusive unless you want to get very spendy.

 

If you aren't planning on going solo on the flats, then you won't get much benefit from aero. And I speak here as one who has elevated wheelsucking to an art form.

[Cyclewizz]

I think you answered some of your own questions.

 

Full carbon deep sections are out - so that you don't need to change the brake pads.

 

I prefer lighter wheels to help me climb, there are very few flat races.

 

But here's an idea, there are a set of Token deep sections in the for sale section, the guy is asking R4500 then there is another hubber selling a set of Mavic R-Sys which weigh 1390g (or something like that) he's asking for R5300.

 

So you sell your current wheels buy a set of deep sections (these have an aluminium braking surface so there's no need to change brake pads) and buy the R-Sys.

Then you'll have best of both worlds.

That's what I'd do if I was you.

[chris_w_65]

http://www.rolfprima.com/products.php

 

Best looking wheels

[SL7]

Buy the R-Sys you won't be sorry. Leave the carbones, they just look nice on your bike and are hellish with the SE.

[RaymondC]

Take a look at the Dura-ace Carbon clinchers "Alu brake surface" they really stiff and responsive. The r-sys wheels are the most un-aero wheel money

can buy Mr.fakes did you see the 50km/h wind tunnel results? Cheers

 

Heres the wheels and you will have spare cash for tires...

My link

 

Good luck

[SL7]

If you were racing in a wind tunnel, ya don't buy the R-Sys. Trust me I own and ride the R-Sys and Carbone, and my fav wheel is the former.

 

The R-Sys are fantastic for the climbs, very light and there are no aero issues when climbing.

 

On the flats, in races the weight of these wheels and sitting in the bunch (make sure you take a few pulls at the front) makes the ride a breeze compared to the carbones.

 

Don't take my word for it though. See if you can test ride a set and decide for yourself.