wheel upgrade advice

[Dombo]

Anyone had experience of GB's handbuilt wheels as a lightweight upgrade? Currently have Bontrager Race wheels and looking to add an upgrade to my Santa list.

Handbuilts seem a lot cheaper (even top end Mavic rims laced to Shimano DA) than eg Easton Ascents, Bonty X Lites etc - wonderd how they compared quality/weightwise? Intended use is CRs and sportives eg etape, Dragon. No touring and I'm a lightweight, around 145-150lbs.

Thanks for advice and merry Christmas wunnernawl

[Santa Claus]

If you've been a good boy I might have something for you.

Ho Ho Ho!
Santa.

[Dombo]

Golly! Cheers Santa!

Is that a carbon seat post in your pocket or have you heard this one before?

[Andrew G]

I've got some handbuilts from there but they aren't a lightweight option, still not heavy though.

Worth bearing in mind that you couls get a big saving in the sale on factory wheels, but not handbuilts. You would on the bits, but not the labour.

Campag Zondas are strong, very good VFM, and I think pretty light too.

[Colin Steadman]

1600g for the Zondas....pretty good, as Larry David would say.

[Elliot M]

remember that spokes are quite heavy, and system wheels tend to have 20-24 spokes; handbuilts 28-32

you need to factor in cost of higher end (double butted) spokes into the handbuilts if you want them to be lighter.

me, i have 1550g handbuilts. 28/32 DT Swiss rims, hubs and spokes. same weight as Fulcrum 1, Ksyrium ES while costing less than either; not as cheap as Zondas though. the hubs are very light. Weren't built by GBs though.

[Grahame]

[url=http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html#spokes]Sheldon Brown on the great "reduced spoke count upgrade scam"[/url]

[Elliot M]

surprised he hasn't yet added the "Zircal (=aluminium) 'aero' spoke scam"

[Andrew G]

Always factor in the weight and number of your nipples.

[Dombo]

Thanks all. I might be getting too hung up on the weight - Eastons are around 1450gms vs the 1800 or so of my stock Bontys. Important bit is of course the rotating weight so a lighter rim/heavier hub combo would ride and feel lighter than a light hub/stronger rim of the same overall weight.

I'll check out the sales and have a chat with the guys at GB. My old bike had handbuilt Pete Wise wheels, Ambrosios laced to RX100 hubs with 36 spokes and they were superb. Bombproof and spun forever. Used to coast past everyone on the CR downhills. Now I have to pedal to keep up

[Paul on the Pearson]

To add my 2p's worth weight isn't the be all and end all. My good wheels dont feel no lighter than my not so good ones but there a lot stiffer, roll better, climb better, accelerate better and even look better!

[Stu Merckx Man]

ill second andrew on the campagnolo zonda, i race on them and they are fab!

[Colin Steadman]

Zonda and Fulcrum 3's are very close in weight (fulcrums a few grams heavier) and performance. Both very stiff and roll well, so I've heard.

[Ian A4size]

'nuvver shout for the zondas, i have had a pair since 04 and they have

stayed true.

[Andrew G]

[quote="Colin Steadman"]Zonda and Fulcrum 3's are very close in weight (fulcrums a few grams heavier) and performance. Both very stiff and roll well, so I've heard.