More new wheels advice

[Jon H]

I don't think any of the "aero" aluminium rims are worth the extra weight penalty over normal rims. For aero benefits to really start coming into play you need at least a 3:1 ratio of length/width. Rims such as CXP33 etc are about 30mm deep, plus a 20/23mm tyre = 50/53mm, width 20/23mm, giving a ratio of between 2:1 and 2.5:1. The only aluminium rims I can recall being really aero were the old Campag Shamals, and they weighed a ton. The only way to go truly aero is with a deep (40-50mm) section carbon rim, and you get light weight too.

[Andrew G]

The lighter the faster. Add aero spokes and fewer in number, deeper rims and they get faster still.

My Dad still has a pair of handbuilt wheels done by Monty of Condors in the 60's. They are sprint rims (tubulars) with tied and soldered spokes and are unbelievable light. These may not have bladed spokes and be box section rims but they would still be pretty fast as they are so light.

A lot of the current factory wheels don't have that lighter rim as they are larger to give a 30mm profile. More aero but heavier. Faster on the flat, but not uphill. Look at the Neutron etc as "climbers" wheels and they still have very little profile.

You pays your money......

[Elliot M]

hmm, good points. swings me back towards the DT 1.1s or Open Pro Ceramic. Sylv was talking about these - I do like the sound of a rim which never wears out from braking....

[Graham O]

Chaps,

Think that wheels are the most interesting part of bike to talk about. I think that they have the most influence on performance.

I must admit I like the Planet X Pro Carbon 50 @ £499. These are deep section aero tubulars which are half the price of the zipps and weigh about 1200gms. They would make a proper set of race wheels.

I also like the Campag Neutron Ultra (expensive)..

Other than that, I think that wheels are generally quite over priced. I will be interested to see what fulcrum to with their wheels at the end of the year. Suspect that they will bring the weight of the Racing 1's down to the same as the Eurus..

Ta,

Graham.

[Elliot M]

i know somone was on the CR a couple of weeks a back with a new pair of Zeros, all red inc spokes, to match their red Tarmac. Looked the nuts but remember he looked a bit nervous when we started hitting potholes.

[Graham O]

Yes but !!

I think that Racing Zeros far too blling and cost about 600 - 700 notes. You can get a set of eurus for 450 I think.

If they are the same weight, thats a £250 paint job. Top end fulcrums are massively expensive.

If I compare my racing 3's to the racing 1's, can't see much difference. They are the same weight with a similar hub. the only difference is the spokes. i guess that they are stronger and more aero.

[Sylv]

[quote="Graham O"]Chaps,

I must admit I like the Planet X Pro Carbon 50 @ £499. These are deep section aero tubulars which are half the price of the zipps and weigh about 1200gms. They would make a proper set of race wheels.

Graham.

[Ian A4size]

I have had a pair of zondas for about 2and a half years, only needed trueing after a crash broke 2 spokes- so that doesnt really count.

For those that know me i am more arbuckle than anquetil(sp) and they do take the punishment of pot- holed roads, they have hardly any wear on the braking surfaces and you could probably get them for about 250/275.

Mark Mc has a new pair as well and he loves them.

[Graham O]

Ok..may be the Planet X aren't 1200gms. The TT variety are 1550 or so..

I'd love to have a go with a set of cosmic carbones one day hwoever in the real world I'm in Mr Munnery's camp. Zondas all the way. Eurus at a stretch..

[carl f]

Not really an expert on bikes and wheels but the zonda's are great,and GB's did have them in for £225.00 not too long ago,which compared to the fulcrum 3's(their equivalent) is a bargain

[Ian A4size]

I did splash out a while ago and get the eurus- they are superb

[Andrew G]

If I had been buying factory wheels I'd have got Campag again. I agree Ian they seem bomb proof, the G3 system really does work well. Also my Ventos had a G3 front wheel which made throwing a lock through them at work nice and easy.