by -Adam- » Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:44 am
Marek... The bars are indeed the Wing Pro, the compact version as you can see by the somewhat non existent drop on them! First impressions are that I love the flatter top part, very comfortable for cruising on the tops. The drop is very shallow however, meaning I really have to get my elbows bent to get my body down low. That said, I can get my body flat with my hands forward on the hoods which is very comfortable.
Re the Zipps... They are good, I believe ther claim that they are more aero than comparable depth rims. They roll great, and are actually fairly comfortable despite being so stiff. However, since having my issues with the rear wheel last year, I am somewhat more nervous about using them these days. In fact this evenings 10 was the first time I've used them as a pair this year, although the use of the powertap can be blamed for the lack of Zipping too. I guess the crunch is would I buy them again? Well, they are apparently stronger this year than last, whether your friend believes that is up to him. That said they are also 25% more expensive than what I paid. Also, I am lead to believe by fellow racers that the likes of Corima/Fulcrum/Bora's are stronger wheels. Although I know of people having problems with all of them. So personally, I would rather spend £1000+ on a holiday and a power meter (my own one) ((which is what many people told me to do last year ironically, but we live and learn huh!)). I don't think carbon wheel technology is suficiently advanced to offer a real 100% reliable and durable road racing wheel, by this I mean for our level amateur RRing where ultimately it is us picking up the bill for parts that break.
But... I still love them and think they ride brilliantly. The downside being the durability question. I also wonder sometimes why I have £1000 sitting in wheel bags next to my bed, especially when my car has just cost me £400 out of the blue!
So there you go, thats a fairly indecisive answer. If your friend can afford to break a £500+ carbon wheel then fair enough, if not I would urge him to think very carefully. And also do a lot of research on whatever he chooses... weight weenies is a particularly good source on carbon wheel info...