Alex R450

Price Paid:  $60.00 at City Cycle

Favorite Ride:
Wellington State Park, N.H.

Bike Setup:
Raleigh Technium Pre, Campy Veloce bb, crank and brakeset. Easton EA50 seatpost, Stronglight Headlight headset, Kinesis RF28 aluminum forks, Scott Lifeflite bars, Sun CR18 rear rim with Specialized sealed hub. Shimano Dura-Ace front derailleur, Suntour GPX rear derailleur, Bontrager Select K tires, Topo KT Kevlar/Titanium saddle.

Summary:
This rim seems rigid, fast, and stable. In comparison to my previous rim, the Sun Mistral, it is more rigid. The Sun gave me a more comfortable ride, but if I had to race, I'd probably go with the Alex. I bought a complete wheel at the L.B.S with this rim. The Quando hub that it came with is pretty bad, so I will likely trade it out for a Shimano 105 or a Hope Mono. The R450 is kind of impressive for a pin-jointed rim.

Strengths:
Rigid, fast, stable

Weaknesses:
At 500 miles, I have no complaints.

Similar Products Used:
Sun Mistral.

Price Paid:  $60.00 at City Cycle

Favorite Ride:
Wellington State Park, N.H.

Bike Setup:
Raleigh Technium Pre, Campy Veloce BB. crank, brakeset. Stronglight Headlight headset. Scott Lifeflite bars. Kinesis RF28 aluminum forks. Sun CR18 rear rim with Specialized sealed hub. Shimano Dura-Ace front derailleur. Bontrager Select K tires.

Summary:
This rim seems rigid, fast, and stable. In comparison to my previous rim, the Sun Mistral, it is more rigid. The Sun gave me a more comfortable ride, but if I had to race, I'd probably go with the Alex. I bought a complete wheel at the L.B.S with this rim. The Quando hub that it came with is pretty bad, and I will likely trade it out for a Shimano 105 or a Hope Mono. The R450 is kind of impressive for a pin-jointed rim.

Strengths:
Rigid, fast, stable.

Weaknesses:
I have no complaints at about 500 miles.

Similar Products Used:
Sun Mistral.