Hed Designs Hed 3

Price Paid:  $900.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Road without cars

Bike Setup:
Serotta Legend Ti DA 10/7800 wheelset
Time VXR DA 10 w/Zipp Z4
Kuota Kalibur DA 10 w/Z6
Hed Aerolab V04 DA 10 w/Hed 3

Summary:
I had this wheelset for last 2 years and I like them. They are durable and fast wheels (as long as the road is flat and the speed is high). They also look pretty sharp.
They are pertty heavy though so if you are planning on racing on a hilly course you may want to consider Hed Stingers, Zipp or Reynold Stratus. They also offer no advantage if you are doing a ride at slow to moderate speed.
I feel the advantage when the speed is 25 mph+.
They are also flexible so if you are planning doing a race that requires constant acceleration its weight/flexibility will hinder your ability. Also the high wind will cause some handling problem.
Another word, the ideal racing condition for this wheelset is flattish road with little wind. I noticed that the price has increased tremendously last couple years.

One thing you have to watch out for when you shop for this wheel.
None of them are perfectly true.
Ann Hed told me that the molding process make it impossible for this wheel to be perfectly true.
She said even the ones Lance used in Tour had some lateral movement.

Strengths:
Durable, Fast and looks great.

Weaknesses:
Price, weight, not perfectly trueness and flexibility.
Also handling issue when the wind is high but all the aero wheels with deep rims have that issue

Similar Products Used:
Zipp Z4, Z6, Rolf, Bontrager and Shimano 7800 wheelset.