Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
When the sun is shining

Summary:
These wheels came with my bike when I purchased it. I'm more of a recreational rider, but managed to put 1700 miles on these wheels last year and another 400 so far this year. Knock on wood I can't say I've had any problems. Had the front tured once and it was very minor. I'm a 225 pound rider so they get a good workout. The wheels are aero, role well and climb well. Took a little getting used to in cross winds, but cut right through when heading into the wind. I did have an issue with shavings in the break pads but switched to green swissstop pads which are recommended by AC and that seemed to cure the problem. Overall very satisfied.

Strengths:
Aero, light weight, climb well and roll well.

Weaknesses:
Being a larger rider, can make the wheels flex if I'm pushin it. May not be stiff enough for larger racers.

Price Paid:  $6500.00 at La Bicicletta

Favorite Ride:
Colnago CT2

Bike Setup:
Colnago CT2 HP - Titanium Main, Carbon Rear and Front
Campy Record 10 (Pre-Ultra Torque)
Deda Spectrum Bars 46, Deda Arimo 120
Selle Italia SLK
Michelin Pro2Race

Summary:
I had Black Ritchey OCR 28-spoke wheels on Record hubs before which worked fine, but I wanted to try out the American Classics 420s as I've heard a few good things about it. Less expensive than Mavic Ksyrium ES and the R-Sys, but also less bling. In hindsight, I probably would have waited and gotten the Mavic wheels or even the Fulcrums, but there's always new stuff coming out every year which gets frustrating.

Strengths:
Stiff, but not too stiff. Ride has definitely improved with the higher rim profile and low spoke count. Wheel has stayed true for a year. Road around my house are not that rough, but they're not that smooth either, surprisingly, these wheels have stayed true. The skewers are light as well and keep the wheels centred fairly easily. I didn't find I needed the ceramic bearings as the stock bearings work fine and I do repack my hubs myself which is easy enough as long as you have the proper tools. The hubs definitely have less parts than my Record hubs, which is reflected by the weight saving.

Weaknesses:
After about 6 months, I did notice a slight loosening of the rear hubs. After reading some user reviews, I found out that this is quite common on these wheels - minimalist design to lighten up the wheels will cause periodic loosening, but easy enough with a 15 mm cone wrench.

Similar Products Used:
Ritchey OCR, 28 spoke, Record Hubs.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Bikesdirect

Favorite Ride:
Blue Ridge, Edna Valley, Laton Loop

Bike Setup:
Motobecane Le Champion,
Ultegra/FSA
Specialized tires, seat,
AC 420 wheels w/ceramic bearings
DuraAce bottom bracket

Summary:
My Motobecane Le Champion SL came from Bikesdirect equipped with the AC 420s. I broke 4 spokes in 400 miles. I contacted Ross at American Classic (v. helpful) and he said they probably got a bad batch of spokes from their suppliers. He had me return the wheels to be re-spoked. Since that time, I have ridden 7,000+ miles trouble free, over some pretty rough roads. I weigh abt 210 and these wheels have been great. I replaced the bearings w/ ceramics-not worth it. The AC bearings were as good or better. All in all, a fine wheel set.

Strengths:
light, stay true, can handle a heavy rider, good factory support.

Weaknesses:
It seems there are some production variances that can greatly change the perceptions of the rider. In my case once the spoke issue was addressed there were zero problems

Similar Products Used:
kysrium, DT Swiss,

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
3-Gap

Bike Setup:
Velo Vie Vitesse 300
Full Ultegra
Ritchey WCS Bars & Stem
Speedplay Zero
AC 420 black

Summary:
Used for about 18mths & could not be happier with the wheels. Had to have rear rebuilt after being run over from behind in a race. Other thaan that not a single problem. Stiff, and Aero wheels. Have about 5k miles on them and still run like new, even after few other crashes. Everyday wheels and I am about 185pds.

Strengths:
Stiff, Aero, Low rolling resistance.

Weaknesses:
Get the 07 Decals

Similar Products Used:
Spinergy, Mavic, Shimano

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Used

Favorite Ride:
Long, fast & empty

Bike Setup:
Giant TRC carbon (L), Dura Ace 10spd, ceramic BB, ceramic pulleys, Alien aero post, Easton carbon bars, Flight Deck, Time carbon pedals, TI bolt on skewers.

Also, basically the same set up with Cannondale CAAD8 with Easton SLX fork.

Summary:
Wow, a lot of opinions/experiences. I guess that it is important to have the wheels set up right the 1st time. I had my checked before I put them on the bike. Now 2+ years and 1500 miles, this set (I also have a second set) - no flats, dead straight, no tunes, no broken spokes. I am about 185lbs. I have had no problem with braking.

Strengths:
Light, dependable, easy to maintain. Now with ceramic bearings which I installed last week they drive themselves! If I did have to change a spoke, they are pretty basic and straight forward, unlike the exotic wheels.

Weaknesses:
They are aero, so you have the standard aero issues. And, they do "click" when coasting - you are not going to sneak up on anyone.

Similar Products Used:
I have a set of Dura Ace 7800's - any one want them?