Campagnolo Zonda

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Clocked 15,000+ kms on zonda's (2008 model) over slow crappy roads in the dark over the last 12 months and still straight as a die. Save the carbon for big events cause these will do fine for training and club racing. Headset-like hub/bearing design is awesome. Can't say much more; riding these is convincing me to stay with the G3 style and shell out for a pair of shamal two way fit's in the near future.

Strengths:
Reliable, true, similar weight as carbon clinchers 2-3x the price

Weaknesses:
No weaknesses for the price - handbuilt record-open pro probably better/cheaper for training longevity...

Price Paid:  $420.00 at Bikes Direct

Favorite Ride:
Kittery Point Maine

Bike Setup:
Colnago Classic Steel Art Decor 1996 model with Campangolo Chorus, Brooks B-17 saddle , Thomson Elite seatpost, Ritchey handle bars, and Easton E90 stem.

Summary:
After reading the post on this site, I decided to buy the 2005 model. They are heavier by about 400g. I weigh in at about 250 lbs, and with winter gear on this can jump to 270 lbs. Although the roads aren't bad around here, they are far from smothe, with rocks peppered in and sticking out of the asphalt. after about 2000 miles I have had no complaints. I was riding along with another rider that weighed the same as me. He had Spingery Carbon Wheels and it seemed like I was rolling farther than he did after we both stopped pedaling. Although, the wheels have a low spoke count, I don't find the wheels to be harsh as some have stated that they would be. I have a set of Mavic Open Pros on my Pegoretti. They have about 32 spokes per wheel, and it doesn't feel less harsh than the Zhondas. The Zhondas are the most I have ever spent on any wheelset, but I feel they are a great value given the G3 spoke design and the quality of the wheelset. Also, it is simply a "Cool" set of wheels that makes me want to through my leg over my bike and go for a ride.

Strengths:
Great looking wheelset. Strong(2005 version), light weight,and low rolling resistance.

Weaknesses:
The price of Campy's product has increased dramatically since I purchased the wheelset, now they are about $600!!!

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Open Pro

Price Paid:  $525.00 at internet

Favorite Ride:
any road will do

Bike Setup:
Road Bike

Summary:
After the first year they are finally coming out of true. The front is worst then the rear at this time. I have to retrue the front wheel almost weekly since I am a big sprinter (225lbs) and it flexes so much that my magnet on my spokes hits my front forks. I have to do monthly wheel maintenance on the bearings since it seems that the snap seals are no good and alloy for debris to enter more then it should, but the maintenance is very easy. I have been doing this maintenance after 3 months of use. I did upgrade to Ceramic bearings and you can feel the different on the rollout and drafting. All in all this is a decent wheel set for the money. I would recommend these to a lighter person then my self. But for someone heavier then me I would look for a custom built 32 or 36 old style wheel set. The stiffness of the 32 or 36 is better then the Zonda’s and at the same price to. Plus the coast of replacing a spoke or a rim is cheaper.

Strengths:
Easy maintenance

Weaknesses:
To much flex, Weak seals, Cost to replace spokes

Similar Products Used:
Bon-T Selects (came with bike)
Hand built Kings

Price Paid:  $366.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Echo Lake

Bike Setup:
Campy Record Look KG486, Casati Clipper Campy Chorus, Casati Challenge Centaur, Felt S25 DuraAce, DeBerardi Max Record, Cannondale S300, Iron Horse Mt bike

Summary:
Have the new and old version, (non-bladed) in black. These are the bladed in silver. I run them on my Look KG486 and Casatis...I likethe old version better as I have had to true the fronts 3 times. The old style is older and never needed any service. Also the rear needed and tweak this year for it had a little play in hub. The older ones ride smoother as well on rougher roads. I weigh 230 and race TT and Crits..when I stand I can feel the flex in the new version... I use the older ones for races..I feel more confident.

Strengths:
Roll nice, fast and quiet

Weaknesses:
front wheel needs attention, not strong for weight and price point.

Similar Products Used:
American Classic 420, Zipp 909, Spinergy PBO, Rolf Sestriere, Fir, Campy Scirocco, Mavic Open pro Powertap, Mavic CXp33, Alex

Price Paid:  $411.00 at 11-Speed

Favorite Ride:
Brisk group rides in the Sierra foothills

Bike Setup:
Custom Steve Rex steel frame, carbon fork, Campy Chorus components.

Summary:
I was the one who rated this product and trashed the quality of the front wheel, due to the spokes always working loose. I cleaned and put new loctite on all the spoke threads on the front wheel. I took it to someone who really knows how to true a low spoke count wheel. I am happy to say that after more than 2000 miles, I have had absolutely no problems with the wheel. I'm in love with my bike again. If you get a set of Zondas, and have trouble with the front spokes coming loose, take the time to loctite them all. You will end up with a very reliable wheelset.

Strengths:
Very smooth, sort of aero, faily light, and quite strong.

Weaknesses:
None noted, especially at this price.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Open Pro on Campy Record hubs, Fulcrum Racing 5, Mavic CXP 23 on Campy Record hubs