Strengths: Acceleration, feather weight, long lasting.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Fastest accelerating wheels I have ever ridden. Supple over rough roads. Bullet proof. Never trued in 5000 miles. 180 lb rider/sprinter. Minimal flexing under hard acceleration. Beautiful Italian finish.
Strengths: Light, strong, fast rolling, sweet-looking.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
I'm a racer/recreational/tourer combo...but ask a a lot from my equipment. I must say once I put on these 2006 Hyperons (used on ebay (Buy It Now) with about 100 miles on them), I noticed an immediate difference in acceleration, handling, braking... . This is my first set of tubulars, too, so I initially thought the difference I felt was because of the tubulars...but someone pointed out on my forum post ("Thumbs-up for tubulars") that probably 70% of my experience of these particular tubulars is because of them being Hyperons. There's a video on youtube that shows someone spinning a rear Hyperon when holding it from the freehub...and it is true- the wheel spins. These do the same thing when mounted on the bike, too. Amazing. I'm coming off of a pair of DT Swiss RR1.1 rims with DT 240s road hubs built by Joe Young, which have been awesome for three years. Still, the Hyperons roll faster and smoother. Maybe it's because the Hyperon hubs are newer or less used...but the wheels are light, strong and fast. I especially notice the acceleration up hills with force or cruising down hills without force. It is true- one way to upgrade your bike is with a light and strong wheelset. I do carry a spare tubular tire and a puncture kit (Tufo sealant extreme), but the ride is much better now and worth an extra pocket with a tire. Like another said, if you can find these at a good price, do it. You won't regret it. (There was an 06 pair on this site's classified list a few weeks ago for $875.)
The Hyperon Tubulars are a great wheelset, they are light, stiff, strong, easy to accelerate and have smooth hubs. Mine have over 3000 training and racing miles and remain true despite several trips through potholes etc. (I am 6'2" and weigh 170 lbs) Although I also have Zipp 404's, 303's, Reynolds DVT's, I most often use the Hyperons in Crits. and hilly road races. Incredibly expensive, but if you can find a deal, buy them. You will not be disappointed.
Strengths: They feel substantial, unlike my Zipp 202s, which have lateral flex and feel sketchy and flimsy. (I still love Zipp.) The Hyperons require no maintainence, they are supple, unlike deep-section wheels, they have great lateral stiffness, and they're extremely stout, almost like 2,000 gram wheels. They are bombproof, and have a dreamy ride, especially with 250 gram Tufo tires.
Weaknesses: The only weaknesses are price, availability, and availability of service parts. If you break a rim, you throw the wheel away and buy a new one.
Bottom Line:
I have two sets of Hyperon tubulars, and I use them for everyday riding, training, and racing because life is too short...and I am old. They have the heft and stiffness of heavy wheels, yet they are light and without friction. I've had once set for three years and with about 15,000 miles on them, they have never needed truing, a spoke replacement, or a bearing adjustment. They are the best bike component I've ever owned.
Strengths: Lightweight, impervious to wind, smooth as silk.
Weaknesses: A bit costly, but that is the price of a super wheelset without resorting to Lew or Lightweight.
Bottom Line:
Amazing, these wheels do everything well. I have them on my Parlee custom Z3. Of course they look stealth, but most of all they are great riding wheels. No matter the ride, up down, windy calm, these wheels always feel the same, great. I particulary like the ceramic bearings and recommend that if you bought a newer pair without ceramic bearings that you upgrade to them. I weigh 155 and these are super comfortable wheels, yet they lose no power when you go to accelerate or sprint.
