Hed Designs Kermesse C2

Price Paid:  $560.00 at Bicycle Doctor

Favorite Ride:
Thursday night club ride

Bike Setup:
'08 Kestrel Talon w/full Dura Ace.
Hed Kermesse wheels
Vittoria Evo Corsa CX tires @ 100 to 105 psi

Summary:
Excellent set of wheels at any price. They corner well, spool up nicely, smooth hubs coast forever, reasonably light, and for a clydesdale (245#), the C2 wheel is great. I run the tires at 100 psi and compared to my Ksyrium SL's which I ran at 125 psi to avoid pinch flats, the ride is much more supple. These wheels deserve a high quality set of tires and you will be rewarded with a sweet ride.

Strengths:
Reasonably light
Good Value, can't beat the performance for the price
Exellent performance
C2 rim does exactly what Hed says it will do in their marketing hype.
AMERICAN MADE!!!

Weaknesses:
None to speak of

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium SL
Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL
Mavic Aksium
Spinergy XAerolite
Conventional wheels

Price Paid:  $700.00 at sand Canyon Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
Santiago Canyon

Bike Setup:
Look 586, Campy SR 11, HED Ardennes
Colnago Mix, Campy Chorus 11, HED Kermesse
Felt Z3, Shimano Ultegra/105, HED Kermesse

Summary:
New addition to the C2 extrusion line of wheels for HED here. This set is a little heavier(Hubs and Spokes) but a whole less expensive than its brother the Ardennes. The wheel set is about 200g heavier than the Ardennes but for $350.00 less I was game to try them. I have been pleasantly surprised by these wheels, hubs are solid and roll smooth. Rims are great and the C2 extrusion is amazing with a 23c tire. Feels like I am riding a 25c.

Strengths:
Inspires confidence when riding, light weight, value

Weaknesses:
Most people will balk at the $700.00 price tag and miss out on a great wheel

Similar Products Used:
HED Ardennes, DT Swiss 1450, Mavic Open

View Comments (1)

Would you like to Comment?
Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.