The Hed Ardennes has lower rolling resistance and better aerodynamics than traditional 19mm wide rims. A 23mm tire has room to spread out on the 23mm wide rim. The reshaped tire carcass has a shorter, wider contact patch; as the tire rolls, a shorter section of the sidewall deflects. Less sidewall deflection lowers rolling resistance and increases efficiency. The same reshaping matches the tire spread to the rim width. Instead of looking like a lightbulb, the tire/rim profile is an ellipse - much more aero.
Strengths: Incredibly light for a pair of alu rimmed wheels (1.345g on the LBS scale without rim strips and levers). That´s a full 130g lighter than my already light Ksyrium ES´ - much more aero as well. They´re snappy, roll fast and smooth and feel amazingly comfortable, much more than my other sets of wheels.
Weaknesses: I found the finishing of the wheels to be slightly bellow the competition. Mavic, Zipp, Roval and Easton are better finished overall. Not that it´s bad or ugly, it´s just "too normal" with the matte black finish and toned down stickers. At first they look weird being so wide but you get used to it and actually miss the solid feeling when going back to regular sized wheels. They don´t look half as good as my 404´s or the Rovals, but once I´m rolling I really don´t care about looks - these wheels are serious, props to HED.
Bottom Line:
Impressive wheels. Being on the road for over 25 yrs I´m trully amazed with these. The finishing is not superb but the build and performance are incredible. They´re light (and feel light too), responsive, fast yet comfy that I´d rate them not as one of the best (perhaps THE best) training wheels, but also racing wheels as well. I´m 6.03/165 and aggressive yet light on wheels and equipment, these are just perfect for my training and racing.
Similar Products Used: Mavic ES, SL and Elite; Zipp 202, 303 and 404 (tubular); Roval Carbon SL (carbon clincher); various from Easton and many "old style" built-from-scratch wheelsets.
Bike Setup: Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL3 2010 with RED.
Strengths: Everything... Seriously everything... People need to learn about the wider rim profile and the benefits that it has. Zipp as per usual has copied HED with this design in their new 101 wheels, they may be a little more aero, but you still have to get a Zipp hub, the HEDs are way better!
Weaknesses: None at all.
Bottom Line:
OK, so when everyone says that these wheels are the best clincher wheels they have ridden, I would suggest that you take note. Just changed from a set of Rolf Prima Vigors and the difference is so astounding. Bumps that previously felt very bad for both rider and bike now dont even get a mention on the shock scale... I have only ridden the wheels once, but am that impressed with them that I dont need to wait to write the review. They are that good and are worth every cent. Dealer didnt have the standard version, so I had to get the Flamme Rouge. They look hot, and ride better than they look! Just buy em!
Weaknesses: Relatively High Maintenance
Road noise
Perhaps a little fragile
Bottom Line:
I bought these with a Powertap built in. If not for the Powertap, I would have stayed with my trusty Mavic Ksyrium SLs. These are nice-spinning, lightweight, good-braking wheels. The only downside is that, even without hitting severe bumps or craters, I had to true these wheels after less than five weeks in service. They aren't as bomb-proof as my old Ksyriums. Also, the wheels seem to resonate tire noise -- you can't sneak up on anyone with these. You get an audible HUM just riding down the road. I'm generally satisfied with my purchase. Good wheels.
Strengths: Light weight, smooth, makes you more confident going downhill.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I've always been a fan of HED and was looking for a set to go with my Super6. I went with the FR option. I love these wheels, they are fast, corner great, smooth riding, and climb super. I ride these at 110psi, but you'll have to experiment with the pressure to your liking. Once you do, you're all set.
Strengths: 1. The hubs spin forever
2. Enhanced cornering from the 23mm rims
3. Rapid acceleration
4. Excellent comfort
5. Dealing with the fine crew at HED (expert and patient phone consultation; emailed status updates at each stage of order processing, wheel build, and shipping)
Weaknesses: A minor (apparently temporary) issue was a creaking spoke from the front wheel the first two times I got out of the saddle and when climbing a bridge. This noise did not return during the subsequent 20 mi. I will update in the unlikely event this becomes an issue.
Bottom Line:
This was my big wheel upgrade to complete my dream road bike. Ardennes C2 Flamme Rouge are the upgraded hubs with ceramic bearings. At 215lbs, I selected the no-charge "Stallion" build with increased spokes (20/28; extra 100g=stated 1515g). Since I'm not into red on a bike, the nice people at HED offered to install the regular Ardennes stickers (no red and bolder graphics).
This is an initial evaluation after 5mi urban commuting and a 38mi loop on mixed-quality, flat paths and roads. Tires are a fresh pair of 23C Michelin Krylion Carbons, my usual tires that are excellent through broken glass that is common around here. I usually run these tires at 100psi but dropped to 90 arbitrarily because others seem to run these at lower pressures.
Wheels shipped on the 2nd full business day after ordering. They look fantastic!!! I brought the bike to my LBS to fine-tune the brakes for the 23mm rims. The mechanic said, "I'm having serious bike envy right now!"
My first impression during urban commuting was that these wheels roll forever. On today's 38 mi loop, that was confirmed. These wheels have maximized every facet of my bike's performance! From the plush stiffness of the Ti frame to the singing of the drive train, this is now a super-sweet ride.
I don't know if this is the so-called, tubular-like effect of the 23mm rims, but the entire bike now seems to dance over little bumps -- many of the usual cracks I didn't even feel. And rougher pavement is definitely less jarring.
Again, this may be the tubular effect, but sweeping through turns was more fluid, grippy, controlled, and powerful.
After 6400+mi on the Aksiums, I'm shocked at how quickly and easily the Ardennes FRs allow me to accelerate! Whether pulling away from a light or recovering speed after a car-induced braking, these wheels spin up fast.
I'm not super fast (old guy) and mostly ride solo, so it's difficult to assess any aero effect of the 23mm rims. But the 20 mph headwind on the ride out didn't seem nearly as punishing as last week's. I would never call the 3 short hills on my route, climbing, so I won't make any claims.
One concern that I had, based on other's reviews, was the possibility of a noisy rear hub. Perhaps it's because of the upgraded FR hubs and bearings, but the sound is quite pleasant -- and I'm the picky type who is often bugged by such things.
In summary, I love these wheels!!! The look great, feel great, and make me a stronger cyclist. I am very pleased with my purchase and look forward to many miles of much faster, more aggressive, and more comfortable cycling.
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