The spoked wheels are available in 28” (700C) or 26” (650C) versions. Three versions of the front wheel exist, 12 spokes, 16 spokes, and 20 spokes. The rear wheel always comes with 20 spokes. Rear hubs are either Shimano 9/10-speed, new Shimano 10-speed, or Campy 9/10-speed.
Strengths: Unbeatable performance from any brand, these are the best. They make Zipps look and feel average(which they are not)simply because these are so good
Weaknesses: None really, once you get over the Tubular cringe.Although they are very stiff.
Bottom Line:
I have always loved the Lightweights, but Tubulars freaked me out too much, si i did not go for them. then on a ride I saw a set and they took my breath away. No gaudy decals or huge letters, they just looked like they meant business and I wanted a set.So I got the 12 spoke front and standard rear. Aaaaah from the first ride I was amazed at how great they were. I used to race and had light wheels for racing about 300 gms heavier, but these are like riding air, it's like "the wheels have left the building".
Awesome, i ride them everywhere now, with stans no tubes sealant, I commute train, and feel special wherever I go.
I was initially reluctant to purchase a $4,500 set of wheels. When I finally gave in, I expected these to be a tweek improvement.
The Lightweight Standard III's are incredible. I have a 2010 Pinarello Dogma 60.1 which had Fulcrum Racing Zero's. I upgraded to the Lightweight Standard III's. The difference is staggering. I am not an incredible rider, but nobody passes me any more and I pass everybody. It's like putting a motor on your bicycle. They are fast, steady around turns and ride smoothly. My uphill riding his improved dramatically and I've added 3 miles per hour to my down hill riding.
I intended to use the Fulcrum's as my training wheel, but I am so in love with the Lightweight Standard III's, that I will not take them off of my bicycle.
These wheels will lighten your wallet. However, even at $4,500, these wheels are worth every penny.
Strengths: tubulars! smooth, stiff and maintenance free; engineering quality; rolling resistance
Weaknesses: tubulars (depends on how you feel about them)! pricy;
Bottom Line:
I have been building bikes and riding them for 20 years now, and these are the best wheels I have ever had. I am a heavier rider at 195 lbs, and was a little hesitant to go to a full carbon wheelset but these wheels are awesome. The DT 240 rear hub is solid but smooth, and the bearings like butter. No ceramics needed to be installed with these. They are stiff but super at absorbing road vibrations - even better than my Topolino C19's. This is even running with tubular tires (Conti Sprinters) inflated to 130 psi. Lightweight has no weight restriction on the Standard model, given their foam filled core. I purchased their Gen1 version. Supposedly their Gen2's are a little lighter and stiffer still, but I don't think I would notice any difference. I received an offer on the Gen1's I couldn't refuse....
They are a little tricky to control in strong crosswinds at slower speeds, but I would expect no more than any other high profile (50+mm) rim. You also have to be prepared to go to tubulars and the additional trouble of installation. I personally believe the road feel and rolling resistance is superior on tubulars. I think it boils down to personal preference here.
The craftsmanship is excellent and having the wheel magnet integrated in the rim is a great touch. They are true, true, true and, being effectively a one-piece wheelset, are reported to stay that way. I will follow up this report to validate this claim by the manufacturer at a later time.
Cost-wise, they are not for the faint of heart. Similar to buying a Rolex watch, it is hard to judge value, as unless you are in the market for one. To anyone not, the price seems unbelievable. However, if you are in the market for this type of wheel, they are comparable to Lews, Corima, Bora, and Zipps in this aspect. Given the engineering, lack of maintenance, ride quality, astetics, and uniqueness of the product, I believe they offer good value for the money.
One other tidbit. Not that I compare myself to the pros or amateurs, for that matter, but Lightweights have been used by many of the top pros (Ulrich, Armstrong, Zabel, and Cippolini to name 4). Given Lightweight does not sponsor any team (meaning the pros have to purchase like anyone else) nor invest in any real marketing (when you compare with the others listed), in my opinion, that says the product quality is speaking for itself.
I would highly recommend these wheels to anyone looking for a high profile carbon tubular wheel.
Similar Products Used: None really - there is no other similar product. Other wheels I have used: Ambrosio tubulars, Velocity Sparticus clinchers; Topolino C19 clinchers; DT Swiss 240/Mavic CX22 clinchers
Bike Setup: Kuota Kharma frameset; Dura-ace 9 speed; FSA SLK mega-exo ceramic crankset; Kuota monocaulk stem and Pro Carbon bars; Sampson stratic brakes; Time RXS titan pedals
Strengths: Light, fast, comfortable, strong and responsive.
Weaknesses: None if you look at overall value.
Bottom Line:
Excellent power transfer, reasonable ride quality and light; what more can you ask from a wheelset. Expensive, but other brands are quickly catching up in terms of price. Handle crosswinds a lot better than I expected; I have ridden lots of aero wheels over the years and was a little concerned that these might be too tall but they do fine. I am a heavier rider, #185, so I am sure that helps. 750 miles and still as true as new.
Strengths: lite for a 52 mm wheel and areo. stiff!!! never have to true a wheel. never have to replace if you don't break em..
Weaknesses: if you break one, which if you are able to do so, you most likely got hit by a train, no rebuilding them. they do have a discount for the next wheel, for a crash. and a good warranty for a break.
Bottom Line:
good lord these are the best things ever, you feel the power hitting the road with ever stroke, no loss of energy here, everything you put out, goes to the road. if there is anyway to afford a set of these, do it. can be used as cross wheels, so what am i going to do to them on the road?
Bike Setup: Kestrel evoke, stella compact cranks, bars, stam and seat post. Zero-Gs brakes, fizik saddle campy shifters and front derail, Tiso rear derail. 15 pounds.
Does anyone have any experience with the German made "Lightweight" Wheels made by Carbonsports - specifically the Standard III clincher? If so, can you tell me where purchased, ho Read More »
Does anyone here have any experience with this wheelset? If so, can you please tell me your opinions about the wheels and the company? Also, about how much paid and if and where Read More »
Well, after thinking long and hard about these wheels and breaking the news to my Wife (who was very good about the whole thing) I decided to buy a set of Lightweight Standard 111 Read More »
Just put together a little write up on my Standard 111 (C) Lightweights. Just in case any forum members are thinking about buying a pair.
[url]http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.c Read More »
