Consider the specifications: spoke count 20 front, 24 rear; rim depth 31mm; internal nipples; wheel set weight 1520 grams; hand-built construction. Aero, light, stiff -- and quality for the long haul -- the Alta Race has you covered. Designed for ultimate performance in a wide range of conditions, the Alta Race pulls through on the flats, sheds seconds in a TT, and gaps the competition during an attack or a sprint. Alta Race: Use only if your riding demands that every pedal stroke counts regardless of the situation.
ROAD RACE • CRITERIUM •
WEIGHT:
RIM 455G (700C)
FRONT 655G (700C)
REAR 865G (700C)
SET 1520G (700C)
• ALUMINUM CLINCHER
• SPOKES: SAPIM LASER/RADIAL RACE/DRIVE
• 20 FRONT / RADIAL
• 24 REAR / RADIAL / 2X DRIVE
• SEALED CARTRIDGE BEARINGS
• OVER-SIZED AXLE
• ADJUSTABLE PRELOAD
• 31MM RIM DEPTH
Strengths: Weight-Aero-Price balance. Excellent performance and excellent value.
Weaknesses: None that I've found.
Bottom Line:
I have the "Aero Comp" decals on my wheels, but they are identical to the "Alta Race" in every way. I've been very happy with these wheels. I have about 2,000 miles on them and they are smooth and straight. These wheels weigh 1590 grams and use Pilar spokes which means they probably have heavier spokes than the earlier versions that weighed closer to 1500. I have broken no spokes and the wheels have remained true while riding through some very rough areas.
I am impressed with their strength after I ran over the front wheel with my car in a gravel parking lot. The rim was visually bent, one spoke was broken and the skewer was trashed. After the spoke was replaced, it was trued to perfect and it has remained so since. Although the spokes have internal nipples, they are traditional J bend spokes and it was no problem for my local bike shop to replace it.
They "feel" very snappy, track very smooth and steady at high speeds (50 mph) and in cross winds (compared to my previous wheels) and have excellent braking.
Weaknesses: Spokes. There is an inherent design flaw. Since the spokes extend into the rim, they rub against the rim immediately above the nipple. This constant rubbing weakens the spoke to the point it eventually fails. I have broken at least 5 spokes on the rear wheel, and they all broke right where the spoke enters the rim. The good part is centrifugal force leaves them in place. so they don't cause disasters getting into the frame, chain, etc. They will fall out when you finally stop. I am glad I did not pay the list price for this wheelset. But, I have probably broke even taking the wheel to the bikeshop to have the (hard to find) spokes replaced. I would strongly urge against buying the wheel, especially used unless all the spokes have been replaced by something stronger.
Bottom Line:
Relativly lightweigh, aero wheel. Attractive. But too many broken spokes.
Weaknesses: They dont seem to spin up as fast as the Shimano R550's or R560's... so I wouldn't say they are the best for the Hard Spints I've done
Bottom Line:
After Reading some of the early Reviews on this site I was hesitant to purchase these wheels... I had been riding Shimano R550's which had about 3500 miles on them... so it was time for a change. Thus far I have been very happy with them... I have just over 1100 miles on these while riding in North East Pennsylvania's notoriously poor roadways... the rear wheel is only slightly off... just enough to notice on the truing stand... so it is time for an adjustment. I am very happy considering what I paid and the fact that I am over 180 lbs.
Strengths: Fairly aero, lighter than Ksyrium SL's, kind of nice looking, simple with no non-standard parts
Weaknesses: Brake track seems pretty thin, quick release skewers are not the greatest ones
Bottom Line:
Replaced Ritchey Comp wheels that came with my bike with Alta Races since Ritcheys were way too heavy. Alta Races seem to be fairly good combination of lightweight, aero and reliability at a good price. They're not the fanciest wheels, but they are cheap and they beat many other wheels 2-3 times more expensive in weight and aero properties.
I haven't had the durability issues many people are complaining about. I weight 165 pounds and the roads here in Manitoba are either bad or horrible so they've had their share of punishment. I have over 4000km on them and no problems so far. After the first ride I had to true them but that's all. I prepared to build the wheels with CX-Rays if the spokes start to break but so far DT Revolutions on front and rear NDS and DT Comps on rear DS have lasted well.
Weaknesses: Rear wheel strength, hub body soft, spokes a pain to get to inside wheel, rimstrips.
Bottom Line:
I've put about 2000 miles on this wheelset. They spin up quickly and are light given the price I paid. The bearings roll very smooth. The aero rim gives an advantage and the standard round spokes handle alot better in the crosswinds than bladed ones. I have broken a drive side spoke on the rear wheel. They require you to rig up a tool to get into the rim to adjust the spokes. Kind of a pain to remove rim tape etc. I have not had the best luck keeping the rear wheel trued either. I weigh 165. Doesn't seem too heavy but.... no problems with the front wheel. I did go through a couple of flats before giving up on the stock rim strips and putting in velo tape. Also, the rer hub body is way too soft. I alredy have deep gouges in tit which now creaks and pops. I will contact Reynolds about a replacement. I don't regret buying them at this price and have been at least moderately pleased with them.
I've been looking in to a new set of wheels, and the Reynolds Alta Race/Solitude on ebay are an nice deals. The only problem, is that I'd need a campy compatible one, and those are Read More »
Just a quick question for Alta Race owners. I can't figure out the rear hub adjustment (the KT hub). I noticed the drive side endcap was loose creating play. Is the only adjustment Read More »
I have been looking for a new wheelset for a while and have finally decided that I am going to take the plunge. As far as my needs, I am an Expert class mountain biker, who does a Read More »
I have one bike with Shimano and a set of Reynolds Alta Race / Alta Aero Comps and my primary ride with Campy and Ksyrium Elites. I am wondering if I should put a Campy freehub on Read More »
Anyone have any experience with these wheels:
1) Durability
2) Stiffness
3) Issues - problems
!510 grams for $260 at Ecycling store + they have discount specials from time Read More »
