Description 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 hub...
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
Summary: 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.
Strengths: tubulars! smooth, stiff and maintenance free; engineering quality; rolling resistance
Weaknesses: tubulars (depends on how you feel about them)! pricy;
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
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Parlee Z3c, DA, nothing stupid light..
Summary: 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: Light, fast, comfortable, strong and responsive.
Weaknesses: None if you look at overall value.
Similar Products Used: Zipp, Neuvation, Velomax, Mavic
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
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.
Summary: 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?
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.
Similar Products Used: none
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: I got a set of original Dierl & Obermayer with Campag Record rear and Tune MIG front hub baked. Some 70-80 gr. heavier than the later Carbonsports version with DT Swiss hubs but therefore adjustable and maintainable. You can understand the hype once you see and ride those wheels, incredibly light and laterally stiff like no other wheel I rode before. Hub casing and spokes look a bit rudimentary but is no sign of poor quality but of individual manufacturing.
Strengths: weight, strength, looks, fantastic uphill and sprint performance due to zero lateral flex
Weaknesses: no more easy riding - everyone seems to chase you to show that it takes more than great set of wheels to ride fast; bad surfaces wear you out due to zero suspension; poor aerodynamics compared to Zipp 404 or Easton Tempest II Carbon
Similar Products Used: Campag Eurus, Easton Tempest II Carbon
Bike Setup: Colnago C-50, Campagnolo Record carbon, Zero Gravity, Tiso Ti cassette
Summary: Wow! These wheels are spectacular. The build quality is first rate and they look stunning on either of my bikes. These are the stiffest wheels I have ever ridden and they are extremely light. Plus they just look so darn cool. I have the 20 spoke front and it is rock solid. They are way beyond Zipp 404s and Reynolds Stratus. These wheels are definately in a category all to themselves. It is hard to put a value rating on any cycling product. For most people the idea of a $2,500 bike is outrageous let alone a $2,500 set of wheels! But to each their own. I finally have what I consider the ultimate wheelset and I couldn't be happier. Starbikes was awesome to deal with and they had the best prices on Lightweight wheels anywhere in the world.
Strengths: Rock solid with no flex at all, light and fast and beautiful.
Weaknesses: Expensive!!! If damaged then the entire wheel is toast.
Similar Products Used: Zipp 404, Reynolds Stratus DV, LEW Palmeros.
5 of 5
5 of 5
View Comments (1)
4 of 5
