[showbiz]

hey guys,

I'm in the market for some new carbon clinchers.

I do majority climbing but am after the best all-round/purpose wheel available.

I'm fairly light on the bike and don't want anything too deep dish as to avoid getting blown around.

Looking to spend around $1500-$1750 second-hand.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

Smart ENVE 3.4
Zipp 303 Firecrest
Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3
Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3
Reynolds FORTY SIX
Fulcrum Racing Zero (ALU)
Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR (alloy)


Bontrager Race XXX Lite


Please add-on, and let me know if I've missed anything.

Which would you choose?

Cheers!

 

[looigi]

Here's a cut/paste of a table I put together. This is sorted by weight. The tabs get screwed up but...

Wheels Depth Width weight price Notes
Zipp 202 32 16.25/25.4 1375 2725
Roval CLX40 40 16.2/23 1396 2200
ENVE 3.4 35/45 26/24 outer 1426 3045
Reyn Forty Six 46 ? 1440 2750 Lip swirl
ENVE Classic 45 45 22 1458 2730 Not Fat?
Reyn Assault 46 ? 1465
Zipp 303 45 17.25 inside 1475 2725
Inertia iRT50C 50 ? 1520 1599
Zipp 404 58 16.25 inside 1525 2725
ENVE Classic 65 65 22 1538 2730 Not Fat?
Easton EC 90 SL 38 1547 1800
Bontrager 5 D3 50 27 1550 2700
Roval CLX60 60 17.3 in/24.4 ext 1555 2200
ENVE 6.7 60/70 1566 3045
Giant P-SLR1 50 21 1575 1600 Al rim
Reynolds 58Aero 58 26.2 1580 2774?
Mavic CC SLR 52 1595 2500 AL rim CF spokes
Mavic SLE 52 1620 2000 Al rim Hidden nipples
Reyn Sixty Six 66 ? 1620
Neuvation C45 45 23.5 1640 995
Jet 4 46 23 1643 1900 Al rim
Easton EC70SL 42 20 1660 1500 Al rim
Innertia iRT i585C 58 ? 1660 1699
Jet 6 FR 60 23 1660 1900 Al rim
Easton EC90 56 22 1670 2100
Rey 72 Aero 72 26.2 1680
Reyn Strike 66 ? 1680
Jet 5 exp 54 23 1681 1550 Al rim

 

[Zen Cyclery]

The Enves are in a league of their own really. The braking is exceptional, and they dissipate heat faster than any other CC. The 5 year warranty is hard to argue with too.

Have you considered buying new and going with a more reasonably priced hubset (ie White Industries T11)? That would still be over your desired price range, but not by a whole lot. With that said, spending the extra money will get you the 5 year warranty and a lifetime crash replacement which is a great investment really.

 

[Warpdatframe]

You can't go wrong with any wide rim wheel zipp, shimano 9000, HED, enve. The handling characteristics are exceptionally better than standard 19mm rims. Any of those wheels would be great. Although I would agree with zen cyclery and go with the enve 3.4 or 45s. Have fun spending your money!

 

[showbiz]

looigi: thanks for the table. id actually done one similar and it proves to be quite useful!

RE: ENVE - yep, im on the lookout for a set of these. they'd be in my top 2 choices at the moment, along with the 303 Firecrest.
I probably won't have the luxury of buying something like that brand new unfortunately. It's just creeping out of budget too much. I'd rather try and hold out and take a punt on some slightly used for cheaper. Would hopefully be better value.
I'm looking into the Shimano and HED range at the moment as well. A lot of the pros use them, and although sponsored and riding what they have to, they still must be of a decent top-level standard!

Thanks for the replies.

 

[FTR]

Lots of climbing and descending you say?
Aluminium.

 

[Jay Strongbow]

Lots of climbing and descending you say?
Aluminium.

yeah seriously.
Even in best case scenario were carbon clinchers brake and last perfectly well all you get over aluminum clinchers is an increased price.

"I'm looking into the Shimano and HED range at the moment as well. A lot of the pros use them,"

You sure about that? I know some pros have used clinchers once in a blue moon but generally I don't think that's correct at all. Not that what pros use has anything to do with the price of tea.

 

[tvad]

Having owned Enve SES3.4 wheels, I've come to share the opinions of those who espouse aluminum rims. IMO, the best bang-for-the-buck clincher presently available is the Dura Ace 9000 C24. Carbon/aluminum laminate rims...with aluminum brake tracks. The high quality and reputation of Dura Ace hubs.

Due to their high cost, the Enve SES3.4 return average value for the money. I doubt anyone here can realize a real performance benefit by riding full carbon rims regardless of the brand or model. They're a lot of marketing hype as far as I'm concerned.

That said, I was once on a determined hunt for a carbon wheelset, and nothing would dissuade me from that goal, so I understand the OP's quest.

OP, if you're set on carbon wheels, then I'd recommend the Enve SES3.4 due to the benefits already mentioned above. Buy new. The 5 year warranty and crash replacement policy is hard to beat.

 

[carlislegeorge]

I'm also on this path. Although I acknowledge the point made about real performance benefit, and am therefore strongly ambivalent about dropping $2500+ when $1000 will do just fine. I just <strike>need</strike> want all black wheels to complement the stealth look...

My preference is in the 30-45 mm rim depth range, so I'm waffling between Enve 3.4 and Zipp 202. Really, really thinking hard about having wheelbuilder lace the Zipp 202 to Alchemy ORC UL hubs to get close to 1300 grams weight weenie wise. And there's a set of brand new 2012 Reynolds Thirty-Two about to close on ebay today calling out to me (edit - they went for $1350 just for reference purposes).

FWIW, my LBS really wants me to buy some of the Mad Fibers they have sitting around. Probably could get a great price.

 

[tvad]

I own HED Belgium rims laced to Alchemy hubs (Campagnolo cassette carrier). Love that wheelset. I'm building a Dura Ace equipped bike, and I'm strongly considering ordering a new rear wheel built with HED Belgium rim and the new Alchemy ORC hub when it's available.

 

[looigi]

Aluminum rim aero? From my table above, the lightest is the new...

Giant P-SLR1 50mm deep 21mm wide 1575gm $1600 Al rim

 

[FTR]

FWIW, my LBS really wants me to buy some of the Mad Fibers they have sitting around. Probably could get a great price.

Well if the only riding you plan on doing is crits then get them.
I have a set and that is all I use mine for.
Might also use them in a road race IF the conditions are not windy and the road surface is smooth.
Great wheels but by no means are they an all-rounder.

 

[WillsDad]

Take a look at Williams or Boyds

You could get either wheelset new in your price range. Boyd just came out with new rim designs - wider and deeper as well as improved hubs. Lots of good feedback on both these wheelsets.

 

[carlislegeorge]

Well if the only riding you plan on doing is crits then get them.
I have a set and that is all I use mine for.
Might also use them in a road race IF the conditions are not windy and the road surface is smooth.
Great wheels but by no means are they an all-rounder.

That's why I'm not going for them.

 

[FTR]

That's why I'm not going for them.

Yep, not having a go at you, just giving you feedback.