[Cni2i]

Hey guys and wheel "experts"...

I am about to order a set of Enve 3.4 Tubulars. I was set on CK R45s b/c I have used them before on a custom built set of aluminum clinchers. No issues throughout ownership thus far. But, then one of the guys at the shop made a comment about why not go with the DT Swiss 180 hubs. He preferred the DT swiss 180s > CK R45s...although he didn't have any really negative comments/concerns about the CKs. He just felt the 180s were the one of the very best hubs out there in terms of performance, durability, serviceability, etc.

The DTSwiss 180s would set me back another $200. My only experience with DTSwiss is on my friend's Enve 3.4s with DTSwiss 240s. I am a relatively light rider at 5'8" and 139 lbs, so honestly, I couldn't really tell the difference between the CK R45s and the DT Swiss 240s in terms of stiffness. I do a lot of hill/mountain type of riding just for reference.

So, what are your thoughts between the DT Swiss 180s and the CK R45s? I can spend the extra $200 IF the 180s were that much better. If it's just something that I probably can't tell, I definitely don't mind staying with CK R45s either.

Thanks so much.

 

[Zen Cyclery]

I think the 180s are totally overpriced. For the money, the R45s are a much better option.

 

[mikeyc38]

Not to muddy the thread, but I'm putting Alchemy's on my Enves.

 

[Cni2i]

I think the 180s are totally overpriced. For the money, the R45s are a much better option.

Thank you ZC. Appreciate the candor. Yeah, I just can't justify the extra $200 unless I can personally tell an improvement in performance or if the hub is just that much better in terms of durability.

 

[Cni2i]

Not to muddy the thread, but I'm putting Alchemy's on my Enves.

I had thought about the Alchemy Elf/Orc too. Are you getting the "new" Alchemy hubs? I was told that the set I'm getting with the Ck R45s will be 11-speed compatible too. Are the new ORCs 11-speed compatible too? Are they on back-order? I think the cost are similar between the Alchemy and CK, correct?

Mine won't be ready for 3-4 weeks!

 

[Zen Cyclery]

There is a 10 and 11 speed compatible version of the ORC UL. They cost a bit more than the Kings but are significantly lighter. Right now they are running about a 4 week turnaround time on hub orders.

Both the R45 and ELF/ORC UL hubsets are great choices. Since your building on such stiff rims though having the extra flange spacing probably wouldn't make a huge difference anyways.

 

[fordred]

Between the CK and DT180, CK hands down.
DT hubs are easy maintenance but CK needs no maintenance.

Maybe you can consider White industries T11 as well? prob drop 200 off CK's price. Weight is similar to CK, comes with a Ti freehub compared to CK's alu.

 

[Cni2i]

Thanks for the feedbacks. Although small sample size, it seems that CKs with 3.4 would be a great combination. The DT swiss 180s are out. Alchemy seems like a great option as well. In the end, I just decided to go with what I am most familiar with...Chris Kings. Skipped the ceramic upgrade. Now the wait!!!

 

[mikerp]

Now the wait!!!

Good choice, I have the same build in mind once I get a few other things done. I already have a few sets of CKR45's, sticking with one set of hubs between the bikes makes it that much easier to buy the CK service tool.

What are you looking to mount tire wise?

 

[Zen Cyclery]

Good choice Cni2i. I think you will really like those hubs. Let us know what you think of them when they arrive!

 

[Cni2i]

Good choice, I have the same build in mind once I get a few other things done. I already have a few sets of CKR45's, sticking with one set of hubs between the bikes makes it that much easier to buy the CK service tool.

What are you looking to mount tire wise?

I have been running the Veloflex carbon tubular tires. Fantastic tires IMO, but do wear down rather quickly. Feels really fast IME. Best ride quality IME are the Vittoria Open Corsa CX. Love those too. Finally for my workhouse tires, I favor the Continental Gatorskin. Ridden over glass more than a few times without puncturing.

 

[Cni2i]

Good choice Cni2i. I think you will really like those hubs. Let us know what you think of them when they arrive!

Thanks again for your valuable input.

 

[HarryV]

seems a toss up between CKs and Alchemys atm? Is there much between them? Will probably build up some 3.4 & 6.7s soon, and trade in my 66s with standard DT240s. I find the lack of stiffness when cornering and accelerating hard a little unnerving at times, but still quite fast wheels...