[CippoForLife]

Since the early versions of Madfiber carbon tubular wheels have just been released, I figured I'd link to my blog posting, which contains pics, info, weights, and a very brief ride report.

http://mikesbikeparts.blogspot.com/2010/08/madfiber-wheels-1st-in-canada.html

Feel free to make comments on the blog or ask questions here.

Best,
Mike

 

[tsutaoka]

Since the early versions of Madfiber carbon tubular wheels have just been released, I figured I'd link to my blog posting, which contains pics, info, weights, and a very brief ride report.

http://mikesbikeparts.blogspot.com/2010/08/madfiber-wheels-1st-in-canada.html

Feel free to make comments on the blog or ask questions here.

Best,
Mike

mike, since you've owned ridden edge, LW, mavic and others...how would MF compare? i own edge now and thinking about a stiffer, lightweight wheel. thanks in advance.

 

[CippoForLife]

Tough call

Check out the blog for an updated ride review.
Tough call between these, LWs and a well-built set of Edge wheels.
All have their pros and cons:

MadFiber:
+ Deep aero profile
+ Very light
+ Very stiff
+ Decent ride quality
- No windtunnel data
- Not repairable / must be sent to Seattle
- New kid on the block, so not quite proven yet
- Slightly hollow ride noise

LW:
+ Stiff as nuts
+ Look awesome
+ Pro Tour proven
+ Good ride quality for stiffness
- Cost a fortune
- Not repairable / must be sent to Germany
- Not all that deep for a true aero wheel

Edge:
+ Can be built nice and stiff
+ Variety of rim depths and types (UD vs. 3k)
+ Solid performance and decent weight
+ Easily repairable
- Still quite expensive built up
- Not quite as stiff as LW or MF, in my experience
- Less bling factor

That about sums it up.
If you're ever in Toronto, I'm happy to let you take my wheels for a test ride

Best,
Mike

 

[tsutaoka]

Check out the blog for an updated ride review.
Tough call between these, LWs and a well-built set of Edge wheels.
All have their pros and cons:

MadFiber:
+ Deep aero profile
+ Very light
+ Very stiff
+ Decent ride quality
- No windtunnel data
- Not repairable / must be sent to Seattle
- New kid on the block, so not quite proven yet
- Slightly hollow ride noise

LW:
+ Stiff as nuts
+ Look awesome
+ Pro Tour proven
+ Good ride quality for stiffness
- Cost a fortune
- Not repairable / must be sent to Germany
- Not all that deep for a true aero wheel

Edge:
+ Can be built nice and stiff
+ Variety of rim depths and types (UD vs. 3k)
+ Solid performance and decent weight
+ Easily repairable
- Still quite expensive built up
- Not quite as stiff as LW or MF, in my experience
- Less bling factor

That about sums it up.
If you're ever in Toronto, I'm happy to let you take my wheels for a test ride

Best,
Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the summary. I'll read your blog for more specifics.

Although I have Edges from a reputable builder, I'm the type who always asks if there's something better. I have a test ride scheduled with Madfiber + I know a couple local shops which will do the same with LW/ Tough call indeed.

 

[dadoflam]

CFL
How do your rate the LW with the MK wheels for stiffness.?
I have both Edge 45's (solid cylde build) and LW's - the lateral stiffnes is fairly even but the torsional stiffness advantage of the LW over the Edge wheels is really noticeable and still maintains LW's performance advantage over really good conventional construction options like the Edge 45 IMO. Interested to know whether the MF wheels have the same 'snap' response as the LW?

PS I almost agree with your comparison summary - however I would note that the LW's are actually more easily repaired that the Edges if you get rim damage - apart from LW not many manufacturer's of carbon rims have a return repair service for that type of damage - most usually tell you to bin the rim and get another.
It is only when a spoke breaks that the Edge's are streets ahead.
Both are excellent wheels so just splitting hairs

 

[CippoForLife]

Oops

Just saw the post, sorry!
I'd say the MF's spin up really fast, but perhaps lack that "pop" that the LW's have.
For ultimate stiffness (and perhaps looks) the LW's are still number one.
BUT...by any other metric - aerodynamics, crosswinds, weight, price - the MF's do pretty damn well!
My shop just picked up the brand, just as a disclaimer, but it was based on my own riding feedback!

 

[ZoSoSwiM]

I saw a pair of Madfiber wheels a few weeks ago at a race.. They looked sick as hell in person. Scary looking though.. Like they shouldn't be able to work scary.

 

[cch]

One other notable difference is the shape of the rim. IF you buy into the hype around wide rims (Firecrest etc), then the new Enve wheels are going to be dramatically better from an aero perspective, and should handle better in crosswinds, than the LW or MF wheels. The actual difference on the road is subject to debate, unless you are a solo breakaway specialist. You are going to get a weight penalty, although I don't know what the Enve 3.4 wheelset will weigh when it is released.