[rs_herhuth]

Background:
I have a 2012 CAAD10 Ultegra (3)
I weigh 200lbs
I occasionally race, fast group rides
I want a wheelset that I can train and race on and I really believe I want a set of medium aero rims

I have a few narrowed down and I was wondering what you might recommend based on value and performance...

Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLRs
Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLEs
Zipp Firecrest 404 Clinchers
Reynolds Forty-Six

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Cyclin Dan]

I love my Cosmic Carbones....more than my Zipps.

 

[rs_herhuth]

I love my Cosmic Carbones....more than my Zipps.

Which ones do you have? What do you like more about them?

 

[ukbloke]

With a budget of $3000 consider two sets of wheels:

• Shimano DuraAce C24 clincher/tubeless for training and windy days (< $1000)
• 40-50mm carbon rim tubulars for race day (I am no expert but you should be able to find something good for around $2000).

 

[locustfist]

^^something like that

the Rol C-series 58mm tubular is a solid wheel C Series - Carbon Tubular Road Bike Wheelsets ? ROL Bicycle Wheels - ROL Wheels

 

[kmak]

Did you think about the ENVE SES 3.4s?

 

[youcoming]

I'm a bigger rider too and have nothing but good things to say about my DA 7850 50mm clinchers. I have rode these as everyday wheels and they have 20k plus on them and still true, never touched them. I did get a new set of Mavic CCU's, will see how they compare when weather gets better.

 

[stanseven]

I've had lots of wheels over the years. Based on your choices I would go with either the Carbone SLR or Zipp Firecrest. I personally don't like to have separate wheels for training and racing - I like racing on what I train with as well. While tubulars provide maybe a slight benefit in crit type situations, clinchers are at least as good in every other condition. Plus having to carry a spare tire is no longer appealing for me.

 

[scottzj]

Check out Boyd new redesigned wheelsets! They look to be really nice and worth the money. Or if you wanted, snag a set of the 38mm 2012 wheels at a major discounted cost. I have quite a few pairs of their wheels and very much happy with the design and how they hold up. I have also had tons of brand name wheels too and so far these have by far out performed those.

 

[SauronHimself]

You might want to try out a set of Mad Fiber wheels. They never need truing since the spokes are fused to the hubs and rim, and they've been tested to hold over 600 lbs.

 

[onthebottom]

I have the 303 Clinchers - love them, the ride is completely different (much smoother) than my scandium wheels.

 

[lbkwak]

ENVE SMART 6.7

/thread

 

[JackDaniels]

If someone handed me 3k and said you have to spend this on bike wheels, I would buy C24 clinchers for training and 404 tubbies for racing. Porblem solved.

 

[asv]

Enve 3.4

 

[spade2you]

Get some Enves from Zen Cyclery. Save some dough compared to the others. Call it good.

 

[JoelS]

ENVE SMART 6.7

/thread

This. Nothing else will do.

 

[r1lee]

I would also go enve 6.7, but prices up here in Canada is quite high.
Decided to give the Reynolds aero 58/72 combo a try.

Also love my zipps 303 fc.

 

[cervelott]

I would also go enve 6.7, but prices up here in Canada is quite high.
Decided to give the Reynolds aero 58/72 combo a try.

Also love my zipps 303 fc.

How were they Lee?

 

[Jay Strongbow]

I'd get a $1200ish set of alloy clinchers. Hight end hub of choice with C2 rims and CX Ray spokes.

I'm not opposed to spending money on bike stuff especially when it's the money of a stranger on the internet so I don't say that because I don't think you shouldn't spend the money......I just think that's the best choice for a set it and forget it do everything wheel which it sounds like you are looking for.

 

[r1lee]

How were they Lee?

The reynolds are great, but still prefer my zipps. I got rid of my aero bike, so I unloaded the reynolds at the same time.

I liked the zipps thanks to their hubs. Personally I think the zipp 188 hub is extraordinary.