Campagnolo Zonda Clincher Wheelset

[sleaver]

I've had my bike, Specialized Allez Elite for almost a year now and now that winter is over, I'm getting the itch to upgrade parts.

I've been doing a bit of reading and it seems that the wheels are a good place to start and I have only been reading good things about this wheelset. Well, apart from someone saying about the spoke count but is that something I should worry about?

Seeing as Wiggle have them on sale at the moment at around my budget, it seems a good deal. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/campagnolo-zonda-clincher-wheelset

So, first question is would they help improve things over the standard wheels I have got and the second is are they a good wheelset to get as my first upgrade?

If the answer to those are positive, then I've got a couple of possible stupid questions. Is it east to swap the cassette over and would I need new tyres as these say they are clinchers? I know mine are not tubulars but then I don't know if that makes them clinchers or if there are a third type of tyre.

 

[Big Nick]

Dunno but I can tell you in a few days when mine arrive!

 

[StuAff]

Superb wheels. Light, stiff, tough, look great. No idea about swapping the cassette over. And yes, you almost certainly have clinchers.

 

[Jaye]

Hey Sleaver I hope you don't mind me jumping in on your thread, but you have asked the same question I was going to ask. I have a 2013 Spesh allez compact, which I absolutely love, and also read that the best upgrade for bikes in this price range is the wheel set. And guess what wheels I was looking at; yup you guessed it. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/campagnolo-zonda-clincher-wheelset/

They look fantastic, the reviews are very good and the price is right. But the question is will I notice any difference in speed cornering, braking, climbing acceleration.....etc.

Also Wiggle give a choice of Shimano or Campy freehub, what is the difference? Is it as simple as Shimano for Shimano gears?
Have you made a choice yet Sleaver? Let me know how youre getting on. Big Nick have yours arrived yet?

I know I could put the money away and save for a better bike, but I love my Spesh and think the frame is superb for its price range. Any and all advice welcome please gang.

 

[the_mikey]

Shimano freehub for Shimano and Sram gears, Campag freehub for Campag gears.

 

[Big Nick]

Mine are on and went for a 40 mile test ride with them on my Bianchi

26 pb's on Strava.....do I need to say more!

The ride is slightly harsher but they are quite light, seem to spin forever, good for climbing and quiet.

They won't be coming off anytime soon!

 

[Jaye]

26 pb's!!!! Big Nick that's amazing, I guess that means I will have to hit the savings pot and splash out. Did you fit the cassette yourself? If so is it feasible for a novice to fit, I have the tools but I'm not the greatest mechanically?

Cheers Mikey thanks for the link to some serious freehub porn

 

[berty bassett]

26 pb's!!!! Big Nick that's amazing, I guess that means I will have to hit the savings pot and splash out. Did you fit the cassette yourself? If so is it feasible for a novice to fit, I have the tools but I'm not the greatest mechanically?

Cheers Mikey thanks for the link to some serious freehub porn

if your got the tools i would say yes its easy - take the bits off one by one and lay them in order then you can clean then as you put them back on - they can only go on one way

 

[Big Nick]

Did you fit the cassette yourself? If so is it feasible for a novice to fit, I have the tools but I'm not the greatest mechanically?

Jaye
Yes I did fit the cassette myself, its straightforward but you need the correct removal tool and a chain whip so budget another £20 for the tools.
It's then a case of wrapping the chain whip around one of the larger sprockets, insert the removal tool into the lock ring on the cassette and apply steady increasing force to unscrew the lockring.
It will probably take some budging but just take care to keep both tools firmly seated and it will eventually come.

As Berty says when you've removed the lockring, remove each sprocket and spacer and lay them out in the exact order they came off. On my campagnolo the sprockets have a small triangular mark on each one to help line them up, ensure the markings on each sprocket face towards you and they will only slide on one way.

The outer (smaller) sprocket should stand slightly proud when you've slid them all back on, refit the lockring and re tighten until you get several clicks.....job done!

 

[sleaver]

Mine arrived yesterday but unfortunately still in the box as I have exams on Monday and Tuesday and so am currently cramming I also need to get the tools as well.

My current wheels are 622 x 14 (from memory) but the Zonda's are 622 x 15c. Should my current tyres still fit?

 

[StuAff]

My current wheels are 622 x 14 (from memory) but the Zonda's are 622 x 15c. Should my current tyres still fit?

Yes.

 

[Nebulous]

I haven't been round these parts much recently. I have an allez elite 2010 model and it's slightly the worse for wear. The stock wheels were rubbish and I upgraded to 30mm 501s. To be honest they made a noticeable difference and I was quite happy with them. Their time has come however, the braking track is quite worn and the freehub is decidedly dodgy. Despite nursing it along with oil it has pretty much given up.

Anyway my ambition only stretched to rs21s and I've been reluctant to commit to spending that much on wheels (my 501s seemed a lot of money)

I don't know if it is the weather, or I've been struck down by some terrible affliction, but I've just pulled the trigger on a pair of Zondas.

I know they are only seen as mid-range wheels, and some of the rear wheels I see at TTs cost four or five times that, but it still seems like a huge amount of money to spend on wheels.

It's done now though and I just hope they are worth it!

 

[Nathan AV]

After reading many reviews and following the link at the top ive splashed out on the Zondas, This has doubled the cost of my recent bike build so hopefully I'll feel the difference.

 

[Labradorofperception]

I'm on my second set (I run Campag but a new bike is Shimano hence second pair). The first I bought in 2007 and they are still going strong and running true. They've been used in everything from London commuting to full on weeks in the Alps to crits.

For the money they are a cracking wheel - nice and stiff but not skittishly so like a lot of race oriented or semi deep rims. The hubs are still running smooth.

I put my new set on my PX in place of the stock wheels and could feel the improvement immediately.

You won't regret buying a set.

 

[winjim]

Does anybody have an opinion on the spoke pattern on the Campag wheels compared with the equivalent Fulcrums? I have heard that the Campags are stiffer, but more difficult to keep true.