triathlon / time trial wheelset for approx £500?

[DannO]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could suggest or link me to a good set of time trial wheels for my specialized racing bike? The wheelsize is 700c and is currently Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 12-25t cassette. I am after clincher type rims and maybe carbon? When changing wheels is it simply a case of fitting your existing cassette to your new wheels? Thanks for any advise you can offer. cheers

 

[accountantpete]

Mavic Cosmic Carbones are a little more expensive but you could get a rear wheel for £400 or so (check eBay or get used pair). These are normal rims with a carbon fairing to provide the aero bit and the rear weighs in the same as my Zonda rear wheel. The freehub is a Shimano M10 which I believe is compatible with an 8spd system -but you had better check.

They are fairly neutral as regards going uphill but you do notice the difference everywhere else. They do not make a "fantastic" difference in terms of performance IMHO but if seconds count then I'd go for them.

ps - they come in a variety of specs the best of which is the MCC SL Premium SSC (the latter indicates that they have been riden and approved by the pro riders I think!)

You will also need sunglasses to counter the bling!

 

[MajorMantra]

Food for thought (although some of these are tubular only):

http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk/

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/Planet_X_Pro_Carbon_50_Wheel_Offers.html

http://bikesoul.com/2009/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=36

Since you're after 8 speed you could look for some older deep section alloy rims. I'm assuming that for TTs it's aero characteristics you're most concerned with and there are plenty of nice (but heavyish) wheelsets on the used market.

Matthew

 

[DannO]

Thanks for the feedback, I quite like the look of this wheelset below, are they ok and will they fit on Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 12-25t cassette? Thanks again

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/tr...ls-Gavia-Carbon-Alu-90mm-Clincher/PROLWHFR400

 

[MajorMantra]

Thanks for the feedback, I quite like the look of this wheelset below, are they ok and will they fit on Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 12-25t cassette? Thanks again

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/tr...ls-Gavia-Carbon-Alu-90mm-Clincher/PROLWHFR400

No, it says "10 Only Shim", i.e. 10 speed only.

Also, you may not be primarily concerned with weight, but even so, those are VERY heavy wheels.

Matthew

 

[accountantpete]

If you are just going to time trial with the wheels then I'd have a look at tubs - lighter and they roll better.

 

[DannO]

If you are just going to time trial with the wheels then I'd have a look at tubs - lighter and they roll better.

Thanks for the feedback, will be mainly triathlons and some training runs

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks for the feedback, will be mainly triathlons and some training runs

In that case you should have a serious look at tubs.

The only drawbacks are cementing them on takes a bit of practice and of course punctures but they are faster as the rims are lighter and the tyres generally roll better than clinchers.

I take it you have noticed Zipps exist!

 

[DannO]

Yes, they look superb, but then so does the price tag :-)

 

[Will1985]

Focus on getting a decent front wheel, then get a cover from wheelbuilder.com for your current rear.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

get some planet x pro carbon 50's only 1500g and feel great to ride on!

 

[DannO]

Hi, found these wheels that are within my budget and look like they will fit. Does anyone think they are any good? Cheers.

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP8645.aspx?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=DDI

 

[Young Un]

Hi, found these wheels that are within my budget and look like they will fit. Does anyone think they are any good? Cheers.

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP8645.aspx?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=DDI

They, again, are a very heavy set of wheels, and those weights are without skewers or tyres!

 

[accountantpete]

They, again, are a very heavy set of wheels, and those weights are without skewers or tyres!

Especially when you check the weight of Zipps

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/listings/components.php?type=roadwheels

 

[MajorMantra]

They, again, are a very heavy set of wheels, and those weights are without skewers or tyres!

Well, they're still a fair bit lighter than the Pro Lites, but still - that's £550 for a wheelset that weighs as much as my bog standard Khamsins.

What about Easton EA90s or EA50s?

Matthew