Looking to kick-start this list out of its doldrums. I'm starting a project to build a carbon high-racer. Target weight is 20 pounds. I'd like some suggestions for a wheelset. Considerations: 1. dual 700c 2. aero or semi-aero rims 3. low ( <32 ) spoke count 4. bladed spokes, if possible 5. commercially-available wheelset, no custom builds 6. moderately lightweight
Cool lacing patterns will get extra credit. Budget is in the $300-400 USD range. Since this is for a bent, the wheelset can't be flimsy! Any favorites out there?
Sorry to be so dumb but what is a "carbon highracer"? Are you using a particular brand or model of "bent" frame?
Cabon refers to carbon fiber, a lightweight material usable in frame construction.
Highracer refers to a subgenre of SWB recumbents, featuring large wheels, typically dual 650s or 700s. The large wheels give low rolling resistance and smoother rides, a straight chainline minimizes drivetrain losses and the design is more aero than traditional SWB designs. The low RR can help the bike be faster than a lowracer on rougher roads.
Less aero than a lowracer and difficult to mount/dismount for smaller riders.
As the bikes are at the same height as road bikes, they make toward better drafting in packs with road bikes and social conversation with road bike riders.
Cabon refers to carbon fiber, a lightweight material usable in frame construction.
Highracer refers to a subgenre of SWB recumbents, featuring large wheels, typically dual 650s or 700s. The large wheels give low rolling resistance and smoother rides, a straight chainline minimizes drivetrain losses and the design is more aero than traditional SWB designs. The low RR can help the bike be faster than a lowracer on rougher roads.
Less aero than a lowracer and difficult to mount/dismount for smaller riders.
As the bikes are at the same height as road bikes, they make toward better drafting in packs with road bikes and social conversation with road bike riders.
Tht pretty much sums it up. My lowracer is scary-fast, but it's not very sociable - too low to hold conversations with DFers while riding. Plus, I want to get further off the hot pavement on those mid-summer scorchers.
I'm building it to take 700c wheels for several reasons: 1. way more tire choices 2. more places likely to actually carry those choices 3. gearing
Still looking seriously at Velocity and Shimano. Also found out FSA makes wheelsets. Does anybody know anything about them?
After a lot of null responses about wheelsets, I think I'm going to get a set of Velocity Spartacus Pros or Uriels. All the others that look good and are in my price range seem to have problems. The Velocity wheels are a little heavier, but everyone seems to love them, and they have a great rep for customer support.
Anyway, I wanted to post a small scale drawing of the bike. At this point I'm still carving the foam. So far, the most significant deviations from the drawing are omiting the splitters (shaded area) and curving the main beam to leave an extra inch of head tube exposed underneath. Any comments, good bad or otherwise?
[quote="blazingpedals"]After a lot of null responses about wheelsets, I think I'm going to get a set of Velocity Spartacus Pros or Uriels. All the others that look good and are in my price range seem to have problems. The Velocity wheels are a little heavier, but everyone seems to love them, and they have a great rep for customer support.
From your prior comments and motor size, it seems the most important parameter for the wheels would air resistance, weight be hanged. If you are in the 23-25mph average range over a century, and 28mph+ on the flats you want the least air resistance possible in your wheels. Wheel weight will affect climbing and acceleration, so it would depend a little on your average terrain. You might query the time trialers as to this as they are much more attuned to air resistance as a primary consideration in a wheel set. Spartacus is not bad but I don't know of any comparisons. Steve
