Wheels for new frame

I'm nothing but impressed with the Zondas I acquired back in July. They seem to be a good compromise between aero efficiency and smooth ride, at a reasonable price.

How are they compared to traditional 32 spoke non aero wheels? Hard to quantify - I have a riding partner who is definitely a stronger cyclist than I am, but rides conventional wheels. With the Zondas or Rolf Vector Pro's, I can outsprint him, and get faster speeds on a downhill, 3-4 mph better. He's good enough that he should be able to beat me if all things were equal, so I assume the wheels are a major factor.

Can't speak for durability, but after 2 months and 500 or so miles, they're still perfectly true. Very handsome wheels, good looking. I have noticed that the Zondas ride smoother than the Rolfs, but the Rolfs seem to be a tad bit quicker on a downhill.

just a point on the campy wheels, you can run them on shimano groupsets by changing the freehub body (should be free at time of purchase)

i've just ordered a set of campy sciroccos to replace some 32 spoke wheels i trashed!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by JohnO

How are they compared to traditional 32 spoke non aero wheels? Hard to quantify - I have a riding partner who is definitely a stronger cyclist than I am, but rides conventional wheels. With the Zondas or Rolf Vector Pro's, I can outsprint him, and get faster speeds on a downhill, 3-4 mph better. He's good enough that he should be able to beat me if all things were equal, so I assume the wheels are a major factor.

OH,my! I'd look somewhere else for that big a difference.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by JohnO
I'm nothing but impressed with the Zondas I acquired back in July. They seem to be a good compromise between aero efficiency and smooth ride, at a reasonable price.

How are they compared to traditional 32 spoke non aero wheels? Hard to quantify - I have a riding partner who is definitely a stronger cyclist than I am, but rides conventional wheels. With the Zondas or Rolf Vector Pro's, I can outsprint him, and get faster speeds on a downhill, 3-4 mph better. He's good enough that he should be able to beat me if all things were equal, so I assume the wheels are a major factor.

Can't speak for durability, but after 2 months and 500 or so miles, they're still perfectly true. Very handsome wheels, good looking. I have noticed that the Zondas ride smoother than the Rolfs, but the Rolfs seem to be a tad bit quicker on a downhill.

JohnO: That's a huge difference in downhill speed, and like Boudreaux, I'd almost think that was due to either you tucking in better downhill.....or perhaps your buddies a flyweight? You may just be a stronger rider! I'll have to do some actual downhill comparisons for myself with guys of similar weight. Normally seems like I keep up on my 32 spoke MA-3s, as long as I tuck in.

Thanks for the input....one vote in favor of spending big bucks on the wheelset!
Dan

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dhk

Thanks for the input....one vote in favor of spending big bucks on the wheelset!
Dan

You don't have to fracture the wallet to get wheels that are better than you are.Check www.exelsports.com and the Cirrus or Threats. they can also build open pros on chorus or record hubs. Higher buck boutique wheels are more about chi-chi points than anything else. Velomax are ok.

Not to further confuse you but have you considered Bontrager Race Lites? (You can pick then up on E-bay very reasonably). They have Swiss built fully serviceable hubs with a combination of cartridge and needle bearings and 14G bladed stainless steel spokes. I put approx. 2500 miles on a pair this summer and never had to true them once. (I weigh 175 lbs.)

Yep, Excelsports does have some good prices. I do like their Cirrus wheelset at only $295....DA hubs, OP rims, plus the smart use of 14/17 Revolution spokes on front and non-drive. Total weight is under 1700 gms, and I bet they ride well. Threat looks good as well with the Chris King hubs for more bucks.

The thing I still like about "standard" wheels is that the spokes are easily replaceable and can be gotten at most LBS if you do hit something big.

Thanks for the input. I admit to keeping a tight grip on the wallet, but when it finally opens, am willing to pay if I can see the benefits. And, style does count for something too....if I go with Campy groupo, the Scirroco or Zondas would be a great match at the right build-kit prices.

Dan

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Cipher
Not to further confuse you but have you considered Bontrager Race Lites? (You can pick then up on E-bay very reasonably). They have Swiss built fully serviceable hubs with a combination of cartridge and needle bearings and 14G bladed stainless steel spokes. I put approx. 2500 miles on a pair this summer and never had to true them once. (I weigh 175 lbs.)

Yes, they are available as a build-kit option for me. Saw them at the LBS on the Treks I test rode. Frankly, had dismissed them just because they are OEM on Treks...will take another look based on your good recommendation. Since so many Treks are shipped with them, and my nearest LBS is Trek dealer, ought to be easy to get any spokes or bearings down the road.

Thanks,
Dan

OK, just checked the Bontrager website and some reviews online. Bont Race Lite does look like a solid option....in fact, right about the top of the list of build-kit choices at a reasonable price. Like the OSB and hub features, plus LBS Trek dealer support ought to work if I need it. Thanks!

Dan