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Carbon Wheels-clincher or tubular

trichicktrichick
in General Training Discussions

I'm looking to shed some weight off my bike and its been suggested that I look at a carbon wheel set.  I'd like some feed back as to what folks think about clincher vs tubular and where I can look for a used wheel set.  

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich
    Do you have a powermeter? That would be a much better purchase vs fancy wheels.
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030

    There is absolutely no reason, IMO, to ever use tubulars with the advent of carbon clinchers, latex tubes, and great tires like the Conti GP 4000s.  There are no advantages as far as I see and only negatives (way harder to maintain and install).

    Slowtwitch classifieds are the best place to look for used wheels.

  • Coach RichCoach Rich
    Regarding clincher vs tubular...what Bob said.

    And to be frank, the fact that you're asking about removing weight from your bike via a four figure wheel purchase tells me that the wrong people are giving you suggestions about where to spend your money :-)

    Highly recommend you consult with the Team about how/where/if to invest your dough. LOTS of experience here. The short answer is that a powermeter offers you a MUCH higher return on investment than a lightweight wheelset.
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    The weight savings aren't going to be astronomical.

    Go for the super fancy wheels if you have...

    Already shed excess weight off your bike. Like not having 5 water bottles and crap hanging off your bike.
    Already shed excess weight off of you.
    Already bought a power meter.
    Already bought an aero helmet.
    Already bought some aero and tight fitting clothing to race in.
    Already use good tires and latex tubes.


  • trichicktrichick
    Thanks Bob and Rich for your advice. I don't have a power meter, but I will re-focus on getting one instead of fancy wheels. image
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Not to be a contrarian, but fancy wheels LOOK bad ass!
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Posted By Christine Miroslavich on 14 Apr 2014 11:28 AM


    Thanks Bob and Rich for your advice. I don't have a power meter, but I will re-focus on getting one instead of fancy wheels.

    Good call .

    I'm a Powertap, Quarq, and Garmin dealer so contact me for pricing, if you're interested. 

  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    Agree with ALL of the advice above (powermeter and a LOT of other stuff before fancy wheels, etc). Regarding Bob's response to the original question, I also completely agree. I got an 808 Firecrest clincher last year for my front wheel and couldn't be happier. I use it with a Bontrager R4 Aero tire. For my rear wheel I use a Zipp clincher disc with a Vittoria Open Corsa tire.
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