Home General Training Discussions

To Bid or Not to Bid

After switching from my road bike to my tri bike (Speed Concept 9 series) at the end of June (after Rev3 WI Dells), I've fast come to the realization that it's way past time to upgrade the wheels (still have the stock front and a basic wheel from wheelbuilder with PT SL+ that's 4-5 years old).  While I drool over an ENVE 6.7 wheelset, it's not in the cards for several reasons right now, not withstanding the price.  After researching the gear form (the carbon vs. aluminum brake track thread was invaluable), I've decided my comfort level, given the hills we have around Madison and my wussy wuss riding esp. in the rain, require an aluminum brake track (I didn't even know this was a "thing" until I started researching).

I also need a wheelset with a PT (at least until I can spring for the Garmin Vector pedals - perhaps the next gen) and need it quickly as IM MT is my A race.

So, after researching tire options and some ebay searching, I've found the following.  I know this is not the newest version of the wheel but it seems like it will work for me 23mm rim width, 60 mm rim depth, PT (I'm checking if a PT computer comes with - if not I have a LYC or can easily pick up a Joule cheaply).

it would be great to get a few thoughts on the wheel and if the pricing seems reasonable.  Thanks, thanks, thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181463084956?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Comments

  • This looks like a very solid offer to me and except you are riding hills and mountains a lot you should be very satisfied with that wheelset!
    BTW: I'll NEVER EVER ride full-carbon wheels again! Had a set a few years back and the breaking performance was moderate when dry but when it was wet breaking was almost impossible!!
  • Well, I have 3 sets of carbon clinchers including two sets of ENVEs with G3 powertaps. Their braking is supposed to be good wet or dry. I will be taking the ENVE Smart System 8.9s to Powerman in Sep and giving them a real world test on the backside of the Bodenberg pass ... 3 times. Hoping it's not raining and that I don't have Stephan's experience, but if I am scared shitless I will report back.  Of course, I don't bike as fast as Stephan either!
  • Those are certainly decent wheels and they do have the aluminum braking surface you're looking for. For that price, they seem like a good deal to me. They're a little heavier than some other wheels, but they're also way cheaper and should be fairly bombproof for you.

    My ONLY hesitation is that you will be racing on a different powermeter than the one you have done all of your training on. These "might" be delivered to you in time to do your final RR before IMMT, but then again, they "might" not. If you eventually buy a crank based PM, you could probably resell these and get most of your money back. Also, if the sell is telling the truth about the Powertap refurb, you'd essentially be getting almost brand new PT internals in a nice set of aero wheels. I've had that service done before and they should be as good as new.

    FWIW, several sets of HED Jet 6 wheels have traded near that opening price in the recent past, and those were without a Powertap. So I think it's a decent buy close to the opening price, but a little high at the Buy-it-Now price...
  • Thank you for your feedback - this is exactly what I needed as this wheel thing is pretty new to me!

     @John - wow, last RR is coming up faster than I thought - I'll check with the seller about shipping options. I was thinking the price was reasonable at the starting bid but high at the buy it now, so thanks for the confirmation.

    I've got my outlook calendar set for Friday to monitor any bidding!

  • Sue, use esnipe to bid and forget about watching the calendar
  • @Matt - that's neat - hadn't heard of it before - all signed up (god forbid work gets in the way of bidding!).
  • Hi Jonathan - auction end tomorrow - I'll post the results!
  • You may want to check in because it states that the Seller Ended the Bidding because the product is no longer available. This happened yesterday.
  • Aargh - day late, dollar short - must find a plan B! Thanks for the heads up!
Sign In or Register to comment.