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Need wheel advice!

RHolmesRHolmes
in General Training Discussions
I'm thinking about getting my husband new wheels for his road bike for his birthday. He does not do triathlons or bike races.

We ride weekly with friends...and also solo during the week during nice weather. We also ride some weekend rallies that are 35-45 miles.

We did a rally last weekend, and he averaged 17mph...with several segments at 19-20mph.

Our weekly ride has a fair amount of stopping / slowing bc of pedestrians, traffic etc, so those speeds are harder to hold on our normal ride.

He is 5'8' and about 165-170 pounds.

I'm guessing we are willing to spend $1,000-2,500...and would by used if I knew what to get.

Any wheel suggestions?

Thanks!!!

Comments

  • Peter NoyesPeter Noyes
    Would push the top end of your budget but Zipp 202s!
  • John SchneiderJohn Schneider
    FLO's are affordable I'm very happy with the pair I have 60/90 front/rear
  • Peter NoyesPeter Noyes
    For a roadie I would go with FLO 30s. I have FLO as well and I too am happy.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Based on what you are saying... Why get new wheels? It is comfort? A more sure footed ride? If that's the case think about a wider wheel that will support a nice set of 25mm tires. I would also say Aluminum. Some hing lite, fun, cool looking that will not break the bank.
  • novaavantnovaavant
    I would go aluminum wheel for this type of riding.
    As Dino said wider wheel to support the super comfy 25mm tires.

    Flo 30
    Williams System 31
    Boyd Cycling Altamont
    HED Ardennes LT

    Of this group the HED's are the most expensive at around $850.
  • RHolmesRHolmes
    Love all the thoughts. I had to laugh that Dino was actually voting against new gear. :-) I think my husband would like lighter wheels that would give a bit of help in the speed department...and it's his birthday!
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Fair point! haha.

    I am actually pretty practical with other people's money. It's my own money that I tend to support my habit with....
  • moetai@gmail.commoetai@gmail.com
    FLO 30! don't hesitate
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I'd get him a set of Zipp's. Lets be honest, he really doesn't need new wheels, but you're getting them for him because you are simply an awesome wife and he will have something super cool.

    Here's a set of 303's that are well within your stated price range: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-ZIPP-Firecrest-303-Disc-700c-Carbon-Clincher-11-Spd-Road-Bike-Wheelset-New-/391118048204?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b1073cbcc

    or 404's trade all the time on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zipp-404-Firecrest-Carbon-Clinchers-wheels-Ti-skewer-10sp-Shimano-Sram-hub-/261868500343?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf8943577
  • Mark RobertsMark Roberts
    I picked up a set of Hed Ardennes on closeout and they are awesome wheels. Wish I could have gotten the Ardennes+ 25mm ones though.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Doesn't sound to me like he needs top end wheels, but if it's his birthday and you want the best for a ROAD bike, then look no further: Best all around wheel per detailed review is the Zipp 303 unless there is extended descending. Zipp's marketing claims aside, these wheels do NOT brake as well as an aluminum track per pro testers. If the there is significant, technical descending in some of your rides, then the best all-around wheel is the Dura Ace WH-9000 C35-CL -- superbly built, aluminum brake track and a lot cheaper than the Zipps, and thus a great option if you aren't doing Alpine courses and don't want to pay for the Zipp 303. If he has disc brakes on his bike then the best performing wheel is the ENVE SES 3.4 disc.

    Flo is the value option, very good for the money, more than adequate, but not the best performers.
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    Well? What did you decide to go with?
  • RHolmesRHolmes
    Still debating...and really appreciate the feedback! Went to the bike shop today & looked at Reynolds Assault & Attack as options. Anyone have experience with them? They are $1750-1850. Or, John sent a great link w used Zipp 303s on Ebay...a couple options I see for those are $1800-1900. Can't decide!
  • Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown
    Rebecca, you can purchase me a set of wheels (I will take Flo's or Zipps) and i can give your husband my Mavic Carbons. Its a fair trade. image Honestly, no matter what you get him, he will be happy because they are a gift from you and he will look more bad ass to his friends.
  • RHolmesRHolmes
    Update: LBS had a sale this weekend. I bought him a 2013 Zipp 303 wheel set (new, never used) for $2,000...tires and tubes included. Woohoo!
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