I'll be trying out a Xentis Mark I carbon clincher in the front (combined with PT/wheelcover rear) in a few weeks at the San Juan 70.3 event. I'll report back
Where did you get the Xentis clinchers? I've got the tubie versions.
I'll be trying out a Xentis Mark I carbon clincher in the front (combined with PT/wheelcover rear) in a few weeks at the San Juan 70.3 event. I'll report back
Where did you get the Xentis clinchers? I've got the tubie versions.
I found a guy that had the Xentis carbon clinchers right after I got Xentis Aluminum clinchers on eBay. Anyone need a set of Aluminum Xentis Clinchers?
I ride H3 clinchers front and rear and they are bulletproof. I leave them on for training and racing. I might get Firecrest versions but only because I like change occasionally as I cannot believe that the pointy end of the stick gets that much pointier.
If looking for a Hed Stinger disc (tubular) I have a new one for sale that will not work on my Ridley Dean (too narrow between seat and chain stays). LMK
My main issues with H3's is the ride from a comfort standpoint isn't all that good since the rims are so narrow. The C2 rims ride so much nicer. I also didn't like how they handled in high crosswinds when running dual H3's or a H3 front/disc rear. There's a weird feel to it as the blades disappear behind the fork and reappear. It's hard to explain and articulate. I had to whiteknuckle a couple of rides and decided to go with a Jet 6 front instead.
That stated, I'd give the H3 another look if/when Hed comes out with a C2 version. They really are a bulletproof wheelset.
Spinergy wheels do not have the best reputation. They're more or less considered a third tier wheelset. You'd probably be better served buying a slightly used Hed wheelset for a similar price (I was able to get a 2010 Hed Jet 6/Jet 9 set with about 100 miles on 'em for like $1100 last year).
I have never used Spinergy wheels but have read plenty of negatives on ST and other places. So I really don't have a dog in the fight just passing on what I've read.
I've been riding a front/rear Hed C3 (carbon) tubular setup for the last few years and I like them a lot.
They seem to be a good combination of aero, stability (on descents and in cross winds), and weight (not "climbing" wheels, but light enough).
The only "downside" is flatting in a race with a tubular - they are a pain in the tush to change - especially when your HR is at 300bpm and you're trying to get back into the race as fast as you can!
Another "minor" hassle has been mentioned - the area to inflate your tires will only accept certain pump heads.
I only use them for racing (and a few days of pre-race "checks") - so they have held up very nicely for many years.
One thought for those that are contemplating new wheels is to rent them. Either to try them before you buy or simply for a few big races. I got a H3 front clincher after renting one for IMLou in 2008. I completely agree with others opinion that it is twitchy. But I love the wheel. Yes it is durable. A little heavy and slower than others to spin up and perhaps harsh. But with the Bontrager tire and latex tubes it is formidable.
Could someone recommend a front aero wheel? I'm looking to buy one this season, and I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices. How deep a rim (404 vs 808)? Regular spoke vs Hed3 trispoke? Aluminum braking surface vs all-carbon? Lower-cost (e.g. Flashpoint) vs the latest Zipp Firecrest? Hed, Zipp, Reynolds, Mavic, Flashpoint/SRAM, Edge Composites, Mad Fiber?
I ride a Cervelo P2 with a PT-equipped Mavic Open Pro clincher rear wheel (w/wheelcover for races), so should I get a clincher front as well? I weigh 145lbs and I'm trying to get to 255W / 4.0W/kg, if not this season then next. Assume I'll be racing IMLP or a couple of HIM's (e.g. Quassy and Timberman) each season, along with local sprints/oly's, and a biweekly cycling club time trial. Because of the frequent racing I'd like to be able to switch easily between the aero front wheel and my Mavic Open Pro training wheel (or keep the aero wheel in place all season, if it's cheap and bulletproof).
There are some pretty big price differences between the different options. I'll consider the more expensive ones, since I want to buy something I won't outgrow, but I'd like to know what benefits I'm getting for all that extra cash.
As we like to say around here, "Please help me spend my money!"
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Slightly O/T - I did Quassy and Timberman last year and loved them both. Suggest a LOT of hill rides in preparation for the Quassy Bike. It was brutal. The run was really hilly, too. Timberman was a piece of cake in comparison.
Cary, with no LC on the calendar, this is my year for fiscal responsibility wrt Tri, otherwise I'd probably be interested in talking further. Good luck!
Comments
Where did you get the Xentis clinchers? I've got the tubie versions.
I found a guy that had the Xentis carbon clinchers right after I got Xentis Aluminum clinchers on eBay. Anyone need a set of Aluminum Xentis Clinchers?
If looking for a Hed Stinger disc (tubular) I have a new one for sale that will not work on my Ridley Dean (too narrow between seat and chain stays). LMK
Vince
drhoffart@gmail.com
That stated, I'd give the H3 another look if/when Hed comes out with a C2 version. They really are a bulletproof wheelset.
Anyone have any thoughts on the spinergy stealth wheels?? I am thinking of getting thme as race wheels
I have never used Spinergy wheels but have read plenty of negatives on ST and other places. So I really don't have a dog in the fight just passing on what I've read.
I've been riding a front/rear Hed C3 (carbon) tubular setup for the last few years and I like them a lot.
They seem to be a good combination of aero, stability (on descents and in cross winds), and weight (not "climbing" wheels, but light enough).
The only "downside" is flatting in a race with a tubular - they are a pain in the tush to change - especially when your HR is at 300bpm and you're trying to get back into the race as fast as you can!
Another "minor" hassle has been mentioned - the area to inflate your tires will only accept certain pump heads.
I only use them for racing (and a few days of pre-race "checks") - so they have held up very nicely for many years.
About a grand. Interested?
As I stated before... if Hed comes out with an updated C2 version of the H3 then I'm probably coming back.
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Slightly O/T - I did Quassy and Timberman last year and loved them both. Suggest a LOT of hill rides in preparation for the Quassy Bike. It was brutal. The run was really hilly, too. Timberman was a piece of cake in comparison.