Chinese Wheel Fake?
I should be doing better things, but I was surfing for a SRAM S80 wheel when I find one of these Chinese market place websites selling full carbon "SRAM S80" wheelsets (2 wheels) for under $700 including shipping. First thought is, "is this another internet scam?" As in, you send your money, and nothing comes back. Then I start looking at the wheels--100% carbon including the brake track. Hold on, I didn't know the S80 even came in an all carbon clincher version. So I look around and can't find an S80 for sale anywhere (except on the Chinese exchange website) with a carbon brake track. This leads me to the conclusion that what is being offered, if anything, is a generic Chinese rim with SRAM stickers applied. Anyone think otherwise? Caveat emptor.
Comments
On the other hand, you have to remember that with the exception of full-badged Zipps, basically all these carbon wheels are made in China or Taiwan, so the mere fact that it's a Chinese open-mold wheel is probably not the biggest issue. The bigger concern is support, if you are going to get Chinese-made products, you need to get them from a reputable retailer or re-seller in the States who will stand behind the product. Otherwise, it's just not worth it to me, regardless of the savings.
Sounds like one of those SE Asia websites that offers supposedly first rate bikes at 50% or more off. They copy the look, feel, and even the advertising words from Western retailers trying to reel in suckers. Run away...fast!