American Classic Wheels

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2009-08-06 11:44 AM

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Subject: American Classic Wheels
Does anyone have any feedback on the 420 wheels?  I am looking for something that I can train on full-time and race 5-6 times per year (sprint/olympic).  I really would like a set of zipps but I wouldn't want to train full-time on that wheel and therefore can't justify the expense. 

I don't know anyone with this wheel but the reviews I am reading sound pretty good.

2009-08-06 12:00 PM
in reply to: #2331885

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Subject: RE: American Classic Wheels
Great wheels, but after putting in some miles on these I'll never ride AC's again:

http://www.williamscycling.com/sys30x/sys30x.html

They are stronger, have better hubs and bearings and cost less. They are a little heavier than AC's but are realistic on the weight limits.

Lightweights can run the lighter version:

http://www.williamscycling.com/sys30/sys30.html

2009-08-06 12:15 PM
in reply to: #2331885

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Subject: RE: American Classic Wheels
I do not have the 420's, but do run the AC hubs on a set of wheels.  They are really light hubs and I have had no issues with them for 4 years.  The only negative I have heard from locals who ride the 420's is that the braking area is very small so it leaves little room for up and down adjustment of the brake pads.  Everything else has been positive.
2009-08-06 12:25 PM
in reply to: #2331885

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Subject: RE: American Classic Wheels

I've been riding on a set of 420's I bought used late last year. So far, so good. I ride about 50-80 miles per week, weigh 175, and they've stayed remarkably true. Can't say that I notice any big aero benefit from the 40mm rim profile, but for climbing they feel just as good as, or better than, my previous wheels (which had standard rims). Used them in one race so far (olympic).

As for the braking surface, I haven't had any issues with adjustment.

2009-08-06 4:15 PM
in reply to: #2331885

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Fishers, IN
Subject: RE: American Classic Wheels

I've heard very good things about the AC's.  As for the Zipps, I know a lot of people who train and race on the 404's.  There is a bit of a risk, but it is my understanding that they are pretty durable.  I would love some and it might be my next upgrade, but currently I ride the Neuvation 28Rs with ceramic bearings.  They are light, half the price of most ($300-400 for both) and pretty durable.  Kind of an off brand but so far so good.

2009-08-06 9:01 PM
in reply to: #2331885

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Subject: RE: American Classic Wheels
On a scale of 1-10 I'd give them a solid 6.

They are light, and reasonably fast... but...

The I'm always hesitant about the braking, and I end up with chunks of aluminum in my break pads after a while.

I like my Mavic Elites more than the AC 420's.

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