BT Forum

I'm no expert by any means.. But I recently acquired some easton ea90tt wheels for "race wheels" as an upgrade from my alx220 stockers. Honestly, I noticed much more of a difference when I installed a carbon crank and got some nice tri shoes (w/ carbon soles), or when I put aerobars on, than I did when I put the new wheels on. Perhaps it was because my tires were brand new and needed to be broken in. Or perhaps they don't really make that much of a difference. Regardless, I've noticed I can roll a bit easier and possibly hold a higher average? But it is nothing noticeable. Hope this gives you a little perspective.

Performance is selling them new for $499 ... find a coupon or join their buyer's club and get 10% off (credit back towards future price) and you get their customer service (very good return policy and pretty good wrenches), and a warranty. Just an alternative.... here's link:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1034339_-1_1512507_20000_400038

Look for aero wheels. The Eastons are pretty good wheels but they're not going to do much for you that the Shimanos that came on your bike aren't doing already. Aero beats weight in our game.

Thanks for all the info guys!  I will take it all into consideration....any recommendations on a good set of aero wheels?

Hed3 front, slap a $100 disc cover on the back.

I have had great luck with my EC90TT's. Nice change from the blackwell 100's I had. Tires make a big difference to.

I notice the OP also rides a Felt S32. Just as a heads-up, the stock Shimano WH-R500 wheels on the S32 don't work with a disc cover. Apparently the distance between the spokes and cassette is too small. So he'd have to replace the rear wheel as well with something that would accept the disc cover.

I'm in the same boat.

Then it's a good time to invest in a PowerTap hub/ Wheelbuilder.com can put you one together for $1,000 on a DT Swiss rim. Another $100 for the wheel cover, and $200 for a Garmin 500 and you have an aero wheel and training/racing tool far superior to similarly prived aero wheels.

W/o the Powertap they can build you a DT Swiss wheel for less than $500.

I recently got a set of the EA90 SLX's.  I like them.  They feel stiff and are quite light, for the price.

I don't use them to race TT with, like others have said aero wheels would be better.  I use mine for group riding and club races on my road bike.

Neuvation has 50mm carbon tubies for $600 a set.  Add a disc cover and you will be very close to a $3500+ set of zipps.

edit: I forgot to mention that you will still have to buy the tubular tires and valve extensions, and probably want to include those costs in your decision.

 

Edited by brown_dog_us 2010-06-03 1:29 PM

My husband rides Easton EA90 SLX's on his road bike...and he noticed a big difference from his stock wheels.  One caveat, however...he ended up having to replace his 105 cassette with a DA cassette, because for some reason the 90 SLX would not work with his existing 105. 

Also...he just recently (as in, last week) broke a spoke (he is 170lbs) on his rear wheel and is having quite a difficult time finding a replacement.  Took the wheel in to our LBS, and they had to call up Easton directly to order the spoke from them (I guess it's proprietary) and they also needed Easton's help with removing the hub because the LBS could not figure out how to get it off.  The LBS also said that this was the first time they had ever seen an Easton wheel break.  But other than that, my husband loved the 90 SLX's, and can hardly wait to get 'em back on his bike. 

Thanks everyone for all the input...It has made me re think the purchase since I will be using them for race wheels on tri's only...I think I am going to either give the neuvations a close look or save my $ for some HED or zips...