Need help with buying race wheels

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2011-01-12 7:39 AM

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Subject: Need help with buying race wheels

Hello,
I'm trying to buy my first set of race wheels and on a $1200 budget.
The wheels I’ve been looking at are SRAM S80’s ($1129), Real Design SS90 Carbon Clinchers ($999), and Williams 85 Carbon Clinchers ($1099). All the wheels are around the same price. I just cant pull the trigger. Anyone with any experience with these wheels.
Can anyone help me out?

2011-01-12 7:59 AM
in reply to: #3294075

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Master
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Bedford, MA
Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
I'd seriously consider going for a slightly used set of HED or Zipp wheels. Last spring I had the SRAM 80's in my checkout basket, but decided not to pull the triger. Instead I found a set of HED Jet 6/9 that had less than 200 miles for $100.

I'm real glad with my decision, as HED has one of the most aero designs in the wheel market. Along with Zipp (and SRAM) they are the only ones with the best aero shape.

I found my set on slowtwitch - shop around - people are always wanting to get the 'latest and greatest.'
2011-01-12 8:22 AM
in reply to: #3294075

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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
ksmith76 - 2011-01-12 7:39 AM

Hello,
I'm trying to buy my first set of race wheels and on a $1200 budget.
The wheels I’ve been looking at are SRAM S80’s ($1129), Real Design SS90 Carbon Clinchers ($999), and Williams 85 Carbon Clinchers ($1099). All the wheels are around the same price. I just cant pull the trigger. Anyone with any experience with these wheels.
Can anyone help me out?



Those are all fine choices so just pick the ones that match you bike (-:

2011-01-12 9:57 AM
in reply to: #3294149

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Master
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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
natethomas2000 - 2011-01-12 8:59 AM I'd seriously consider going for a slightly used set of HED or Zipp wheels. Last spring I had the SRAM 80's in my checkout basket, but decided not to pull the triger. Instead I found a set of HED Jet 6/9 that had less than 200 miles for $100.

I'm real glad with my decision, as HED has one of the most aero designs in the wheel market. Along with Zipp (and SRAM) they are the only ones with the best aero shape.

I found my set on slowtwitch - shop around - people are always wanting to get the 'latest and greatest.'


Jet 6/9 for $100????????
Were the wheels a bit warm
2011-01-12 10:04 AM
in reply to: #3294075

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
If you are patient, $1200 is right around slightly used zipp 404 territory also - just something to consider. probably something like a 2008 that is in good shape.
2011-01-12 10:09 AM
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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
I wanted something new so I went with the Sram S80 wheel set. I had similar wheels to the ones listed in mind, but felt like those would look best on my bike. Remember you're going to have to add a cassette (unless you swap), some tires and some tubes too.
I'm in the process of doing this. Waiting for my Conti GP 4000s tires to arrive.


2011-01-12 10:30 AM
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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
I had HED tubulars on my old bike and they were great. I got them off eBay for like $350. Only reason I got rid of them was to raise money for a new ride.

Another option if you want to go new is Neuvation. I have a set of everyday wheels on my new bike, and they are awesome - light, strong, fast and they stay straight despite me beating them on rough country roads. He has carbon tubulars and clinchers too for way less than the big names. Customer service there was great too. Only reason I don't have them is because I'm saving up for a power tap instead.
2011-01-12 11:26 AM
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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels

If I had to narrow it down I would say it’s between the Williams and the SRAM.
The Williams wheels are all carbon and the SRAMS have aluminum braking surface. The Williams are definitely lighter. But the SRAM shape is probably better. Plus its a pain to change out the pads on my Jamis T2.



Edited by ksmith76 2011-01-12 11:33 AM
2011-01-12 11:51 AM
in reply to: #3294075

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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels
look at the planet-x wheels also - I got a set for Christmas they are nice and reasonably priced, 50 front and 82 back carbon tubulars for 699.  I think they are regularly 799....
2011-01-12 12:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels

I know that you are probably antsy to pull the trigger to get your bike bling on but I'd wait on a good used deal.  For instance, I waited almost 3 months before I found a Zipp808 front for 525 bucks.  I want the rear as well but haven't found that deal yet.  Until then I just run a disc on my training wheel for races.  Hell, it's faster than the 808(which I will disk when I find one).  Just don't get caught up in the Joneses of bike bling unless you really have cash like that.

2011-01-12 12:37 PM
in reply to: #3294956

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Master
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South Alabama
Subject: RE: Need help with buying race wheels

I have the Williams 58 carbon clinchers w/ PT hub.  So far they have been great.  Bought them as race wheels but used them through out the Summer in both training and racing.  I have not had any problems with them and would not hesitate to use as everyday wheels.  Have heard good things about customer service at Williams but have not had to use it.  Email them with questions-owner, Keith?? Williams, will likely reply.

Randy  

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