Road wheelset - Aero make any difference

[splunk]

Hi guys,

Looking at a new set of road wheels to replace my current Shimano 550s.

The American Classics look reasonably good. Tossing up between the CR420s and the sprint 350s. The 420s are the aero wheels which have the deep v rim, at 1400gms. The 350s are not aero, at 1300gms.

I plan on using these wheels for everything (commuting to weekend rides)

I am leaning towards the 420s only because they are different.

Will it really make much of a difference to what i am currently using?

cheers,

Splunk

[dunk]

Sure they'll be different. They're much lighter than the 550's as well as the 420's being more aerodynamic.

My decision would be more based on your local riding conditions and your weight and style. The 350's would be good if you have smooth roads, hills, crosswinds and your lightweight and smooth. The 420's would be better if you have less than smooth roads, little wind, no big hills, your heavy and rough. People seem to have mixed reviews regarding American Classic wheels, I though long and hard about buying a pair, and was trying to decide between the two sets. In the end I had a pair of handbuilts made, but I would consider a pair in the future, but I would probably go the 350's as there is too much crosswinds here in Fremantle.

Duncan
Who's off for a ride around the river now, and looking for some hills to do repeats on.

[rex2]

I have been running the 420's now for over 2 years on my do everything road bike. The only issue I have had is snapping spokes (probably 1 every six months) and I also had a spoke snap off the flange on the front hub. Other than that they run well and need little maintanence.

[Some Guy]

I've snapped several spokes on my rear CR420 too (half a dozen in a year?). Snapped another one yesterday, and it's now at the point where I'm just sick of it. I'm going to get a heavyweight wheelset with more spokes (Ultegra/Open Pro/32 spokes) for my everyday use.

[craign]

I've found snapping spokes is generally the result of a poor wheel build.

Have the wheel re-built by a professional with new spokes and nipples. And if its radial (and the hub isn't designed only for radial lacing) maybe change to 2/3 cross instead.

[Smiker]

My adive would be: steer clear of American Classic wheels at all costs.

This is probably no longer valid, but the hubs used to be utter shite (from various close friends experience 3 years ago), annd it certainly sounds like the quality of their spokes and build hasn't improved.

I upgraded to some Fulcrum Racing 1's from Ksyrium SL's this year, and love them. If I was less of a fashion victim and bike pornophile I'd be perfectly happy with the Racing 3's, they're just a little less stiff so I'm told. But the hubs roll forever.

In terms of aero/deeper section: it will typically add some weight and maybe make the ride harder. Unless it's a carbon rim, but that's a completely different story. From racing on some deeper section wheels they certainly feel fast at speed, and that's where you'd notice it most. So if you're racing, get something deeper. If not, maybe it's not worthwhile?

[n plus one]

My adive would be: steer clear of American Classic wheels at all costs.

This is probably no longer valid, but the hubs used to be utter shite (from various close friends experience 3 years ago), annd it certainly sounds like the quality of their spokes and build hasn't improved.

I upgraded to some Fulcrum Racing 1's from Ksyrium SL's this year, and love them. If I was less of a fashion victim and bike pornophile I'd be perfectly happy with the Racing 3's, they're just a little less stiff so I'm told. But the hubs roll forever.

In terms of aero/deeper section: it will typically add some weight and maybe make the ride harder. Unless it's a carbon rim, but that's a completely different story. From racing on some deeper section wheels they certainly feel fast at speed, and that's where you'd notice it most. So if you're racing, get something deeper. If not, maybe it's not worthwhile?

HIJACK ALERT!!! How are the Fulcrums holding up? How much mileage? How heavy are you? etc ? I'm running a set on my new roadie but am unsure whether they will tolerate day to day abuse.

[jasco]

One of the best sets of wheels I've seen lately are the Token C30A (http://www.tokenproducts.com/05htm/products.php?pc1id=17)

They have the smoothest feeling bearings you've ever felt and they retail for only $550. niiiiiiiiiiice

-Garth

[ScottD]

HIJACK ALERT!!! How are the Fulcrums holding up? How much mileage? How heavy are you? etc ? I'm running a set on my new roadie but am unsure whether they will tolerate day to day abuse.

Fulcrums are the go. I got the Racing 7's, strong as, value for money and look the goods. Road are shithouse where I ride and i havnt touched mine and they have done about 20 000km. I am 75kg and ride em for racing, training and commuting.

[Smiker]

The R1's are awesome. My new bike came with ES's but I swapped to the Fulcrums as I was moving overseas. Normally at home in Sydney I rode with 32h/105 wheels and raced on something nicer. But the Fulcrums have been spot on. Not a wobble at all. And with GP4000 4 seasons on I haven't had a flat since mid April!

I weigh about 75kg, and have used the wheels in Sydney, London, Devon Coast, Tuscany, Milan, Como, Dolomites, Treviso. Plus for a couple of crits, local road races and a stage race. No probs. Highly recommended.

[n plus one]

Thanks for the info fellas.