View Full Version : The wheels and/or tires combination that transformed your ride
weisan
02-03-2016, 02:11 AM
We have often heard how the wheel and/or tire combinations affect the quality of your ride just as much, sometimes if not more, as the build quality of your frame/fork. Curious as to what are some of these fav. combo that my pals liked or found to be truly ground-breaking or transformative in their experience?
To start us off, I have heard pretty consistent positive reviews about the Campy Neutrons, what else?
weisan
02-03-2016, 02:13 AM
Haha... Wrong section of the board... Happens to us all every once in a while... If one of the mods would kindly move this thread to the General Discussions, I would appreciate it.
jimcav
02-03-2016, 02:22 AM
made my stiffer modern steel feel more plush (was on enve 3.4 or 6.7)
maybe 17 years ago was the 1st time i used aero wheels (old shamal) and that was pretty amazing to see a 5% speed change.
i briefly had LW Gen 3 and only because i got a great deal, but despite hype I did really love them and to me they changed a ride more than any single other thing i've purchased (ie more than tire choice, more than frame material), the spin up, the sound, the stiffness yet comfort. nothing else was like it
alexstar
02-03-2016, 02:27 AM
In 2009, I bought a pair of Shamal Ultras to replace my Open Pro/Record wheels. Holy cow, the difference was like night and day. Instant speed. Part of me wonders if Hyperons or Boras are a similar leap, but for me the Shamals are damn good all-around wheels.
Cicli
02-03-2016, 04:56 AM
Wide, wide, wide.
I moved to a set of 25mm wide rims sporting the new Vittoria Corsas in 25mm. Relitavely light and smooth as silk. That said, they dont fir on the high zoot plastic bikes but on the Serotta, awesome.
weisan
02-03-2016, 05:04 AM
ti pal, don't mind telling us what 25mm wide rim you are using?
Cicli
02-03-2016, 05:16 AM
ti pal, don't mind telling us what 25mm wide rim you are using?
Hed Ardennes SL+
weisan
02-03-2016, 05:19 AM
Hed Ardennes SL+
ah...very nice wheels, bomb proof.
oldpotatoe
02-03-2016, 06:20 AM
We have often heard how the wheel and/or tire combinations affect the quality of your ride just as much, sometimes if not more, as the build quality of your frame/fork. Curious as to what are some of these fav. combo that my pals liked or found to be truly ground-breaking or transformative in their experience?
To start us off, I have heard pretty consistent positive reviews about the Campy Neutrons, what else?
Simple...after riding tubulars for a long time, got a 'spare' set of clinchers(DT) and even with wide-ish, low PSI clinchers, the tubular ride was head and shoulders better.
I have a clincher set for wet weather Moots and a tubular set..when I ride the tubular, it transforms the ride(already really good) to something 'better...
I go back and forth with just leaving the tubulars on the Moots..if it's raining I don't ride anyway..ride when it's sloppy/wet, like it will be after out 12 inches of snow, as it starts to melt.
But tubulars. If you haven't tried then, anybody, try them.
Anybody want to buy some freewheel/PhilWood/DT585 clinchers?
adrien
02-03-2016, 06:53 AM
Nice thread.
For me, the first revelation was a set on Ambrosio rims (FCS28s) hand built with R45s. Very lively, light feeling, and by far the best braking surface I've experienced. Just a massive boost in connectivity and jump.
Second revelation was open tubulars -- open pave's in my case. Just very, very smooth, and uncanny grip in the wet and on broken pavement.
Third is wider, good carbon wheels. Speed, and a feeling like you're drafting when you're not, along with a great ride (Enve SES 4.5, with 25 open Paves).
AngryScientist
02-03-2016, 07:01 AM
Moved to general section.
I personally have not seen the light of wide clinchers. To me they perform no different than similar spec'd skinny rims with appropriate adjustment of tire pressure.
Huge difference in bike feel with wheel and tire change though. I was totally underwhelmed with my first serotta when I initially got it and rode it with cheaply made 32 spoke handbuilts with straight gauge spokes and heavy hubs.
Swapped into a set of shamals and the difference was night and day. Amazing change!
thollandpe
02-03-2016, 07:11 AM
.
r_mutt
02-03-2016, 07:40 AM
Lightweight Meilenstein Obermayer Tubuars-
It lives up to the hype.
yakstone
02-03-2016, 07:48 AM
Lightweight Meilenstein Obermayer Tubuars-
It lives up to the hype.
Would love to try a set of these.
Titanium
02-03-2016, 08:07 AM
The first experience was going from beat Mavic CXP 22 (?)w/105 hubs to entry level Easton EA50s on my old Kestrel 200Si. The difference was massive even at this lower level. Latter I do remember a big change after finding and overhauling a set of old Shamals,WOW,then adding Vredstien Tricomp running at 120 PSI on my Merlin Ti,DOUBLE WOW! I remember feeling that the bike was accelerating up a hill and I was not even pedaling. The right wheel and tire does make a HUGE difference.
8aaron8
02-03-2016, 08:20 AM
For a long while I was used to running cheaper tires (didn't make much money), but for me there was an immediate transformation when I built a set of 32h a23 rims with continental gp4000s tires. I haven't ridden skinny rims since, but my belief is that the tire made the biggest difference, after all I was used to $20 performance specials.
J. Anquetil
02-03-2016, 08:38 AM
Campagnolo Neutron + Scwalbe 1 23. Awesome.
carpediemracing
02-03-2016, 08:40 AM
First, and worst, was riding original Tufo tubulars. This was on a bike that was otherwise super mushy, but the first time I rode the bike it had the Tufos. I was appalled at the ride quality, so harsh, felt like steel bars and a saddle/post off of a $199 bike. Switched wheels to something normal (CX/CG?) and it was totally fine. It was the owner's Merlin, back in the day of pressed in BB bearings, Wound Up carbon fork. Taught me vividly that tires flex more than anything else on the bike.
First time I was on light wheels. I had a superlight front wheel/tire combo (GEL280 or Campy Record Crono box rim, 28 spokes 1.8mm DB, and a Zipp or Kingsbury front hub). it was very light, very easy to accelerate, and not very reliable. It was so light that after a crash in a big crit, in the neutral pit, the mechanic couldn't get over how light it was. I was like, yeah, that's nice, but can I have another wheel so I can keep racing??
First time on carbon tubulars. They weren't that light relative to the light wheels nowadays at 1550g or so (Reynolds DV46), but between being on the trainer all winter and then being outside for the first time at a race with those wheels... wow. When I got on the bike it felt like it would just ride away without me. When I did my first jump on them, jeepers. Ended up winning the Series that year.
I'm a big fan of the CX before and now the EVo whatever tubular that Vittoria sells. Tried two Conti models (sprinter, competition, got at least 4 of each) and hated them both. Durable but not really straight and a hard ride. Only tires in last 15? years that I removed before they flatted.
Ride quality... whatever. If it's not super harsh like the Tufo then it's good enough. I put so much pressure in the EVOs (120-130 psi) it is what it is.
Seramount
02-03-2016, 09:12 AM
don't have a ton of experience with different wheels, but going from many thousands of miles on Mavic OPs to DA C24s was a noticeable improvement. in fact, I consider the C24s to be my favorite purchase of the last several decades. they actually inspire me to ride more often.
I play around with tires...mostly Conti 4Ks, but currently on Schwalbe ONEs which are pretty nice, but not sure about service life yet, only have 1500 miles on them. some Michelin Pro 4s are on-deck...some Rubino Pro Slicks did not impress.
have never tried anything wider than 23s, tho...fork won't accommodate them.
Ken Robb
02-03-2016, 09:45 AM
Simple...after riding tubulars for a long time, got a 'spare' set of clinchers(DT) and even with wide-ish, low PSI clinchers, the tubular ride was head and shoulders better.
I have a clincher set for wet weather Moots and a tubular set..when I ride the tubular, it transforms the ride(already really good) to something 'better...
I go back and forth with just leaving the tubulars on the Moots..if it's raining I don't ride anyway..ride when it's sloppy/wet, like it will be after out 12 inches of snow, as it starts to melt.
But tubulars. If you haven't tried then, anybody, try them.
Anybody want to buy some freewheel/PhilWood/DT585 clinchers?
How much difference does one notice when riding tubulars of different price/quality? Are cheap tubies better than expensive clinchers?
jtakeda
02-03-2016, 10:52 AM
Anybody want to buy some freewheel/PhilWood/DT585 clinchers?
I just got a freewheel Phil wood built....would've saved me a few hundred if I knew you had them.
As for me.
Bigger tires and lower psi. I was always a 23c 105psi guy.
Went to ruffy tuffy at 60psi and smoooooth
Hermes_Alex
02-03-2016, 10:56 AM
Pretty much any wide rim with the IRC Roadlite tubeless 25c tires - those things were a revelation when I first rode them.
oldpotatoe
02-03-2016, 11:01 AM
How much difference does one notice when riding tubulars of different price/quality? Are cheap tubies better than expensive clinchers?
I think you 'expect' to notice a difference, so you do but the advantage to tubulars are how they are made, all of them, vs how a clincher is made.
But tough to make the blanket statement .
"A poor day riding is better than a great day at work"...
nate2351
02-03-2016, 11:12 AM
When I was racing cat 4 I was going super hot at a stage race. I had done well the first day racing on box sections wheels. My buddy, who wasnt having a good time, loaned me his 404s with the old latex tube Vittorias on them. I one the stage that day from a break and immediately started saving for new wheels.
Recently, I've been impressed by the Enve 3.4 Smart wheels.
Michael Maddox
02-03-2016, 12:09 PM
The year was 1989. I bought my first pair of "real racing wheels," Campagnolo Victory Strada rims, Chorus hubs, and butted spokes. Bob Beck built them in Albany, Georgia. Glued myself to the floor for a couple of days, but eventually I got my Vittoria Corsas glued on and went riding.
Man...those things were smoooooooooth.
And you know....I think I still have them, stashed away. I'm going to have to go look.
Waldo
02-03-2016, 12:31 PM
Zipp Tangente Course R30. A great fast and comfy 30mm road tire. Yes, fast. All of you who think your 25s are the shizzle have no idea what you're missing, but the 30s won't fit in your plastic frames.
:p:p:p
warren128
02-03-2016, 12:42 PM
The most dramatic ride transformation for me was back in the mid-70s, going from 27 x 1 1/4 Hutchinson clinchers to 700c tubulars (on a Campagnolo handbuilt wheelset). I've been riding on high pressure clinchers since the mid-90s, so nowadays, tubulars are just a distant and pleasant memory.
I still may acquire a nice tubular wheelset someday just to relive that experience, but I'm not looking forward to reexperiencing the hassle of glueing them onto the rims. :D
thermalattorney
02-03-2016, 01:07 PM
For me it's been Hutchinson Sectors. Tons of extra cush that you can you feel all ride long without being sluggish. Since then I've made sure all my road bikes fit them.
At the time they were the only game in town and made me a believer in road tubeless. Now Schwalbe makes two fast-rolling tubeless tires in the 28-30mm range.
On the flip-side: I briefly owned a set of Hed3s. Talk about bone-shaking...
carpediemracing
02-03-2016, 01:09 PM
How much difference does one notice when riding tubulars of different price/quality? Are cheap tubies better than expensive clinchers?
http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2010/06/equipment-selecting-tubular-tire.html
Cheap tubulars are molded flat (think cylinder shaped rolls, not circle shaped rolls) and have the tread "melted" onto the casing. When the casing stretches the tread cracks. This invites punctures. The tread is not happy when the tire is inflated The Futurox in the post above had kevlar under the tread so it was a good cheap tire. Some cheap tire casing tend to stretch more - we used to joke about some of the tires we'd see (some friends insisted on training on cheap tires), they looked like 32mm tires before they died, starting life as a 23mm tire. The Futurox didn't stretch much so it was another reason I liked the tire. I tended to get tires that wouldn't puncture since I DNF'ed plenty of races where I was fine but a super light tire gave out on me.
Better tires are made on round casing, i.e. if you tried to lay it flat it won't lay flat because it wants to be a circle. Then, on a case like that (which doesn't distort or have wrinkles when you glue it onto a round rim), the tread gets glued while the casing is inflated. The casing actually wants to shrink a bit, fold into itself, but the tread keeps it more round. WHen you inflate a good tubular the tread is happy, status quo, not under stress. Much more durable. Many nicer tires include a layer of puncture resistant material (which makes me happy) so that helps.
AngryScientist
02-03-2016, 01:17 PM
My view is that tubulars are a pain in the butt and time consuming to mount, so just go for the good ones up front. It's easier to experiment with cheap clinchers since you can change them out in minutes. I don't have any experience with the cheapie tubulars, but everyone says they suck, so I don't even bother.
Hermes_Alex
02-03-2016, 01:33 PM
For what it's worth, as an on-again, off-again cheap tubular rider, I found the Schwalbe Montellos to be really great when it came to cheapo tubies.
Ti Designs
02-03-2016, 01:43 PM
The biggest transformation I see is switching from winter wheels to summer wheels. My go-to summer wheels are Ksyrium SLs, nothing to write home about. My winter wheels are fast-proof. On my fixed gear I have Nokian A10's. They roll slightly better than a cinderblock in a straight line, but when you corner of climb out of the saddle, and the studs find the road, it almost feels like you're pulling the brakes. The day I make the switch I always feel like I'm wearing a jet pack.
Ken Robb
02-03-2016, 01:48 PM
My winter wheels are fast-proof.
Everything I ride is "fast-proof". :D
went from Mavic open pros to AC sprint 350s, made me notice the difference. Then went to light tires, tubes and rim tape. experimented with different build configurations. Next big change was going to Reynolds MV 32 ULs, love these wheels. Still looking for a really light 25mm clincher. half the fun is the constant change.
rwsaunders
02-04-2016, 11:41 AM
Making the switch from clinchers to tubulars a few years ago was a pleasant experience. Upgrading from Conti Competiton tubulars to Veloflex Roubaix tubulars was the icing on the cake, as well as the new benchmark in comfort, reliability and performance for me.
559Rando
02-04-2016, 12:59 PM
With all this tubular talk, what's the feeling on the following:
1) Pressure - are you running different pressure in the tubies vs clinchers?
2) Rim width - are you comparing similar width tubie and clincher rimz? The Velocity Major Tom (23mm wide) seem like they'd help tubies get even better, but that's pure assumption on my part.
3) Tubular vs tubeless high quality wide (32mm or wider) clinchers - With all the nice tires from Compass and others I wonder if runnning the Compass 700C x 35 Bon Jon Pass tubeless or 650B x 48 Switchback Hill would give that great ride and speed, with less headache. Both tires are a little wider than Jan's findings optimal width for performance. Thoughts?
pdmtong
02-04-2016, 01:10 PM
I personally have not seen the light of wide clinchers. To me they perform no different than similar spec'd skinny rims with appropriate adjustment of tire pressure. Swapped into a set of shamals and the difference was night and day. Amazing change!
I too was unble to suss out any magic from the Belgium C2/DT240s/Sapim CX-Ray set I recently sold, even varying the open pave between 90-110psi f/r. In contrast, the shamals were immediately noticeable and added extra speed without effort.
My view is that tubulars are a pain in the butt and time consuming to mount, so just go for the good ones up front.
I have no experience with tubulars (would like to) but would agree just get the better tires up front. It's like paint, all the time and energy is in the prep, so what if the paint costs $40/gallon or $60/gallon when you use just 1-2 gallons.
carpediemracing
02-04-2016, 01:43 PM
With all this tubular talk, what's the feeling on the following:
1) Pressure - are you running different pressure in the tubies vs clinchers?
2) Rim width - are you comparing similar width tubie and clincher rimz? The Velocity Major Tom (23mm wide) seem like they'd help tubies get even better, but that's pure assumption on my part.
3) Tubular vs tubeless high quality wide (32mm or wider) clinchers - With all the nice tires from Compass and others I wonder if runnning the Compass 700C x 35 Bon Jon Pass tubeless or 650B x 48 Switchback Hill would give that great ride and speed, with less headache. Both tires are a little wider than Jan's findings optimal width for performance. Thoughts?
Pressures - 95-115 psi clinchers, 120-130 psi tubulars. 700x23c clinchers, 23mm tubulars (which are a bit smaller than the clinchers).
Rim width - doesn't matter on tubulars. The tubular tire casing supports itself, so you inflate based on casing diameter, not on rim. I made the HUGE mistake of underinflating my tubulars because I was on a wide rim. Almost crashed myself out twice in one race, second time I was 2nd wheel going into the 2nd last turn and I'm really lucky I didn't take anyone out.
With clinchers I am running those pressures on 23mm wide rims, 2010 era Ardennes/Bastogne/Jets.
On tubulars wide rims are there for aero, not for anything else. In fact wide tubular rims negate a huge tubular advantage, that of being able to ride at a substantial portion of overall capability while on a flat tire. With a wide tubular rim it's virtually impossible to ride a flat. With a regular tubular rim you can ride pretty hard, except for sharp turns, on a front flat tire.
I've never tried tubeless.
scrubadub
02-04-2016, 01:46 PM
2) Rim width - are you comparing similar width tubie and clincher rimz? The Velocity Major Tom (23mm wide) seem like they'd help tubies get even better, but that's pure assumption on my part.
Wide rims are not as useful for tubulars as clinchers. They help with a nice base for the bigger cross tires but smaller tires just don't fit the profile well. I have a pair of Major Toms that need to be rebuilt into something else because I don't use cross tires and the only thing they fit well IMHO are FMB 27s. I also have wide Boras and found the same thing - narrower tires don't seem to seat as well. I run FMB 25s now which work out well.
Dead Man
02-04-2016, 01:48 PM
More or less air, in a wider tubular? I recently switched to 27mm Paves from the 25mm Corsas/Elites I'd been riding... but didn't change my air pressure... still running 95ish PSI, for my 160lbs
My ride revolution came with switching to lightweight alloy tubulars laced with butted spokes on latex-tubed 320tpi tubulars at low pressure - it's like riding on a half-flat clincher. Almost feels sluggish, but my speed hasn't changed at all. Soooooo smooth. I'm cringing at the thought of going back to carbon, come race season. Hell - I might not even... these Gel280s are sub-1200! But are kinda scary, and brake like ····
eBAUMANN
02-04-2016, 01:51 PM
202/303's with 25c Vittoria Corsa SC
like a magic carpet
bicycletricycle
02-04-2016, 02:09 PM
700 x 28 conti gp4000 II S tireas are pretty sweet, they are more like 30s, they are light and ride nice.
bikerboy337
02-04-2016, 02:10 PM
Just made the switch to tubular this fall and its been great. Have 2 wheelsets that are very different from each other but both great.
Picked up a set of HED Stinger 4s with some 25mm Schwalbes glued on and these are amazing fast fun wheels, noticeable speed increase from my standard Record/Archetype training clinchers.
Also picked up a set of Hed Belgium tubulars, laced to DT 350s with aerolites and glues on some vittoria corsa cx's to these. Man are they a blast to ride. Not as fast as the Stingers when I'm cranking, but just oh so smooth and a joy to ride and just a solid all-around wheelset.
rnhood
02-04-2016, 02:28 PM
Conti 4000 SII in 25, mounted to Dura Ace C24 wheels. My tubulars just sit in the closet.
oldpotatoe
02-04-2016, 02:38 PM
With all this tubular talk, what's the feeling on the following:
1) Pressure - are you running different pressure in the tubies vs clinchers?
2) Rim width - are you comparing similar width tubie and clincher rimz? The Velocity Major Tom (23mm wide) seem like they'd help tubies get even better, but that's pure assumption on my part.
3) Tubular vs tubeless high quality wide (32mm or wider) clinchers - With all the nice tires from Compass and others I wonder if runnning the Compass 700C x 35 Bon Jon Pass tubeless or 650B x 48 Switchback Hill would give that great ride and speed, with less headache. Both tires are a little wider than Jan's findings optimal width for performance. Thoughts?
1)no, 95 psi or so on both.
2)same rim width. A wide tubie rim doesn't enhance tire feel or performance. Have no data about wide clincher rim gig.
3) hard to say since no road fat tubulars. I think the sweet spot for tubulars is 25-28...for road riding, not 'GRoad' bike, I don't see a big fat tire as being a benefit. Strictly road riding.
Depending on the tubeless/rim/goop/tape, etc, tubular is less hassle, IMHO.
stronzo
02-04-2016, 02:47 PM
For me it was the old Ksyrium SSLs (this was around 2005/2006). Such a wonderful change from my lower-end handbuilts. Rode them everywhere and into the ground over the next 6 years before passing them on to a friend, still as true as the day I bought them.
Coalfield
02-04-2016, 03:35 PM
GEL280 rims showed me the light years ago, with a good 22 or 23 tubular. Mavic Reflex on Record hubs with a 25mm tubie is nice.
Have not yet tried carbon tubular wheels or the wider clincher rims.
This year the rubber will be upgraded to Veloflex in both Arenberg25 & Vanlanderan 27mm. Also a set of Spec tubulars, that get such good comments.
559Rando
02-04-2016, 06:16 PM
Pressures - 95-115 psi clinchers, 120-130 psi tubulars. 700x23c clinchers, 23mm tubulars (which are a bit smaller than the clinchers).
Rim width - doesn't matter on tubulars. The tubular tire casing supports itself, so you inflate based on casing diameter, not on rim. I made the HUGE mistake of underinflating my tubulars because I was on a wide rim. Almost crashed myself out twice in one race, second time I was 2nd wheel going into the 2nd last turn and I'm really lucky I didn't take anyone out.
With clinchers I am running those pressures on 23mm wide rims, 2010 era Ardennes/Bastogne/Jets.
On tubulars wide rims are there for aero, not for anything else. In fact wide tubular rims negate a huge tubular advantage, that of being able to ride at a substantial portion of overall capability while on a flat tire. With a wide tubular rim it's virtually impossible to ride a flat. With a regular tubular rim you can ride pretty hard, except for sharp turns, on a front flat tire.
I've never tried tubeless.
Awesome response. Thanks! :hello:
K u r t
02-04-2016, 08:24 PM
I switched to Ksyrium SLR clinchers a year or so back.
I'm not necessarily blown away by the speed or comfort of the wheels, but "Exalith" braking surface is the the real deal -- absolutely transformative. Granted, I'm ~185 lbs and ride in hills, so big brakes help me especially, but Exalith generates so much stopping power, I feel like I'm in an F1 car. And I actually like the sound of them, too.
many_styles
02-05-2016, 12:16 AM
Alchemy hubs 20/24 X Pacenti SL23s X 23c Vittoria SC = So buttery.
pdmtong
02-05-2016, 12:20 AM
I switched to Ksyrium SLR clinchers a year or so back........And I actually like the sound of them, too.
I dont mind the whrrrr either [have R-SYS SL] but what's really interesting to me is that my shamal mille with the same PEO treatment are dead quiet.
scrubadub
02-05-2016, 08:15 AM
I dont mind the whrrrr either [have R-SYS SL] but what's really interesting to me is that my shamal mille with the same PEO treatment are dead quiet.
How does the braking on the Milles compare with the Exalith?
drewskey
02-05-2016, 02:06 PM
When I switched to Reynolds Solitudes with 25 Vittoria CX/latex pumped up to 115 psi. They sing.
thwart
02-05-2016, 02:45 PM
OK... I'll play.
Ergott built HED C2's with 25 mm Mich PR3's (which measure 26-27 mm) pushed my Peg Duende from, 'hey, nice ride' to WOW. Especially in the corners.
weisan
02-12-2016, 04:45 AM
I am really enjoying the wide-ranging favs that pals came up with.
Any further suggestions or other personal experience to share?
happycampyer
02-12-2016, 05:05 AM
Purely for ride quality, my favorite wheel + tire combination is Hyperon Ultras with Veloflex Arenbergs. Pressure in the 90 - 95 psi range.
I have to say, though, Enve XC27.5s with Compass 650B x 42mm Babyshoe Pass tires are very plush and, due to the larger contact patch, grip is fantastic. Pressure in the 30 - 35 psi range.
scharny
02-12-2016, 11:16 AM
Went from mavic open pro rims with Continental Gatorskin tires to a set of tubeless-ready Ultegra 6800 wheels with Schwalbe One 28mm tires (stans added). Haven't had a flat since the switch, noticeable increase in speed overall, and didn't break the bank. I run them at around 75 psi. Now I can ride gravel and dirt aggressively without worrying about pinch-flats.
scrubadub
02-12-2016, 11:31 AM
It's so cliched, but tires and wheels make a huge difference in the ride.
I'm a big fan of FMB tubulars. They are occasionally not straight or round but the ride is very very good. I like them better than the Veloflex and Vittorias though those are also very good. I just started riding FMB 25s on Bora One 35s and they are just as fast as the Vittoria 25s I had on before but seems to "sing" more. The FMB 27s are also extremely plush but feel a bit sluggish on the road. They are fabulous as a mixed terrain tire though.
The only clinchers I like are the Compass tires. They're the closest to tubulars but are conveniently also available in wider sizes.
chiasticon
02-12-2016, 11:44 AM
I really love my HED Belgiums laced to CK R45's with lots of CX-Rays and brass nips. so much so that I own a few of them, all rocking different tire setups and ready to roll. and I have a few tubular variants of the same thing, glued up with various tires read to roll for cross.
it's not that they transformed anything though, it's that they're just a really solid, all-around wheel. not the lightest, not the most blinged-out, not the most aero, not the most comfortable, but a mixture of just enough of each, while being reliable to boot.
FlashUNC
02-12-2016, 12:06 PM
Hyperons with FMBs are very, very good. But I assume Hyperons with any good tubular tire will be similarly excellent.
I was crushed to hear that Campy is discontinuing the Hyperons. Such a fantastic wheel.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5764/24110151676_06e8fc6666_b.jpg
Dead Man
02-12-2016, 04:06 PM
Those of you sporting taller alloy rims - what specifically do you like about them? What makes the ride good on a set of Belgiums, for instance? Theyre pretty stuff, no?
To me, in my limited exerience, theres essentially two ways to get a "good ride" from wheels, but theyre in different directions- a good stiff/damping carbon, or a shAllow/soft alloy... Seems like theres not much a stiff alloy rim has to offer by way of ride quality, unless we're talking about PERFORMANCE... Then a stiff alloy can feel great in the corners
teleguy57
02-12-2016, 08:19 PM
I was crushed to hear that Campy is discontinuing the Hyperons. Such a fantastic wheel.
Whaaaatttt? Source of info?
happycampyer
02-12-2016, 08:28 PM
Hyperons with FMBs are very, very good. But I assume Hyperons with any good tubular tire will be similarly excellent.
I was crushed to hear that Campy is discontinuing the Hyperons. Such a fantastic wheel. That would indeed be sad, but with the introduction of the Bora 35s, and the wider redesign a year later, the Hyperon seems like a relic. The thing is, they are stiff, reasonably light and silky smooth. Just probably not what (enough of) the market wants.
Re your comment about good tubulars, I agree. I have a pair with the Arenbergs and another with 25mm Vittoria Corsa CX's, and while I prefer the Veloflexes, I can't complain either way.
FlashUNC
02-12-2016, 10:18 PM
Whaaaatttt? Source of info?
That would indeed be sad, but with the introduction of the Bora 35s, and the wider redesign a year later, the Hyperon seems like a relic. The thing is, they are stiff, reasonably light and silky smooth. Just probably not what (enough of) the market wants.
Re your comment about good tubulars, I agree. I have a pair with the Arenbergs and another with 25mm Vittoria Corsa CX's, and while I prefer the Veloflexes, I can't complain either way.
Guys at AC this past week when I was picking up my bike. To Happy's point, folks are going to the Bora 35s instead. They're lighter, more aero and by all accounts ride really nice.
Shame, but the kidz like aero.
martl
02-13-2016, 03:26 AM
when i moved from Shamals with Conti GP to Lightweights with tubulars, that was a quantum leap.
Brand of tubulars didn't really matter as long as they were good quality - Dugasts, Conti Comp, Veloflex SC all were brilliant.
jensenn
02-13-2016, 07:44 AM
been on conti gp4000s ii and have no complaints. looking to try new tires this season and been hearing good things about specialized turbos. anyone have any experience?
weiwentg
02-13-2016, 08:52 AM
Alchemy hubs 20/24 X Pacenti SL23s X 23c Vittoria SC = So buttery.
I have those wheels, but I use 25c tires. Thanks ergott!
Lionel
02-13-2016, 10:44 AM
Guys at AC this past week when I was picking up my bike. To Happy's point, folks are going to the Bora 35s instead. They're lighter, more aero and by all accounts ride really nice.
Shame, but the kidz like aero.
May need to hunt for a second pair if they are to be found at lower prices. Fact is that the Bora 35 are totally great but for a windy day in the mountains I would still pick the hyperon.
R3awak3n
02-13-2016, 10:47 AM
I really enjoy my pacenti CL25 with compass switchback hills. It is kind of amazing how comfortable the ride really is, really transformed that bike.
weisan
07-07-2016, 03:36 AM
resurrecting this thread to get folks who haven't get the chance to contribute...
kfreytag
07-07-2016, 09:58 AM
The biggest revelation was going clincher to tubular. Once I got over the worry of gluing them myself and have now been through years of gluing and riding, I'm convinced that tubulars are the single biggest improvement one can make to a bike. I've been riding Vittorias -- CX and SC in 23 and 25 @ ~90 f / 95 r (I weigh 150 lbs).
(note: I realize the hypocrisy of posting this after I just posted about C24 clinchers in another thread)
Perhaps my biggest disappointment was Gen 3 Lightweights. I *really* wanted to like them. They certainly were light and stiff, but they were harsh and handled crosswinds like a sailboat. I don't miss them.
Favorite wheelset is a tossup between Mavic CCUs and ENVE 3.4s. For me, they're the best all-around wheelsets I've ridden. Just the right depth. The Mavics are super stiff without the Lightweight's harshness and crosswind-itis. The ENVEs are super aero and feel great climbing, descending, or JRA. I like the 3.4s better than the 4.5s (perhaps because of my weight).
The Mavic's don't brake and the ENVEs are heavier, so choose your poison. ;-)
Parlee with 3.4s:
https://c5.staticflickr.com/3/2940/14501005556_cac3be55cf_c.jpg
Parlee with Mavics (crap picture):
https://c3.staticflickr.com/3/2881/11657018666_2f9f7ff3f7_c.jpg
s4life
03-27-2018, 11:43 PM
Back in the day I had a revelation when I went from open pros to R-SYS SLR exaliths.. my colnago MXL became a freaking bullet :)
I have tried since then multiple carbon rims including lightweight ventoux and standard, Mavic CCUs, Hyperons and Enves and though they've each provided an awesome feeling of speed and instant gratification I still feel the greatest jump was the first one, for what's worth..
Asudef
03-28-2018, 02:20 AM
Back in the day I had a revelation when I went from open pros to R-SYS SLR exaliths.. my colnago MXL became a freaking bullet :)
Ditto, my first foray into high end wheelsets were the Mavic Exalith R-SYS SLR and they are amazing. Plush riding but firm and supple feeling. Prior to that I've always had Open Pros as standard.
Have never liked deep aluminum rims too, so harsh and stiff. My Moots had Pacenti SL23s to WI T11 and I could never get into the ride of them.
martl
03-28-2018, 03:10 AM
edit: --deleted-- noticed i wrote the exact same thing 2 years earlier, 5 posts above :)
Teletori
03-28-2018, 03:19 AM
Mavic Reflex with Veloflex Vlaanderen... Magic carpet ride!
https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697957612&stc=1&d=1522225525
oldpotatoe
03-28-2018, 07:25 AM
Mavic Reflex with Veloflex Vlaanderen... Magic carpet ride!
This should be right below the Campag-shimano-sram thread..but ought to save it till February.
Tubulars...slap them on a light carbon rim or 'legacy' aluminum...
Not a black art to mount and maintain
Real advantages over clincher and tubeless
Means ya aren't a 'nancy'...---->>>:)
jamesdak
03-28-2018, 07:26 AM
Mavic Reflex with Veloflex Vlaanderen... Magic carpet ride!
I just had a set of those mounted up for my Bob Jackson. Hoping for something special but healing from a bike wreck so I've been unable to ride the past month to test them out. Sigh.....
http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167148415.jpg
jamesdak
03-28-2018, 07:38 AM
Generally speaking as of late with several of my older steel rides I've been loving the swap to some Campagnolo Zonda's/Fulcrum Racing 3's with GP 4000 s II 700 x 25 tires. Seems like an instant upgrade in making the bike feel lighter and faster under me. This is my go to setup right now with each new acquisition. I'm also dabbling with some Tubular setups but can't ride ride now to judge how they feel.
http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/164992518.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/166363859.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/166138354.jpg
I'm also dabbling with some deeper Scirocco/Quattro's setup on a couple rides to see if there's any benefit to the mild aero. They seem to suddenly accelerate once you get to around 22 mph with them.
http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/166081196.jpg
De-stickered for a cleaner look.
http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/166799408.jpg
bigbill
03-28-2018, 07:38 AM
Anything tubeless. During the summer months here in NE Texas, I'd get 1-2 flats a week, all caused by small pieces of wire from blown out truck tires. You can't see them to avoid running them over, you just get a flat a few miles down the road. Tubeless road tires have made large improvements, the current Schwalbe One tests out as the lowest rolling resistance of any clincher when set up tubeless. I've said it before so I'm not cursing myself, but I haven't had a flat on a ride since last September. I'm actually riding the entire time I'm out and not spending any time on the side of the road fixing a flat.
giverdada
03-28-2018, 07:54 AM
Zipp 404 Aluminum Brake Track Clinchers - they were on my lady's carbon Felt, and I got on it to ride it home from the shop, and I thought the tires were flat. The ride was SO smooth. And they were stiff and spun up well and just seemed like an awesome set.
Velocity A23 to Tune hubs, any tire - wide is better. There was no discernible weight penalty for me (I can't feel these things), but the cornering traction and overall riding smoothness had me grinning on the first ride.
Tubulars, any tire, even 'garden hose' Conti Sprinters - tubular. Amazing. Wicked cornering, and smoothness that still has me checking to see if the tire is flat. And stupid-fast for spin-up. I also have a tubular front wheel for my cross bike with a Challenge Fango on it that I glued a while ago and it's still rolling perfectly, still slaying it in the traction in mud department, still super light, still never flats.
And, Specialized S-Works Pro red stripe 127 tpi MTB tires at 2.1" width - holy crap. These things completely changed the way I rode my mountain bike, because they never lost traction, ANYWHERE. Great in the uphill and downhill and off-camber and mud and dry and grass and everything. The only thing I did every now and again was 'burp' them from the rim a bit with an off-center landing (my own lack of jumping skill), and the supple sidewall would let in some grass/dirt. Amazing bit of kit right there.
Campagnolo Scirocco wheels, any tire - aero, maybe, definitely heavy, definitely really hard for someone like me to true, but I swear that front wheel pulled me down every descent faster than any other wheel. Maybe the bearings, maybe the weight, maybe the deep 30mm rim, but that thing SLICED going down. Kinda sad I sold that set.
colker
03-28-2018, 08:46 AM
Anything tubeless. During the summer months here in NE Texas, I'd get 1-2 flats a week, all caused by small pieces of wire from blown out truck tires. You can't see them to avoid running them over, you just get a flat a few miles down the road. Tubeless road tires have made large improvements, the current Schwalbe One tests out as the lowest rolling resistance of any clincher when set up tubeless. I've said it before so I'm not cursing myself, but I haven't had a flat on a ride since last September. I'm actually riding the entire time I'm out and not spending any time on the side of the road fixing a flat.
Yup... when i was riding in cactus thorn country i would have 1-2 flats everyday. Wish i had tubeless then..
YoKev
03-28-2018, 08:56 AM
There have been two instances in my life where wheels transformed my ride:
Shimano DuraAce 7700 laced to Velocity Escape hoops and Vittora Corsa Evo CX 25c
DT Swiss 240s laced to Ambrosis Nemesis hoops and Vitoria Corsa G+ 28c
Gummee
03-28-2018, 09:24 AM
The first revelation was a pair of Cosmics. Man! Talk about 'free' speed! Before that, I was on 32/32 wheels. For going fast, nie wieder
Then just when I thought the 404s (1st gen) were fast, I bought a disc for racing track. Ho-LEE cow! That was next level stuff right there. Still got my rear end handed to me, but I gave myself all the advantages I could.
Wide rims? Meh
Road discs? Meh
11sp? Except for that front derailleur: Meh. Going from 8-9 was the big jump for me.
M
Tired tubular tires for the first time a few months ago and it may be a combination of stiff wheels (Mavic CCUs) and the tubs but man I love the ride.
galgal
03-28-2018, 11:02 AM
Hyperons + Vittoria Open Corsa = Heaven (approx.)
Bonesbrigade
03-28-2018, 02:13 PM
The biggest wheel/tire game changer for me has been: carbon 650b rims with compass switchback hill tires using 26inch Michelin latex mtb tubes. My favourite rides are ones that hit several types of surface: road, gravel, and double track type trails. This wheel/tire combo really allow fast riding with good handling on all these surfaces (except mud!).
C40_guy
03-28-2018, 02:27 PM
I've been on a wheel/tire journey. I rode tubulars for 20 years on traditional Campy/Mavic rims. Spent some time on Clement Setas, loved them.
Got tired of the glue mess and went clincher.
Rode Spinergys and Zipps. Kept breaking driveside rear spokes on the Zipps (I'm 155 lbs and easy on wheels!)
Moved to Mavic Ksyriums.
Each time I moved to the newer "specialty" wheel I felt like I was getting faster.
My current wheel of choice, the Campy Eurus, feels a mile or two faster than anything before, and that's on the same bike, with the same tire.
I've got a couple of sets of the Eurus and love them.
sparky33
03-28-2018, 02:53 PM
some of my favorites:
Campy Bora Ultra + Vlaanderen tubs
Stan's Valor 27.5 with Compass Babyshoe EL
Boyd 28 carbon clincher with Compass Chinook EL
Tony T
03-28-2018, 03:01 PM
My H Plus Son / WI T11
….because it was my 1st build.
Still riding true, only needed a 1/4 turn on one spoke last time I put the wheels in the stand.
:banana:
bobdenver1961
03-28-2018, 03:08 PM
Mine was HED Belgium Plus 25mm rims with 25mm Continental tires. Riding my living room couch now! Huge difference from the old Mavic's that were on there previously.
glepore
03-28-2018, 05:35 PM
Tubulars- Lightweight Standards and veloflex Roubaix
Clinchers- A33's w/ Corsa's and Latex tubes
Mzilliox
03-28-2018, 05:42 PM
Tubulars- Lightweight Standards and veloflex Roubaix
Clinchers- A33's w/ Corsa's and Latex tubes
when you say a33, you mean the aforce al33s? expensive but really want to try them out!
built on some orange tune or wi hubs. mmmm, dreamy
<<...>>
And, Specialized S-Works Pro red stripe 127 tpi MTB tires at 2.1" width - holy crap. These things completely changed the way I rode my mountain bike, because they never lost traction, ANYWHERE. Great in the uphill and downhill and off-camber and mud and dry and grass and everything. The only thing I did every now and again was 'burp' them from the rim a bit with an off-center landing (my own lack of jumping skill), and the supple sidewall would let in some grass/dirt. Amazing bit of kit right there.
<<...>>
I had the same experience with S-Works Pro tires. Especially around 2003-2005, they were the best MTB tires I have ever ridden, almost magical. Then they changed. Still very good but not quite the same. I kept a pair for about 10 years, babying them, for special occasions. Then they wore out.
Next revolution was going from clinchers to tubulars. So great. I can't believe it took me so long to try them. I don't see ever going back to clinchers.
rlanger
03-29-2018, 03:54 AM
Currently riding Fulcrum Racing Zero C17s with Conti GP 4000 ii 25s @ 80psi (I'm about 70 kilos).
I think that these are an absolutely fantastic all-round wheel. The hubs are buttery smooth. They are bomb-proof for my daily commute, light enough for the mountains around my home, and the wider rim also provides a bit of aero advantage over my previous set, Ultegra 6800s. And, they're more than stiff enough for my low wattage sprints and slow-mo climbs out of the saddle.
I used to run tubulars, but can't be bothered anymore. I've only had one flat in the last year on my current setup so the lower tire pressure definitely helps.
Hilltopperny
03-29-2018, 05:20 AM
Reynolds aero 46 db with challenge Paris Roubaix tires. The wheels spin up fast and hold speed better than any other wheel I've used and with those tires are very plush.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
glepore
03-29-2018, 08:19 AM
when you say a33, you mean the aforce al33s? expensive but really want to try them out!
built on some orange tune or wi hubs. mmmm, dreamy
Yes...
Hellgate
03-29-2018, 08:23 AM
Back in the day, Mavic GEL280s on Record hubs, Vittoria tires. Climbed like on helium.
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