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View Full Version : Boyd vs FLO wheels


mcteague
09-30-2017, 11:58 AM
For no real rational reason, I am thinking of getting a new pair of wheels. My nearly 5 year old Joe Young wheels are perfectly fine but I seem to have that new equipment itch. I don't want to spend 3k+ for Zipp/Enve etc wheels but have seen really nice reviews for Boyd (http://www.boydcycling.com/) and FLO (http://www.flocycling.com/) carbon wheels.

I have done some searching but come to no real conclusion so I figured I would solicit opinions here. These would be clincher wheels and in the 44-45mm rim depth. I don't race but do value ride quality over speed. I don't really want this to break down into an aluminum v carbon debate. Just would like to know if anyone has experience with these brands or if there are other options I am missing. The Boyd/FLO wheels sell for around $1500-1600 range with their standard hubs. White Industries T11 hubs add about $300 on the Boyds.

Tim

Jeffie
09-30-2017, 01:00 PM
I'm local to Boyd. As a result, I get to see and hear about A LOT of his wheels. I have several friends that have ridden his wheels for many years. VERY few have had any issues and these are guys that ride a ton of miles and are not easy on things. The current generation of carbon rims and his new hubs are very nice. I recently purchased a set of wheels for my gravel bike from them and I have no complaints.

As a sorta tri dork, I've also looked into FLO wheels. I think they are also building good wheels.

I'm not sure you can go wrong with either to be honest. I will say that I know if you ever need support/advice/etc Boyd and his folks will take care of you. I have no direct knowledge of FLO's customer service.

Let us know what you decide.

Tony
09-30-2017, 01:05 PM
For no real rational reason, I am thinking of getting a new pair of wheels. My nearly 5 year old Joe Young wheels are perfectly fine but I seem to have that new equipment itch. I don't want to spend 3k+ for Zipp/Enve etc wheels but have seen really nice reviews for Boyd (http://www.boydcycling.com/) and FLO (http://www.flocycling.com/) carbon wheels.

I have done some searching but come to no real conclusion so I figured I would solicit opinions here. These would be clincher wheels and in the 44-45mm rim depth. I don't race but do value ride quality over speed. I don't really want this to break down into an aluminum v carbon debate. Just would like to know if anyone has experience with these brands or if there are other options I am missing. The Boyd/FLO wheels sell for around $1500-1600 range with their standard hubs. White Industries T11 hubs add about $300 on the Boyds.

Tim

I don't have experience with the FLO wheels, however I have two sets of Boyd wheels, Altamont and Altamont lite clinchers, and running Altamont lites on a custom wheelset. Boyd has EXCELLENT customer services. He will contact you personally with any questions or issues you may have with his product. Regarding the hubs. His brand hubs are going on 3 years of riding in dirt, mud, and gravel and still spin smoothly,like new! I have three sets of WI hubs, XMR, CLD, and T11's ALL three hubs had to be rebuilt within a year with new bearing in the freehub area due to its design. I would not recommend these hubs for wet conditions based on my experience. I think the brand hubs are a better choice if one plans on riding in wet conditions.

berserk87
09-30-2017, 01:28 PM
I hate the new equipment itch. I have to fight it more often that I want to admit. Maybe I need to start using more Gold Bond powder...

tv_vt
09-30-2017, 02:25 PM
Why not the newest version of Mavic Cosmic Pro? 45mm depth, wider, new rear hub, under $1k from Merlin Cycles...

mcteague
09-30-2017, 02:42 PM
Why not the newest version of Mavic Cosmic Pro? 45mm depth, wider, new rear hub, under $1k from Merlin Cycles...

I need them to fit Campagnolo. And, wheels are one item I won’t order from an overseas dealer. To much hassle if they get damaged in shipping or require warranty work. Also, I’m not thrilled with Mavic’s use of proprietary spokes.

Tim

mcteague
09-30-2017, 05:34 PM
I’ve also seen the Reynolds Assault SLGs, the 2017 version, for around the same price. They have a lifetime warranty and are certainly more of a known brand.

https://www.mybikeshop.com/products/2017-reynolds-assault-slg-carbon-clincher-wheel-set-new-full-warranty-2?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_MqXx_rN1gIVlkoNCh3IVQ3rEAkYAyAB EgIhcvD_BwE

Tim

Cicli
09-30-2017, 05:44 PM
Why not the newest version of Mavic Cosmic Pro? 45mm depth, wider, new rear hub, under $1k from Merlin Cycles...

Because they are Mavics.

stien
09-30-2017, 09:03 PM
I'm here to represent the HED bandwagon. Try the Jet+. Life changing. The ride quality is there, so is the aero, so is the braking.

regularguy412
09-30-2017, 09:26 PM
I'm here to represent the HED bandwagon. Try the Jet+. Life changing. The ride quality is there, so is the aero, so is the braking.

I've never owned or used any Boyd's or FLO's. I have a couple of different carbon hoops Easton and Mercury. IMO, the speed/feel of the wheels are very similar -- though the Eastons come in at around 1250 grams and do accelerate better. And they are 38 mm tubular. Mercurys are clincher. The critical part, to me, is the braking. Ya GOTTA be able to stop.

The Eastons were VERY good when new, but now the brake track is a bit worn down and takes more squeeze to stop. The Mercury's, however, have over 5,000 miles on them and still stop like new. The Mercury's are 55 mm depth and use regular J-bend, external nipple Sapim spokes built on Novatec hubs. No Complaints from me in two years of service. They come in around 1600 grams for the set and are tubeless compatible.

Make sure the ones you choose brake well.

Mike in AR:beer:

bewheels
10-01-2017, 04:35 AM
I have ~2500 miles on a set of Boyd's clincher 44 carbon disc wheels with White hubs.
Those miles have included: all types of weather, up hills, down hills, very fast group rides, easy spins, smooth road, very rough dirt roads, etc, etc.

The wheels are very well built. They have needed zero attention. Still as straight and true as the day they came out of the box.

The rims are well designed and constructed. Boyd designs them, owns the mold, and has them made overseas (like just about everyone). The overall quality is very high.

I ran them with tubes for a while and have been running them tubeless for the last ~1000 miles. Boyd has been a big supporter of tubeless over the years and it shows in the way he designs the rims. If tubeless isn't your thing, just run them with tubes.

I can not comment on braking performance of the rim because I am running discs. The disc version of this wheel do not have a brake track which means they are not just repurposed rims but specific disc rims.

And as mentioned above, the customer service is top notch. They do get busy but always return emails/calls.

Would definitely buy again....well, I did buy another Boyd set but they are the Altamontes which are not the type of wheel the OP asked about.

BTW - the new Mavic wheels are also exceptional. I own a set of the low profile (OP is asking about deeper rims) and they have been fantastic as well.

The good news is that there are several great wheel options.
The tough part is deciding which ones to go with. You could always buy used, try a few, sell what you don't want and keep what you do...

summilux
10-01-2017, 05:33 AM
I will say that I know if you ever need support/advice/etc Boyd and his folks will take care of you.

And Boyd is always there across the hall. That counts for a lot.

oldpotatoe
10-01-2017, 06:31 AM
For no real rational reason, I am thinking of getting a new pair of wheels. My nearly 5 year old Joe Young wheels are perfectly fine but I seem to have that new equipment itch. I don't want to spend 3k+ for Zipp/Enve etc wheels but have seen really nice reviews for Boyd (http://www.boydcycling.com/) and FLO (http://www.flocycling.com/) carbon wheels.

I have done some searching but come to no real conclusion so I figured I would solicit opinions here. These would be clincher wheels and in the 44-45mm rim depth. I don't race but do value ride quality over speed. I don't really want this to break down into an aluminum v carbon debate. Just would like to know if anyone has experience with these brands or if there are other options I am missing. The Boyd/FLO wheels sell for around $1500-1600 range with their standard hubs. White Industries T11 hubs add about $300 on the Boyds.

Tim

Get tubulars, either maker(if they make them)..it will satisfy your 'itch', it will give ride quality like never before and won't be just replacing something you have with something that works and feels the same as the the Young wheels(carbon?)..

If new to carbon, get tubies..step up!!

Kingfisher
10-01-2017, 07:19 AM
got a good deal on an Emonda slr on ebay and the owner had upgraded to Flo 45 carbon clinchers. They are a well made wheel, very strong. I'm 230 and they have remained perfect and true after a few hundred miles. Their proprietary brake pads are VERY good. Stopping power is as good or better than regular aluminum wheels. They do ride a little stiff but that might be tire selection more than anything. They do feel marginally faster and able to hold speed better when up over 23-24 mph, but I'm only hitting that downhill, don't race anymore.

I would go with old potatoe's recommendation to just get tubies...that will be my next wheel. He built me some deep V velocity rims, campy hubs and I put veloflex corsa clinchers on and they ride very well. For comparison, I'm under severe time constraints due to caring for my wife, so I ride the same course daily or every other day.....my average speed on Flo's were just a hair slower than on Pete's wheels. Petes wheels were faster.

Now I know their are many variables that go into this but honestly, you want to spend the money on carbon's go ahead, but I do think they are a bit over rated. But, like I said if you are racing crits, etc. then I'd probably go with the FLO's due to their ability to hold high speed better.
Good luck.

sjbraun
10-01-2017, 09:02 AM
I've got about 1,000 miles on a set of Boyd's 28mm carbon clinchers. Honestly, I can't notice any difference in braking performance compared to alloy rims. I bought my wheels last fall during Boyd's Black Friday sale when he offered WI hubs at no extra cost.

The wheels look great and ride that way, too. They spin up quickly and the ride is very comfortable.

I'd get another set, without any reservations.

-Steve

weiwentg
10-01-2017, 09:12 AM
I don't want to derail the thread too far from the wheels, but unless I'm missing something, Boyd's hubs (http://www.boydcycling.com/85-road-hubs/) look like they were inspired by the Alchemy (http://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/reviews-and-testing/hub-review/)/Wheels Manufacturing hubs. The bearing sizes, flange diameters, and flange widths look very similar (not identical, but pretty close). I haven't compared them to Bitex's offerings, though (and yeah, the Flo hubs are likely to be Bitex or some other Taiwanese manufacturer's stock hubs, with Flo's stamps).

The Boyds are, as their own website says, made in Taiwan, and they go for $225 a set. The Wheels Mfg hubs are more like $620 a set, or White Industries are $400-some. I'm glad to pay some premium for US-made. I don't think the premium to the Wheels hubs is worth it, but I neither build wheels, nor stress out the ones I have very much (130 lbs at my heaviest, generally good roads). Either way, Boyd's own hubs look good.

ripvanrando
10-01-2017, 03:07 PM
I currently have two sets of Flo wheels. I sold the third set, 60mm carbon/aluminum because I "upgraded" to Flo60 carbon. I also have Flo 30 aluminum with a bazillion miles on them. 20 front and 28 rear Sapim xray spokes is my standard because at 6'3'' and doing a lot of riding at night, I bash the daylights out of wheels.

I've never had to true a Flo wheel. However, I only have around 10,000 miles on the carbon Flo 60 wheels including TABR. (I have obviously had to replace bearings)

Flo 30 set cost me $500 and Flo60 carbon were $1100 if I remember correctly.

Boyt could be better, I have no idea.

oldguy00
10-01-2017, 03:39 PM
Check out some sets at Nashbar, that also come with their 'forever' return policy:

http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10053_10052_7000000000000000803_-1___204727

http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10053_10052_593233_-1___204727

http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10053_10052_7000000000000000229_-1___204727

bpm
10-01-2017, 08:02 PM
I have three sets of Boyd wheels: 44mm carbon clinchers, 60mm carbon clinchers, and 30mm aluminum clinchers. I've ridden all three sets hard, in good and bad weather, and they are as solid and true as the day I got them. I would highly recommend them.

false_Aest
10-01-2017, 11:30 PM
Buy the Boyds.

I've been running them since Gen 2. Currently running 44mm tubulars (http://www.boydcycling.com/shop/road-rim-brake/carbon-tubular/44mm-tubular-front-wheel/) and they're effin' awesome. I have torn down some super technical descents in/around Los Angeles and the braking is solid + predictable even towards the bottom after the brake track has become nice and toasty.

ADDED THIS: I think first set of Boyds were a little faster when the wind was coming straight at me but how often does the wind actually do that? The wind is pretty unpredictable in the Santa Monica mountains -- on one side of turn you're fine, but around the corner you're suddenly getting hit by a strong side wind and if you're a lighter person this can be unnerving. The shape of the rims makes the wheels a lot more stable in these conditions. I went riding with a friend about a year ago, he was on Enve 4.5s and I was on my Boyds. For ****s + giggles we swapped wheels on our 2nd descent -- there's a reason I don't have any interest in Enve's line-up.

I'm lucky enough to have ridden almost all of their hoops over the past 2 years and I have a hard time wanting to buy anything else.
To that end, I'll be calling up Boyd Co tomorrow and ordering a set of Black and Tans (rims not wheels)

Their hubs? Boyd did a demo for me @ interbike. I'm effin sold!

Buy Boyd.

fignon's barber
10-02-2017, 06:54 AM
I've had a set of Boyds 50mm with Boyd hubs. Worked flawlessly. I can't compare with Flo, but one thing I'll say: Boyd is a conscientious guy who cares about his customers and takes pride in his product. That should be enough to pull the trigger.

mcteague
10-02-2017, 07:06 AM
The Boyds do sound nice put I ended up ordering a set of 2018 Reynolds Assault SLGs. They usually sell for $1500 but the shop had a 15% off promotion along with one year of Reynolds' RAP crash protection thrown in. The Assaults have a lifetime warranty to boot instead of the usual 1 or 2 years. Reynolds have been well known experts in carbon parts for a long time. Too bad they no longer make forks. I had the Ouzo Pro on a bike years ago and have the UL on by back-up bike.

https://www.mybikeshop.com/products/2018-reynolds-assault-slg-v2-carbon-clincher-new-full-warranty

https://www.feedthehabit.com/gear-reviews/2018-reynolds-assault-slg-carbon-wheelset-review/

Tim

Canadian
10-02-2017, 11:30 AM
I saw this thread and just wanted to say if anyone had questions about our products that I'd be happy to answer them.

Take care,

oldguy00
10-02-2017, 02:12 PM
Yeah, probably worth mentioning that Flo has a -very- strong following/reputation over at slowtwitch, and that says a lot, those guys over there can be vicious! :)

sparky33
10-02-2017, 02:28 PM
I've got about 1,000 miles on a set of Boyd's 28mm carbon clinchers. Honestly, I can't notice any difference in braking performance compared to alloy rims. I bought my wheels last fall during Boyd's Black Friday sale when he offered WI hubs at no extra cost.

The wheels look great and ride that way, too. They spin up quickly and the ride is very comfortable.

I'd get another set, without any reservations.

-Steve
I'm similarly pleased with my Boyd 28 carbon clinchers on WI hubs. Really nice wheels (quick&comfortable&durable) and the Boyd brake pads are good. I have a set of Boyd 40 carbon tubs too, but the Boyd 28 clinchers are so versatile that I rarely swap for the deeper tubs.

Andy sti
10-02-2017, 05:15 PM
I have 2 sets of Boyd wheels and 2 sets of FLO wheels.

The Boyds are a 28mm tubular disc set and an older 40-something mm tubular rim brake set. Both have been used for cross only and both have been perfect. Only problem is the older Boyds have a 10spd freehub.

The FLOs are a set of the 45mm carbon clinchers and an older 90mm/rear disc TT setup. The 90 and the disc both have aluminum rims. Both of these wheelsets have been perfect. The 45s have been my go to race wheel the last 2 seasons, I really like them. Need to replace a spoke from my last crit after someone put their foot into my front wheel though.

I really like what FLO has been doing and highly recommend their wheels. Can't go wrong for the price. That being said, you can't go wrong with Boyd either. Just pick and be happy with your wheels.

Andy

isaacneff
10-02-2017, 08:34 PM
I don't have a lot of experience with FLO.

I have had great luck with Boyd wheels. I have now built a bunch of their rims up and sold and ridden their complete wheels and they have all been flawless!
Highly recommend.

bitpuddle
10-03-2017, 01:21 AM
I'm here to represent the HED bandwagon. Try the Jet+. Life changing. The ride quality is there, so is the aero, so is the braking.

Was going to say something similar. The Head + rims are wide — 25mm ext/20.5 internal — so you need to be sure your frame will fit them.

But because they are so wide, 25c tires at ~70psi have a fantastic feel. I’ll never go back to narrow (internal) rims. The closest match for additional air volume is probably the newer 303 firecrests (also quite nice). Frankly, I’d go with the Ardennes Black, as the aero differences are minimal and the shallow wheels are so much nicer in crosswinds and the breaking is so good on the Black rims.

I’m generally impressed with the Boyd rims. The newer ones are reasonably wide and they’ll do 24/28 spoke builds, which I’d prefer for an every day wheelset. If I wanted to deal with the hassle of carbon braking, I’d trust them to build a set.

false_Aest
10-03-2017, 01:49 AM
I’m generally impressed with the Boyd rims. The newer ones are reasonably wide

They're plenty wide. I'm running 70-80 PSI (depends on how lazy I am pumping up my tires) on 26mm Schwalbes.

weiwentg
10-03-2017, 07:28 AM
I saw this thread and just wanted to say if anyone had questions about our products that I'd be happy to answer them.

Take care,

Chris,

I will bite. I read some of your lit on the toroidal shape of your 30mm rims. How much of an advantage does the toroidal profile give you over a straight up U-section rim of similar depth? For the record, Boyd’s Altamont (http://www.boydcycling.com/shop/road-rim-brake/alloy/altamont-alloy-clincher-front-wheel/) are a u shape, as are a lot of 25-30mm rims others could probably name.