which wheelset woud you want?

[tv_vt]

Have lots of nice handbuilts. Thinking about one boutique wheelset purchase this year. Seem to be some nice choices. Although this topic is constantly beat to death, which wheel would you want for epics, centuries, 4-gap rides, whatever?
Dura-Ace 7850-sl (used with tube and tire, in this case)
Hed Bastognes C2
DT Mon Chasseral
Mavic Cosmic Carbones
or...?

[godfrey1112000]

I had some dt swiss 1.1 w/190 ceramic bearings in the hubs and ti skewers built, 28 and 32 on the spokes, dumped the ti skewers, the ratchet wears poorly,

very nice very strong everyday riding wheels,

in the garage, mavic carbonnes and es (red spoke) also ceramic bearings

switch between the three sets but mostly on the DT

only thing about the DT the continental attack/force tires are really tough to mount, just a tight fit

[dave thompson]

HED Bastogne C2 without question. They made the bike feel so much better.

[alancw3]

checkout williams wheels. on another forum several people have had a great experience with them and very attractively priced.

http://www.williamscycling.com/58cc/58cc.html

[gforce]

I really like the cosmc carbones. Comfortable and fast once up to speed. Good durability and I didn't notice the slightly higher weight much.

[ergott]

Carbon.

It's what's for dinner.

Seriously, all the wheels you've mentioned are nice. Ride what speaks to you.

[TimD]

DT Swiss 240S hubs laced to Open Pros or DT Swiss R1.1s (the double-eyelet version).

DA 7700 / 7800 hubs laced to Open Pros (yes, the very wheel Performance sold last fall for $65 :banana: and which ignited a blogo-storm among these pages.)

Cosmic Carbones look great and must be aero but they sound like a helicopter attack. That would drive me nuts.

[Mr. Squirrel]

mavic, campy, edge, nimble, ac, hed, dura ace, ambrosia.....they all get me excited. except those specialized tri-spokes...even i have second thoughts about getting through those.

mr. squirrel

[yakstone]

Now that's funny!

[dekindy]

Why would you not use the tubelss tire on the Shimano 7850-SL's? Either those or the HED's would be a great choice.

[zap]

Lightweight.

[djg]

Without knowing what else you have, if you have lots of nice handbuilt wheels, I'd ask which of the so-called "boutique" wheels is likely to give you something really different. The HEDs might feel different, seating the clincher on a wider rim bed. Or it might be interesting to try tubeless if you don't already have that. A 50 mm carbon rim like the mavics (or 46 or so from reynolds or edge or . . . ) will feel very different from low profile alloy-rimmed wheels (although maybe you already have some carbon rims on handbuilt wheels). If you mirror the rim profile and spoking of your other wheels, and stay relatively close on weight, you're likely to drop a bunch of coin on something that's mostly a cosmetic difference.

[Lovetoclimb]

Is price a factor?

Are you buying new or getting a bro deal?

I have HED Ardennes and they rock my world as everyday wheels, recreational racing, and a tour of Japan I did this past August. Good for everything, I imagine Bastognes are just as good and save you some $. Affordable to repair too (see my post on the Scandium rim thread)

Good luck.

[JBone]

DT Swiss 1250
Campy Shamal 2 way

[oldguy00]

I really like the cosmc carbones. Comfortable and fast once up to speed. Good durability and I didn't notice the slightly higher weight much.

+1 for Carbones.

All the wheels you listed as your possible choices aren't a whole lot different than your handbuilts....ie. shallow aluminum rim with high spoke count. I wouldn't bother.
But if you are set on a new wheelset with a shallow rim, then I'd try a tubular set, the Easton EC90 SLX carbons. Light and very tough, easy to find for about $900 - $1000 on ebay new.

[don compton]

HED Bastogne C2 without question. They made the bike feel so much better. what width tire do you run on your bastognes? we ride a lot of hilly and bumpy roads and they seem perfect for these rides.
don

[SoCalSteve]

Just buy yourself a set of Reynolds DV 46 UL's or Edge 45's and be done with it. Once you've ridden a pure carbon rim, you'll never want to ride anything else.

If you dont believe me, just ask Jack Brunk.

Good luck,

Steve

[tv_vt]

Thanks for the replies. Pure carbon rims just aren't my thing. Neither are sewups/tubies. Been there, done that. Just a little stuck on which to get. All seem to have their proponents. Mostly I'm vacillating between the 7850's, HEDs, and the Carbones. Have lots of hills around here, so not sure about the Carbones, but do like the idea of a fast aero wheel, since I'm more of a roleur, anyway (6-2, 175).

More comments welcome. And yes, price is a factor, too. Have been riding too long - all these wheels above $1K just blow me away. Not going near there. 800 is really pushing it for what seems reasonable to spend (to me).

[Climb01742]

i have two pairs of carbones. like 'em alot. but crosswinds can get tricky. just something to think about.

[jbrainin]

Campy Hyperon Ultras are a nice, expensive choice.

[Bruce K]

Well, given the list, you know what I'm going to say....

I rode them Bastognes on our little ride around Hanover, NH last summer and they were great on the hills, the road, and the dirt.

I ride mine with Michelin Pro 2's but I know folks who have used Contis and Vittorias and all seem to get the same results in ride quality and extended tire life.

BK

[Chris]

I have some 7850'2. So, so nice...

[TAW]

Another vote for Carbones. Ride decently, fun to be on and pretty durable.

[dd74]

HED Bastogne look nice. (I'm also looking for some carbon wheels). :)