Older mid-range Carbon Wheels vs. Newer higher-end Aluminum Ones

[rolandtiangco]

I’m curious to hear peoples opinions or experiences riding/comparing older carbon and slightly newer and higher-end alloy wheels.

I have a set of Reynolds Assault wheels from about 2012 and a set of Campy Shamal Ultra C17s from about 2018. The Shamals are Campagnolo’s top-of-the-line alloy wheel and the Assaults were once Reynolds’ middle of the road Carbon wheelset.

The Assaults are deeper profile : 46mm. Internal rim width is 15mm

The Shamals are shallower: 26 and 30mm. Internal rim width is 17mm

Both sets are very close in weight. The Assaults are about 60 grams lighter. (w/ identical tires and cassettes). Both are clinchers. Both fitted with 25c gp5000’s. As you might guess, the Assaults hubs are inferior to the Shamals.

I’ve been riding the Shamals regularly and just pulled the Assaults out of storage to take them with me on a weekend trip, and I got to thinking of the differences I might feel between the wheelsets. My gut tells me the Shamals are going to be better wheels all around, but curious to hear people’s opinions or experiences.

[joevers]

Nicer alloy is so much better than older low end carbon IMO.

[Steve in SLO]

To the OP: Sounds like you should form your own opinions and report back to us after the weekend. Looking forward to your impressions.

[jimoots]

Originally Posted by Steve in SLO

To the OP: Sounds like you should form your own opinions and report back to us after the weekend. Looking forward to your impressions.

Yep this

[Clean39T]

Shamals. No question. But still support the testing and OP coming to his own conclusions..


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[Hank Scorpio]

I had the Assaults from the same time period and I can tell you they were the worst braking wheel I have ever ridden. I have also had multiple Campag/Fulcrum wheel sets. Other than a Eurus rear that developed a pulse after a bunch of miles never had a problem with any of them.

[ChainNoise]

Originally Posted by Hank Scorpio

I had the Assaults from the same time period and I can tell you they were the worst braking wheel I have ever ridden. I have also had multiple Campag/Fulcrum wheel sets. Other than a Eurus rear that developed a pulse after a bunch of miles never had a problem with any of them.

If the Reynolds wheels don't have CTg brake track (CTg has a 3k carbon weave for the track) then I would totally agree with the braking comment. If you don't have to brake all that much, maybe this is less of a concern for you. I'd probably stick to the aluminum wheels

[rolandtiangco]

Thanks all. I will report back.