Recommend me some cheap carbon rims

[ceolwulf]

It isn't quite a tradition yet but I'm working on it - I'd like to build another set of wheels again this winter. This time I want to take a bold step into the future or at least the somewhat more recent past and use carbon rims. I'd like to build a set of "climbing wheels" because that's exactly what a fat lad living in flatland needs the most*. So shallow profile tubular and as light as possible. However I'm chronically broke so the market segment I'm looking it is basically "one step above eBay no-name". Can anyone suggest good options along this line, preferably that you've used yourself?

Hubs I'll probably use bikehubstore again as am very happy with those on my previous build.

*also because I plan to do a gran fondo in the mountains next summer and will need all the help I can get.

[cribbit]

A lot of those "ebay no name" chinese wheels actually have their own websites where they sell them even cheaper, and some of them have been around long enough to have a track record.

[Kontact]

If you want ultralight and cheap, wouldn't aluminum tubular rims be better?

I get that carbon rims are cool, though.

[ceolwulf]

Originally Posted by Kontact

If you want ultralight and cheap, wouldn't aluminum tubular rims be better?

They very well might be. I never claimed that this made any sense.

[Andy sti]

I'd go with Light Bicycle for rims or wheels. Seem to have the best rep of the Chinese wheels/rims.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by ceolwulf

It isn't quite a tradition yet but I'm working on it - I'd like to build another set of wheels again this winter. This time I want to take a bold step into the future or at least the somewhat more recent past and use carbon rims. I'd like to build a set of "climbing wheels" because that's exactly what a fat lad living in flatland needs the most*. So shallow profile tubular and as light as possible. However I'm chronically broke so the market segment I'm looking it is basically "one step above eBay no-name". Can anyone suggest good options along this line, preferably that you've used yourself?

Hubs I'll probably use bikehubstore again as am very happy with those on my previous build.

*also because I plan to do a gran fondo in the mountains next summer and will need all the help I can get.

Might take a look at these. I have never built or used them but talked to a few who have and them sound like good rims for not much $.

http://www.offthefrontracingsystems....clincher-rims/

[gavingould]

i've got a couple sets of wheels built with Light Bicycle rims.
they've held up under my large carcass and the guy i had build them said they were pretty good to build.

[echelon_john]

I've built several sets using Off the Front and Light-Bicycle rims and found them to be well-made and easy to build. No problems for the riders I built for that I'm aware of, and these wheels go back a couple of years.

[cornice6]

Farsports rims might be another option. I've been using two sets for a couple of years now without any issues. One on a road bike (38mm) and one on a tri bike (60mm/80mm). Ordered just the rims and had them built with my own hubs.

[stien]

Yeah...I think the future/current trend is to ditch the carbon rim brakes.

[mhespenheide]

I don't know much about this market segment, but if I were going for "light" + "cheap carbon", I'd be thinking seriously about tubulars.

Modern sealants help the idea of tubulars way more than the old days.

Of course, second-hand tubular wheels are generally pretty cheap, so that might negate the need to build up a pair, but then -- if this project isn't about making sense, who knows?


Enjoy!

[ceolwulf]

Definitely tubulars yes

Thanks for all suggestions so far

[lexlion]

My LBS has build quite a few Light-Bicycle rims and they recommend them over other Chinese carbon rims.

[Gummee]

I haven't personally built with them, but Gigantex from BHS seem to have a good reputation. They're Taiwanese rather than Chinese

Of the Chinese rims, I've heard good things about Nextie too.

I'm on my last pair of no-label Chinese rims. I've raced em for CX for the last 3 years and lent them out on occasion. They've been beaten on and are still OK.

M

[cribbit]

Originally Posted by Gummee

I haven't personally built with them, but Gigantex from BHS seem to have a good reputation. They're Taiwanese rather than Chinese

Of the Chinese rims, I've heard good things about Nextie too.

I'm on my last pair of no-label Chinese rims. I've raced em for CX for the last 3 years and lent them out on occasion. They've been beaten on and are still OK.

M

What site did you order through?