About a month ago I said I would do some in depth research on carbon wheels and write about my findings. So I spent hours reading about all the different manufacturers on blogs, video blogs and big name magazine reviews almost all I could stand. And you know what? All the evidence pointed to 'personal preferance'.
Basicly that sucks because only dealers get to have demo wheels to play with and they charge 30 bucks each set and if your lucky your dealer has a couple of wheels sets from differant manufacturers. So how do I make a logical choice, because I'm not popping cash just for a test drive. I can say that when Cervelo came to town for the test drive they brought with them Zipp wheels on every bike. Some were the famous 303's and some 404's.
Instantly I noticed how easy they were to 'spin up' and that effort I use to keep my bontrager race lites turning. This also equals longer faster ride with greater endurance at the sprint, power to the ground and no loss in the transition from pedal to tyre. Thats a huge plus right there...if you are serious about cycling.
Another aspect of these wheels is ride feel. These ridgid rims offered up the most positive ride feel I've felt. I mean I knew exactly where the tyre was at all times and it went where I wanted it too every time. Man, so smooth at cruising speed and the way they allowed me to blast up and over bridges was AWESOME. I could keep my cadence on flats and over rollers, that what we call bridges in SW Florida, as a seated effort and out of the saddle the reward was hugh. I actully felt like a pro, that's unlikely right.
Looking around the web I found 303's, 404's and 606's for $1450 a wheel set, that's a $600 to $800 dollar a pair savings. Find some at this web site for clincher or tubular. My choice is the latter. I guess the real question is which one is right for you? That's your choice.
http://gearwestbike.com/product/08-zipp-speed-weaponry-zipp-606-clydesdale-wheel set-tubular-700c-3327.htm
If I pass you on the road stop at Peets because your buying.
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