Any opinions on the Neuvation R28 Aero 3 Wheels? They are being sold on sale for $350 from Neuvation. It seems almost too good to be true. An aero profile and a 1600g weight for less than $500 seems impossible but that is what they are listed as.

Anybody have experience with these wheels? I plan on using them for racing (mainly crits, but some time trials and stage races too) so I would like to know if they are durable, stiff, smooth riding, etc...

Also, what is the real difference between these and the R28 SL. They seem basically the same but the SL is a few grams lighter and has more spokes. Is there an advantage to one over the other?

Thanks in advance.

lots of comments on this site.

I ride the R28SLs, older version, not "aero." Mine weigh about 1510g, stiff, roll well, stay true.
Great wheels, highly recommend. The only thing that makes the aero different from the regular SLs are fewer spokes that are bladed. The difference in "aero"ness is probably lost in the weight gain, as both differences seem fairly minimal.

I second that. I have neuvations, rode them almost 1500 miles this summer, and love them.
I started the spring/summer at 205 lbs, and now i'm 190. If you're a lightweight, (170lbs or less), you can probably get something higher end, or lighter. But this winter I'm probably going to spring for another set of neuvations.
good luck

Great reviews and they ride well. I have read as well that customer support is second to none

I just bought R28 SL3s because they are 60 grams lighter and $50 cheaper. The only difference is that the aero ones have bladed spokes. Same hubs, same rims.

I think the minimal aero gain from bladed spokes (the sl3s have tapered spokes that are pretty thin) is minimal, and is probably not worth the extra 60 grams.

If all you do is flats, the aeros might be better. On climbs and rolling terrain, 60 grams less wheel weight is significant.

Are these wheels stronog enough for everyday use? (Either the Aeros or the SL's)?

Are the light/stiff enough for competition use?

I had a set, with very bad results. They were extremely flexy, to the point where I actually broke a spoke on an out-of-the-saddle climb. I replaced them with SL's, which don't flex at all. Sometimes, you DO get what you pay for.

If all you do is flats, the aeros might be better. On climbs and rolling terrain, 60 grams less wheel weight is significant.

These sorts of questions can be answered easily enough by doing the calculations... and I'll take the aero spokes over the 60g on any course.

These sorts of questions can be answered easily enough by doing the calculations... and I'll take the aero spokes over the 60g on any course.

Ok, give us some calculatios then.

Aero spokes differ greatly depending on the manufacturer, and I don't think that the ones we are talking about are significantly better aerodynamically than the skinny round ones.
On rolling terrain, your speed changes all the time. The heavier the wheel, the harder it is for you to accelerate again.

Also hearing from vtbiker that the aero wheel is less stiff/durable makes me glad I got the sl3s.

These sorts of questions can be answered easily enough by doing the calculations... and I'll take the aero spokes over the 60g on any course.

Same here. I'm not into aeronautical-style calculations, but they are out there for the searching along with supporting data.
Check out the Zipp website tech section. Oval>bladed>>>>round in aero tems in their wind tunnel testing. Cervelo site also has some good info on cycling aerodynamics. Then there's analyticcycling.com. Others as well.
Bottom line is aero more important than weight up to grades of around 6-8%+. Even then 60g between wheelsets is not a big issue. I have a very heavy Gipiemme wheelset (2300g 30mm AL rim) I still ride sometimes, and quite honestly the only time I notice the weight vs my other 16-1800g wheelsets is during accelerations & on steeper grades. At cruising speed that weight is not meaningful. IMHO- Weight is probably over-emphasized by most riders. As I've heard too many times: "if you're worried about a few grams, just fully empty your bladder (& rectum) before your ride". Good advice for non- weightweenies, too ;)

In the interest of full disclosure- I have R28aero2's which I love. I went with the aero spokes after wasting WAY too much time reading on the subject. Plenty stiff for me, although I don't race. Another nice thing about the Neuvation aero's is that replacement spokes are readily available (GREAT customer support!!), and standard round spokes can be used in a pinch. Only bigger bike shops seem to stock full lines of bladed spokes for any wheels (even more common Mavics & Shimanos).
I have over 2000 trouble-free miles on my R28aero2's carrying my 165# riding weight. Worst thing I can say about the bladed spokes is that I cut my finger on 'em once when my tire lever slipped.

In all fairness- the difference $$$$$ exotic aero wheels make to the recreational rider is not great (probably under 1 kph @ 30kph compared to old box rim-36 round spoke wheels). The difference between R-series wheels with bladed vs round spokes is a fraction of that. Both the aero's and the SL's are fine wheels and outstanding values. Can't hardly go wrong either way.

I'm glad I found this thread. I have my eyes on these wheels as well. I'm leaning towards the Aero 3, but that could always change. Did you guys see the test results on testrider.com.? Either one is a great wheelset.