Hey all,

I've got a pretty nice dilema. I had a 6.5 Pro on order and it's finally in! Thing is I HATE Bontrager wheels (Race X Lites). Question is what wheelset should I replace them with? I want an all purpose wheelset that can handle my 177lbs.

My top pick right now are DuraAce WH-7850-C24 clinchers. They've gotten great reviews and they'd match the DuraAce gruppo. Of course there are the Ksyrium SL Premiums.

Thoughts?

Hey all,

I've got a pretty nice dilema. I had a 6.5 Pro on order and it's finally in! Thing is I HATE Bontrager wheels (Race X Lites). Question is what wheelset should I replace them with? I want an all purpose wheelset that can handle my 177lbs.

My top pick right now are DuraAce WH-7850-C24 clinchers. They've gotten great reviews and they'd match the DuraAce gruppo. Of course there are the Ksyrium SL Premiums.

Thoughts?

Why do you hate them?

Describe the DuraAce Wheels I am not familiar with those. I didnt think Shimano made a carbon clincher. As for the Mavic's the Bonty Race X Lites are comparable and certainly not any lesser of a wheel, and 2/3rds the price.

Maybe try a few different models out. My shop loans out a couple pair of wheels for customers to try. Also, have you thought about the new tubeless clinchers? I've heard great things about them, but the tire options are not that great right now. DuraAce has the proper wheel for them, and I'm told they ride as good as tubulars. Hutchinson, I know, makes a few tubeless tires, but I don't know who else does right now. And if you don't like them, you can always use regular clinchers with the wheel set.

Maybe try a few different models out. My shop loans out a couple pair of wheels for customers to try. Also, have you thought about the new tubeless clinchers? I've heard great things about them, but the tire options are not that great right now. DuraAce has the proper wheel for them, and I'm told they ride as good as tubulars. Hutchinson, I know, makes a few tubeless tires, but I don't know who else does right now. And if you don't like them, you can always use regular clinchers with the wheel set.

The DuraAce's I'm looking at can go tubeless (can't wait to try riding at 90-95psi). They're also called WH-7850-C24-CL (http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en/news_and_information/news0/new_dura-ace_freehub.html). They're a carbon-alloy composite. I'll check to see if my LBS has a few loaners to try out.

Why do you hate them?

Describe the DuraAce Wheels I am not familiar with those. I didnt think Shimano made a carbon clincher. As for the Mavic's the Bonty Race X Lites are comparable and certainly not any lesser of a wheel, and 2/3rds the price.

I've had two sets on Bonty wheels and both have had "factory defects" either with problems with the hubs or spokes literally ripping off the rim (yes they were properly trued by a professional).

The DA wheels aren't 100% carbon, they're a combination of alloy reinforced with carbon.

I've had two sets on Bonty wheels and both have had "factory defects" either with problems with the hubs or spokes literally ripping off the rim (yes they were properly trued by a professional).

The DA wheels aren't 100% carbon, they're a combination of alloy reinforced with carbon.

I did some research on the Dura Ace wheels: I would go with the D/A (assuming they are up to standards of past D/A wheels) over the Ksyriums (just cause of the style). But they are damn expensive. While the Ksyriums have a long track record, the D/A carbon clinchers are brand new and may have problems.

You know that the Bonty did have a problem with a certain series of Race Lites and X Lites.
The new ones are supposed to be pretty damn good. I sure like mine. But I hear you, you can sour on the name. Is your LBS going to swap them for another set and credit you the difference, or are you going to be selling them on your own?

with respect to the D/A or Ksyriums, you are going pretty light on those wheels, and perhaps you should be going the other direction: Looking for a stouter, heavier, aero wheel perhaps?

If I was going to be dropping 1200+ on a set of everyday all purpose wheels it would be a Cosmic Carbone SL clincher. That is my everyday wheel even though they are somewhat heavy at 1750 grams, they never bothered me when climbing, and I am a very strong climber. I have very little experience with the following: but a Zipp 404 Pavé clincher is lighter than the Carbone and supposedly for everyday use, although it is considerably more $. And there are certainly others.

Good luck
zac