I've been talked into building up a tubular wheelset :eek: , by my evil brother. I rode them exclusively back in the early-mid 80's and actually have great memories - going years without flats. In looking around at rim choices, the 2 that seem most appealing are the Ambrosio Chrono F20 and the Mavic Reflex, but I know nothing about either, other than a few bad reviews of the Reflex on this site. Anyone out there have any positive or negative experience with either. I'm especially interested in the Ambrosio, as an Italian rim would "go" better with my otherwise all campy bike.

Thanks,
John

I had a bad experience with Reflex rims, developed cracking around the ferrules after about 1000 miles on the rear wheel. I used them for crit wheels and I think they couldn't handle the stress. I've switched to Velocity Deep V tubular rims and they are fantastic. Lacing them up took more time (fishing the nipples in with a spoke) but I haven't had to even true them since I built them in September. Check out www.worldclasscycles.com for the best price. Give them a call, the owner is very cool to talk to.

chris

I have 2 sets of tubular wheels...one with Mavic Reflex and the other Ambrosio Crono F-20...that being said the Mavic's developed cracks on the drive side...The Ambrosio's have been bullet proof...both were same build on Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 hubs. I would like to try the Velocity Escapes as I have heard they were a great rim to work with. Good luck

Whenever I hear the word "Crono", I think ultra-light weight, and that they are for TT's only. Not sure why Reflex rims crack. All of my tubie wheels are buily with either GL330's or Wolber box rims. They seem to last forever.

Whenever I hear the word "Crono", I think ultra-light weight, and that they are for TT's only. Not sure why Reflex rims crack. All of my tubie wheels are buily with either GL330's or Wolber box rims. They seem to last forever.Well, the ambrossio's are heavier than the gl330 rims, so yeah. They just added in the Crono in the last few years, before that they were just the F20. Anyways, I have some F20's and they are good, no problems.

You can add the Fir Isidis to the list as well. Similar to the F20. I'm surprised to hear reports on the reflex. Most people I know who run them for cyclocross have used them for years with no problems.

...I'm surprised to hear reports on the reflex...

No problems with my Reflex tubulars race only wheels. Primarily used in road races for the last two seasons although my son beat on them in crits one summer.