I know you get what you pay for, but $500 for a set of carbon tubulars :eek:

Think they are worth taking a chance on - or steer clear?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150079784366&rd=1&rd=1

I am thinking of getting a new set of wheels - looking at some 38 carbon wheels - not 100% sure if I want to try tubular (might use them for cross wheels as well) or clinchers. Don't have a lot of $$ to spend.

KMan
www.MLKIMages.com

k-man, trust me go with tubular: faster, lighter and for sure less flats. also bling factor. cons: extremely expensive and if you do have flats take long time to repair.

I wouldn't do it. If you are on a budget and can't afford to replace a carbon rim when racing cross, then don't race them. I'm guessing an off-name carbon rim is not going to have outstanding impact resistance. When you bottom out your tire racing cross, you run the risk of cracking the carbon. Ask wunlap about this in the cross forum.

Also, with an unknown carbon rim you have no idea what the braking surface is going to be like. It may be just fine (so too could the impact resistance), but you really have no way of finding out without risking $500.

You also don't know the quality of the hubs, and build quality. What do you do if there is a warranty issue like a broken freehub (ala AC)?

You'd be better off getting a set of cheap aluminum tubulars off of ebay for cross, and building a set of Niobium 30 'aero' wheels for the road.

k-man, trust me go with tubular: faster, lighter and for sure less flats. also bling factor. cons: extremely expensive and if you do have flats take long time to repair. z ken - why exactly should he 'trust you' - you have a post in here stating that you have never ridden sew-ups. And what 'bling' factor (whatever that may be) is there in tubulars - they look just like any other tire once they are mounted.

Just wondering...

Edit - to the OP, agree whole-heartedly with E-T's comments. Aluminum-rimmed, handbuilt sew-up wheels are plentiful on e-bay and if you decide you like them you can start saving up for a 'better' set. If you decide they are not worth the trouble you can sell the wheels and you won't have so much invested. Plus IMO the used aluminum wheels are more sellable than used carbon wheels of unknown quality.