I'm trying to figure out why HED wheels are so cheap. I've read the reviews and they seem very mixed. I've very tempted by a disc wheel thats only $600 and a deep aero for $500.

Anyone have them? Like them? Hate them?


Cheers!

I run HED 3 for triathlon's. Here's the pro's, as I see it. Very aero, extremely solid, uses shimano hub's, strong enough to be ridden daily, comparatively lower cost. The con's, in my opinion-you do have to watch the quality. Other than that, they truly are a great wheel. I don't know anything about their conventional spoked wheels (Alps, etc.), so keep this in perspective. I do know that people I've met that also use the HED 3 and the disc are all very pleased.

Thanks!

That help a lot. I'm trying to build out my Triathlon bike and didn't want to spend >$2k for Zipp disc and 808. Not to mention you can't get a clincher Zipp disc.

I've used H3s on my Time Trial bike for several years. They are very controllable in windy conditions. I just built a new TT bike and got the H3 Carbons to go with it. I'm putting my Hed 3 clinchers up for sale soon.
The Hed 3 front and disk rear is a very aero combination. I haven't used a Hed disk, mine is a Renn 575 and I have been very pleased with it. It also comes in either tubular or clincher and I think its comparable to Hed in weight.

You guys on HED 3s, are you talking the Alu rim version? Because one complaint about them is the weight, something like 1700-1800 gms. Of course, I've heard it said that function is the priority with triathletes, weight being the least important factor.

HED has come out with the Carbonlight version of the HED 3, which weighs around 1500 gms. But these are more expensive (around $1500).

The HED 3s are regarded as the most aerodynamic rims out there - under different wind angles - based on wind tunnel testing. They are considered the #1 choice (with a solid rear dish), for TTs.

The author of one triathlete web site said the trispoke wheels aren't the best for twisty descents. Something to do with the handling. Any comments on this?

Of course there are the HED Stingers for those who want a conventional spoked carbon tubular. I've heard many good things about them, and they are reasonably priced (around $1200 range).

Couple of other advantages of HEDs: they are made in the USA. On the Stingers, I believe you can switch between Campy/Shimano on the same wheelset by changing out the cassette hub.

I'm using the HED 3 carbon with aluminum clincher. Are they heavy? It's all relative. They are heavier than say Zipp 404's, but I can ride them in any conditions on any day and not think twice about it, and they are fast. IMO, they handle great. I live in the northwest and among the hills and I really do love them. My wife has some 404's and she love's those, but we would never consider running those on any day other than a race day. With the HED 3's, if I leave them on for a few days, no worries. Maybe others have had other, less positive experiences, but mine have all been positive. As stated previously, you do have to watch the quality. It took my LBS three tries to get a rear wheel that was true enough for me to want to buy. But then again, I can be a real PITA!