Sub 1300g "everyday" clinchers. Can it be done?

[BK]

If you're just talking about some light everyday wheels you might look at the Real Design Ultrasphere. They are advertised at 1365. I have a set and have put a couple thousand miles on them with only very minor truing touch-ups to the rear wheel. I'm lighter than you at 165-170 but I'm sure they'd be fine. Heck, I ride mine everyday and have put them through 5 criteriums this season with no ill effects so they are apparently pretty durable.

I just noticed there is a guy in the classifieds selling some of these
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum ... hp?t=33625

[DocRay]

I'm confused, how can 2000 miles a year be 'everyday'?

[_SJ_]

5,48 miles every day x 365 days = 2000 miles a year. Simple.

[tochnics]

+1 for the bontrager xxx clincher carbon
the amc mag wheels are also light, but not yet proven to the long test

for a every day wheel u should think about open pro rims, dt spokes en hubs with the weight how much your wallet can loose
it will be light(ish) durable en cheap to repair the rim or spokes
on a budget a dure ace hub set or equal can be a option

[DocRay]

5,48 miles every day x 365 days = 2000 miles a year. Simple.

ah, so why does a <6 mile rider need 1300g wheels?

[tochnics]

not to slow chat but:

a light rider who lives in the hills ?

[RedRacer]

I'm confused, how can 2000 miles a year be 'everyday'?

Short season and four bikes

[redevoke]

Alloy nipples could be problem at 190 pounds. Rolf has a 13XX gram set of clinchers I think.

[racingtiger]

5,48 miles every day x 365 days = 2000 miles a year. Simple.

ah, so why does a <6 mile rider need 1300g wheels?

His drive way is a mile long with a 22% avg. grade

[RedRacer]

The Rolf Elan Aero or Elan Aero RS both look like excellent choices and their design is innovative.

Would these be stronger than custom built wheels of the same weight?

[RedRacer]

The Rolf Elan Aero or Elan Aero RS both look like excellent choices and their design is innovative.

Would these be stronger than custom built wheels of the same weight?

Any thoughts on my question?

Thanks

[addicted]

The Rolf Elan Aero or Elan Aero RS both look like excellent choices and their design is innovative.

Would these be stronger than custom built wheels of the same weight?

Any thoughts on my question?

Thanks

I highly doubt any pre-built wheel, especially the low spoke count Rolfs, will ever be -as- strong and durable as a custom built set of wheels using 28 or 32 hole hubs/rims, which can be built to a similar weight with the right hub choice, etc.
That doesn't mean that the Rolfs won't be strong -enough- for you though.

[rruff]

and their design is innovative

"Innovative" design is often a ploy to achieve a certain "look" and set their brand apart from the rest. Paired spoking and large flanges aren't improvements on basic wheel design.

[RedRacer]

I highly doubt any pre-built wheel, especially the low spoke count Rolfs, will ever be -as- strong and durable as a custom built set of wheels using 28 or 32 hole hubs/rims, which can be built to a similar weight with the right hub choice, etc.
That doesn't mean that the Rolfs won't be strong -enough- for you though.

I am not trying to be a smart ass (seriously!) but can someone please explain to me how a combination of various parts from different mfgs put together by an independent operator with no particular engineering knowledge of the parts can be lighter, stiffer and stronger than an pre-built set?

I understand why selecting your own rims, hubs and spokes can produce a light wheelset but don't companies like Rolf and AC have deep R&D pockets to put together excellent wheelsets?

[ScienceIsCool]

The companies you mentioned -don't- have large R&D budgets. In fact, only the major players like Mavic, Shimano and Campagnolo can afford to have a true R&D cycle. The rest are all going by their best engineering understanding and using mainly off the shelf, or slightly modified parts. Very few can afford several custom rim moulds and a wind tunnel, let alone some CFD software to perfect their wheels.

Other than that, ceramic bearings, cool new colours, and awesome decals (plus a few gimmicks and made-up words like isopulse) are what sells...

John Swanson