Weight Weenies

I am looking at a set of new general use, non-aero wheels. Hyperon Ultras and Lightweight Ventoux Gen 2 can be had for the same price, but which should I choose?

I already own a set of Hyperons and Gen 3 Lightweight Standards, so I fundamentally understand the servicing/rebuildability pros and cons. Having recently crashed a Hyperon rear, the rebuildability debate is somewhat irrelevant since I bought a whole new set of wheels cheaper than the replacement parts. To me, therefore, they are both pretty much disposable in the event of a crash. The theory of Campagnolo rebuildability is not backed up by the availability and price of spare parts.

My questions is mainly about ride quality, whether the current spec Hyperon is better or worse than the previous spec Ventoux, and whether the Gen 2 Ventoux that much less a wheel than the Gen 3?

I have narrowed my choice down to these 2, so no 'you could build some ENVEs for that price' comments please because at the prices I am looking at, you couldn't.

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Out of those two, i would definetly go for the LW's. But that is purely for the Bling factor, as I can not comment on how either of those wheelsets ride.

Like you, I already have a set of standards III. I bought a set of Hyperons used and use them frequently. I had the same question as you and ultimately decided to stay with the Hyperon instead For the bling, yes, the Ventoux wins. However, it is a huge waste given you won't be able to tell a darn difference between them and the Standards. My opinion at least.

Hi,

I absolutely agree. Even a Corima Winium should be considered unless you're in the U.S....

Ciao,

Seriously, the Hyperons are awesome and as bullet proof as it gets. Couple that with the Standard III and you have the best combo there is. Again, simply in my opinion.

Hi,

We must be growing up on the same wine, or vine....Whatever.

To those that don't want to spent the "plata" for the Hyperons, try to score a set of Neutrons for tubulars.
Fit a couple of Veloflex Carbons and enjoy the magical mystery tour.....

Hey, you can even fit a set of Conti Comps. They'll still be comfy if you go easy on that pump.

Ciao,

fdegrove wrote:Hi,

We must be growing up on the same wine, or vine....Whatever.

To those that don't want to spent the "plata" for the Hyperons, try to score a set of Neutrons for tubulars.
Fit a couple of Veloflex Carbons and enjoy the magical mystery tour.....

Hey, you can even fit a set of Conti Comps. They'll still be comfy if you go easy on that pump.

Ciao,

Given I've been training my liver on wine all afternoon, this is way more fitting than you'll even know

I've got a set of Hyperon Ultra clinchers that I picked up off WW for a grand and use to train on as well as a set of LW Ventoux Gen III's.

I can hardly separate them. They're both amazing.

I've never ridden a Gen II but I've been told there is quite a difference in stiffness between the Gen II and III. if that was the case I'd go the Hyperon because it's faultless.

solarider wrote:I am looking at a set of new general use, non-aero wheels........

I don't really think that there is anything "general use" about either of those wheelsets.

jsinclair wrote:

solarider wrote:I am looking at a set of new general use, non-aero wheels........

I don't really think that there is anything "general use" about either of those wheelsets.

Granted, they are prohibitively expensive for most, but if you can afford them then there is no reason why they shouldn't be considered every-day wheels. I can assure you, in terms of strength, they're up to it. I've used nothing but Campag carbon and LW wheels for over a decade now for both racing and training. I've ridden some of the worst roads in both London and Sydney as well as countless trips to the Pyrenees and the Alps and they've stood up to anything I can throw at them.

So I guess from that perspective they are very much general use.

What's more, I don't see any use in heading out on a set of "average" wheels only to keep my "race wheels" in the garage for a rainy day.

You are only here once. I don't "train" as such anymore, as I don't race. I just "ride" and I want to enjoy my time on the bike as much as possible. Why not ride nice wheels all of the time? If I was seriously training for something I might want a heavier wheel for resistance, but life's too short. So, yes, they are general use in terms of not being deep section rather than in terms of being cheap.

Thanks for the comments Johnny. That has really focussed my thoughts. In use the Hyperons and Lightweights don't feel much different in weight, and the Hyperon has less flaws. I already have a couple of sets of Lightweight Standard Gen 3s, so the Hyperons sound like the better option.

Hi,

IMHO the are the better option by a large margin.
Still, why the shallow wheels?

I must admit, there are times I curse my beloved Boras and wish I'd whipped up the always easy going Neutrons...

So, what's your excuse?

Ciao,

Of the two, Hyperons.

I went for 202s as my shallow nice wheelset. They have IMO better hubs than either of your options (by a fair margin on the LWs, and slightly vs. Hyperons), and are far more aerodynamic than either IIRC. They are tough also. Against this, the rear is not as stiff as the Hyperon rear, which is a big plus for that wheelset.

LWs are overpriced to my mind. They are WW but in most other respects they are inferior to 202s and Hyperons.

202 better hubs than Hyperons? Are you sure

@kgt ... IMO they edge it on smoothness vs. campag but there is not much at all in it and both are exceptional.

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