Boyd wheels ...???? any coments anyone..?

[Mordi]

A word of caution for folks who want to go with the Boyd clinchers -- I mentioned this as an aside in my first comments on the 50mm clinchers, but after several more miles I feel it is something folks need to accept. The proprietary brake pads require significantly more runway for braking than any other wheel/pad combo I have run. I would venture to guess that they require upwards of 50% more runway to come to a complete stop (my unscientific guess). They are smooth indeed, but if you are doing any riding in traffic, on hills, or in groups where stopping/slowing might be an issue, you need to understand the limitations. I confirmed with Nicole at Boyd Cycling that the clinchers require use of the proprietary pads and no other (and I guess using another type of pad could become a warranty issue). So among all the positives with the carbon clinchers, this fact has to be considered.

This is such a contrast to the Boyd tubulars (I own the 38mm), which have exceptional stopping power when used with Swissstop yellow pads. By far the best stopping power compared to any other carbon wheel I have used (Reynolds, Easton, Bontrager, Zipp).

I hate to point out the drawbacks in an otherwise great product, but I also want to offer some objective feedback. Would love to have Coach Boyd weigh in on this with some tips or explanation, but I am hoping he can find a brake pad that will perform better and still avoid the heat build-up that can become a problem with the carbon clinchers.

[Timebandit415]

Hi, can anyone post some pictures of the entire wheel with the ghosted decals?

[coachboyd]

A word of caution for folks who want to go with the Boyd clinchers -- I mentioned this as an aside in my first comments on the 50mm clinchers, but after several more miles I feel it is something folks need to accept. The proprietary brake pads require significantly more runway for braking than any other wheel/pad combo I have run. I would venture to guess that they require upwards of 50% more runway to come to a complete stop (my unscientific guess).

The newer carbon clinchers have different resins and epoxies which help out with both the stopping power and heat dissipation. They also have a 3K weave on the brake track instead of the unidirectional. The braking performance has improved with all of this. The thing to remember with carbon clinchers is that stopping is a product of friction and friction causes heat. With tubulars because you don't have the small hook with outward pressure from the tire, brake pads selection is not as important and the Swissstops are fine to use. Swissstops are a great brake pads and stop extremely well but this does cause significantly more heat which is why they are not recommended for anybody's carbon clinchers.

We are working on a lot of things for 2013 and one of those things is definitely brake pad development. We have been working with a few companies in Taiwan with finding the right material for the resins and epoxies that will keep the temperatures lower and still have good stopping power. The tests are pretty cool, 4 seconds on, 4 seconds off braking for 12 minutes with constant temperature monitoring, the temperatures will rise steadily and then plateau for the rest of the test. It's not a test to failure point although we will be doing those as well.

[NWSAlpine]

Hi, can anyone post some pictures of the entire wheel with the ghosted decals?

Not sure if any are the new under the clearcoat ghosted or just on top.

[Mordi]

The newer carbon clinchers have different resins and epoxies which help out with both the stopping power and heat dissipation. They also have a 3K weave on the brake track instead of the unidirectional. The braking performance has improved with all of this. . . . . . .

We are working on a lot of things for 2013 and one of those things is definitely brake pad development. We have been working with a few companies in Taiwan with finding the right material for the resins and epoxies that will keep the temperatures lower and still have good stopping power.

The clinchers I reported on are the new model (purchased May 2012) with the 3K brake track weave, so I am hoping the development efforts to find a better performing brake pad will produce some good results for 2013 (or hopefully sooner). Appreciate Coach Boyd's candor and explanations, and I'm sure he will inform existing owners of the clinchers when they have come up with a brake pad that can stop well but still dissipate heat. Until then, we'll just have to be cautious when riding the clinchers (like when riding any other wheel in the rain). Given the popularity of carbon clinchers, I am sure there is plenty of motivation to find a solution.

[Elpimpo]

@ Coachboyd:

1. how would one go about getting ghost decals? (didn't see an option on the website.)

2. do the new things you're working on include new wheels?

3. when you say 2013, do you mean 2013 or like october 2012?

I am very interested in the boyds now and would like to try the new stuff as i won't be able to ride till the third quarter of this calendar year.

[rainbowstripes]

I would just like to add a personal note as far as Boyd Wheels goes. Beyond the veil of the internet I can personally vouch for the integrity and character of Boyd himself. Boyd is a guy that is working very hard and determined to make it in this industry. I have known Boyd for years. Every step that he makes is carefully calculated to progress further. He is in fact...one of us. I'm certain that he would appreciate any ideas or feedback that the brains on this forum can give him.

PS. I've blown out Zipp and Hed clincher rims from overheating. But I have never had this happen with his deep clincher rims.