Hey, need some help choosing a set of wheels for my 2011 SuperSix. I currently have Shimano RS80 C24s but I have decided to part with them in favor of some +45mm aero wheels.

I've done a ton of searching and have narrowed my decision to a few sets... my budget is $1600 max, spending the least would be the best scenario.

I'm not a light rider (190lbs). Ride flats and some rolling hills... I'm going with +45mm clinchers, so please help me with selecting.

I have been pro Reynolds cause they seem to be suitable for heftier riders...

1. Reynolds Assault Carbon Clinchers 2012 ($1060)
2. Reynolds Forty Six Carbon Clinchers 2012 ($1580)
3. Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLE 2013 ($1660)

The Mavics come with the Yksion tires, the Assaults are the cheapest and the 46s are similar to the Assaults but have better DT240 hubs, spokes, hi mod carbon and 100gr lighter.

Is it worth $500 more for the 46s over the Assaults?

Are the Cosmic SLE worth the most with the heaviest weight?

I was considering Boyd wheels but they don't have what I want in stock...

I'm wanting to get new, used doesn't appeal to me...

Please chime in with your thoughts...

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2009 Scott Spark 50 - 22.9 lbs / 10.38 kg
2011 Cannondale SuperSix 5 - 15.35 lbs / 6.96 kg

Why not? Let some other sucker take the hit.

AFA what you're looking at I'd run towards the 46-es but if I had to pick for me, I'd say used 404s.

YMMV and all that

M

I don't want used because of the lack of warranty, not knowing what the wheels have been through and possibly getting scammed if the person selling them aren't close to me to meet up..

So you think the Forty-Six's are worth the extra $500 over the Assaults?

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2009 Scott Spark 50 - 22.9 lbs / 10.38 kg
2011 Cannondale SuperSix 5 - 15.35 lbs / 6.96 kg

boyd is going to have a new design 44mm clincher that seems to fit your bill well, it's only been announced now and won't be readily available until February if you can wait that long.

The only thing is that those wheels are more than the assaults by $400 and almost the same price as the 46s and a few other name brand wheelsets..

I was going to go with a set of 2012 Boyd 50-58mm wheels but they don't have the spoke count I require, and at $880 they were a great price.. but for the 2013 44mm at $1400+ are they as good as the others mentioned?

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2009 Scott Spark 50 - 22.9 lbs / 10.38 kg
2011 Cannondale SuperSix 5 - 15.35 lbs / 6.96 kg

If those are the prices you are getting I'd go with the 46 over the assault. you get the better hub, stronger lighter rim and about a 20% increase in aerodynamic efficiency over the assault because of the SLG. the Assaults are a great wheel at a great price, but I think the 46 are worth the extra $$

cheers

Thanks, I think I have taken the Mavic and the Assaults out of the equation...

I am now down to either 2012 Reynolds Forty-Six Clincher or for $100 less the 2013 Easton EC90 Aero Clincher...

I know on paper the Eastons are a bit heavier, but they gain another 10mm in rim depth..

Any opinions on either set? I know the Eastons have Sapim CX Ray spokes and ceramic bearings.. the Reynolds has the DT240 hubs and spokes and a little less weight..

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2009 Scott Spark 50 - 22.9 lbs / 10.38 kg
2011 Cannondale SuperSix 5 - 15.35 lbs / 6.96 kg

Reynolds make solid wheels (the 46 is awesome) and have the best braking of any carbons I've tried. Easton on the other hand... well let's just say that from a quality standpoint they don't hold a candle. Keep in mind you can always upgrade the spokes and hubs later, but you'll be more than happy with the way the 240's roll.

Hmmm.. ok, I'm taking the Eastons out..

It's Reynolds all the way for me. I can get either the Forty-Six or the Sixty-Six for the same price..

Is it worth the extra 150-200 grams for the added 20mm of aero goodness?

I'm not concerned with crosswinds, I'm a heavy rider ~200lbs..

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2009 Scott Spark 50 - 22.9 lbs / 10.38 kg
2011 Cannondale SuperSix 5 - 15.35 lbs / 6.96 kg

I have the 2013 Cosmic SLE, the breaking wet and dry sets the bar above everybody else. very happy with my choice.

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Madone Five Series 2013
Shimano Dura-Ace 9000
Mavic Cosmic SLE 2013

I would take 46 over 66 with that weight penalty for general use. Have you ever ridden deep section wheels in crosswinds down a hill at 50mph? I've done it on 38, and that was scary enough.

If in doubt, go lower. Deeper wheels may be marginally faster, but lighter wheels are more fun.

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Bikes: Raceur, Beateur

How bout another answer: November. Once they come out with their new rim, I think they're gonna be the shiznit (outside the 'major' players)

M

I may be able to help on this subject. I've got a set of 2011 Reynolds DV3K's and 2012 Reynolds 66's (both clinchers). I know you've settled on the Reynolds 46's vs. Assaults, but I just wanted to chime in on the 46 vs. 66 debate.

The DV3K's are very similar to the Assaults (the major difference is the finishing weave 3K vs. 12K, half the rear spokes - DT Swiss Revolution vs. Competition, and possibly the hub - Reynolds vs. KT). The basic wheel shape is the same, just a little heavier.

I use the DV3K's on my road bike (2010 Trek Madone) and the 66's on my TT bike (2012 Trek SC7). From my personal experience/observation, the aero shape of the 66's is superior to the assault/DV3k's. The Swirl Lip Generator is very effective at minimizing the front-end push in crosswinds. I feel significantly less effect of crosswind, even when i'm on the aero bars of my TT, than I do with the same amount of wind on my road bike. BTW, I live in a very windy part of the US (South Texas - wind farm capital of the US), with constant 10-15mph winds. Needless to say, I'm looking at eBay for deals on a set of 46's.

The reason I would be reluctant to use the 66's on a road bike is because, at least with the 2012's, the rear hub is virtually silent. If you prefer it that way, by all means, go with the 66's. However, if the 46's are as good as the 66's, you won't have a problem. You could also go with a 46/66 wheelset, getting the aero profile of the 46 in the front.

Also, you mentioned the issue of Reynolds weight limits. I'm going to assume that means you, like me, are a little over your "recommended weight". The 66's have 20 spokes in the back, while the 46's have 24. Reynolds recommends a 24-spoke count for riders over 195lbs. The only reason I use the 66's is because they are on my TT bike, which will be seeing a more linear use of power, without the sprinting seen in typical road bike rides. I figured the lower spoke count should absorb the weight, so long as I'm not using that bike to sprint with, just ride and grind out a 40k TT.

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2010 Trek Madone: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=115249
2012 Trek SpeedConcept
2012 Trek Cobia
2013 Trek Superfly: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=115542" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you can wait until mid march get some 45s from neuvation:

http://www.neuvationcycling.com/product ... t-1515.htm

They're having a promotion right now too and John doesn't charge until the wheels are shipped I believe. Their customer service is exceptional.