I just melted the front brake track of my LB U45.
The decent: steep and nasty. Jamberoo Pass. South of Sydney. I have done the pass many times before. I descend pretty fast and well enough. I don't drag brakes (used to race motorbikes, so am confidence enough at speeds.) Brake pads were Swiss Stop Yellow.
Strava lists the gradients as up to 22%, but let's call it well above 10% in areas. 550m elevation. With switchbacks. I weigh 92kg.
The weather was cool and damp.
I have ridden these wheels flawlessly for about 5000km.
So, everything is pointing to some problems with carbon clinchers. (heavy rider, steep descents with heavy braking.) And sure enough, when I got 3/4 down the hill and I heard a different pitch to the squealing they make - the rims have never been quiet - regardless of the pads I have used. At the bottom I feel a shuddering and I look at the front rim. It has melted and been "pressed in" in some parts. See pictures. I figure I was lucky the rims did not delaminate and throw a bead.
I will be throwing these in the bin as soon as I remove the hubs. These rims are not for me. Nor are any other "non-branded" copies of carbon clincher rims. I just don't trust them any more. Having said that they might be fine for lighter riders who don't want to descend on them like I did.
Does anyone know where I can get some Zipps or HED that have been built up stronger (28h r and 24 f or similar)?
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