Schmolke TLO 45 Clincher with Extralite hubs - review

[Lillee]

I've laid down the money and went with a set direct from Australian distributor. Took two weeks to order, build and ship from Germany to my door!

Pros:

- Extremly light weight! They spin up so fast, mine came in at 1170g the pair (non tubeless version)

- Extremly aero - I'd say on par with my Zipp 404 NSW's but 400g lighter. They hold speed really really well

- Rode in 35km/h winds and it wasn't as scary as my Fulrum Racing Zero Carbons, on par with Zipp 404 NSW

- Finish and build is much better than both sets of Enve SES 3.4's I own (that's not saying much!). I dynamically balanced them with Revoloop Race 60mm tubes and front was 7.8g and rear was only 6.0g off which I felt was pretty good.

- Very stiff set of wheels! So relieved since I had my reservations about the Extralite hubs but they are flawless! As good as DTswiss 240s stiffness wise, on par with Zipp cognition but miles miles miles better than Chris King R45 set I have. Put down 1100W on them and they are great!

- Brake surface is just a bit worst than Enve Gen2, it is certainly quieter and modulation a bit better but initial bite isn't as good but stopping power is about the same. Rode in a complete downpour on weekend and brakes performed admirably. I'm using Enve grey pads. I think Zipp Platinum Pros will make them even better? I have no complaints though considering they are untextured

- Wheels are quite comfy, soak up some road bumps quite well because I've only ridden them on GP5000 25's and I'm coming from riding 5000+kms with 28mm I was quite impressed with them and did not feel "beaten up" after a ride

Cons:

- Price, but it's competitive against Zips and Enve's

- Slightly narrow inner width, 17.6mm would have ideally liked 19mm at least but may entirely not be necessary as per comfort note above. Will try 28mm on them and sacrifice a bit if aero for comfort and see how that goes.

Overall very happy with them! They are best wheels of the lot, only time will tell if the Extralite hubs will last but from what I've read I'm confident. Thanks to Weight Weenies community for the reviews of the wheels which played a big part in my decision to purchase, hence I thought I'd give back a bit...

[MrCurrieinahurry]

They look fantastic keep us in the loop with how they get on after a few more Kms

Basso Diamante super record EPS 12
BMC slr01 ultegra Di2

[wheelsONfire]

If you want to soak up road buzz, Zipp FC 303 is in another league.
I have TLO 45 and carbonti hubs also.

[Lillee]

If you want to soak up road buzz, Zipp FC 303 is in another league.
I have TLO 45 and carbonti hubs also.

Yeah I have a pair of 404 NSW's, what I meant was that I expected light, stiff rims to be also stiff and unforgiving but they are actually quite good!

[rollinslow]

Good to hear! Gorgeous build.

[Lillee]

Thanks, more to come, Darimo Nexum to compete the build and hope to get it under 6kg

[TourmaletteduFromage]

What handlebar-stem combo are you currently using? Blackinc?

[CustomMetal]

Thanks, more to come, Darimo Nexum to compete the build and hope to get it under 6kg

THM crank and carbon Ti rings would help too

[Lillee]

What handlebar-stem combo are you currently using? Blackinc?

Yea currently Black Inc as it came with the bike from previous owner. It's super nice but out of place and 320g

[Lillee]

THM crank and carbon Ti rings would help too

Not entirely off the cards...

[TourmaletteduFromage]

What handlebar-stem combo are you currently using? Blackinc?

Yea currently Black Inc as it came with the bike from previous owner. It's super nice but out of place and 320g

If the dimensions fit, let me know when you would like to sell it

[DHG01]

Very nice build. Did you weigh them? Tubulars come in at the same weight (albeit with Tune hubs). Completely agree with the braking.
Also- Schmolke provides best customer care I ve experienced.

[Rishie]

Another vote for Schmolke TLO 45s. And their customer service. Great set of wheels and nothing was too much trouble. They even built wheels on hubs which I sent (CK R45) and were ever so helpful in every aspect.

[Lillee]

Very nice build. Did you weigh them? Tubulars come in at the same weight (albeit with Tune hubs). Completely agree with the braking.
Also- Schmolke provides best customer care I ve experienced.

Thanks, 1170g the set

[Lillee]

What handlebar-stem combo are you currently using? Blackinc?

Yea currently Black Inc as it came with the bike from previous owner. It's super nice but out of place and 320g

If the dimensions fit, let me know when you would like to sell it

400x110 but there is a bit of a queue for it at the moment! I didn't realise how desireable they are!