Sweet Spot for Cheap(er) wheels?

[cbrshadow]

I have a 2012 S-Works Venge with FLO 30 wheels that I use for crit racing. The wheels are well worn and need replacement, so I'm weighing my options. I assumed I could spend $500 on new FLO30's but I don't see them on their website. I always felt like FLO30's were the sweet spot for 'cheap' wheels. Still reasonably aero, not crazy heavy, wide internal width so I can put a 25mm tire without bulging, etc.

The current wheels are worn all around, but the bearings are what is making me go for a full replacement.

What are my other options? Ideally I'd like to keep the price $1000 or less.

My only requirements are:

Price: $1000 or less
Braking surface: Aluminum, rim brakes (no carbon braking surface)

If it matters, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Worth mentioning, I have access to a good job who can build wheels (free labor for me) so that's an option. I wouldn't even know what items to buy though.

[bremerradkurier]

$300-$320 including shipping for a DIY build kit with 31mm deep,19mm internal width rims and CX-Ray spokes.

https://www.bdopcycling.com/DIY%20WHEELS.asp

[VTR1000SP2]

I’ve seen Dura-Ace C40s and HED Jet 4s for less than $1k new on offer. Keep an eye out on eBay. Also, check Performance Bike if there’s one near you. I was recently in Fort Lauderdale and saw a pair of the HEDs for $500.


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[morganb]

Kinlin XR31T to Bitex or BDOP hubs for the <500$ semi aero wheels that are reasonably light. HED JET6+ can be found new for <900$ pretty easily for a proven aero shape with alloy braking.

[ArtV]

What about the new Tune TSR35? That is near the upper end of your budget but seem to meet your needs.

[Sock3t]

$300-$320 including shipping for a DIY build kit with 31mm deep,19mm internal width rims and CX-Ray spokes.

https://www.bdopcycling.com/DIY%20WHEELS.asp

How heavy are these?

[morrisond]

I would highly recommend Fulcrum Racing Zero's. Very stiff and responsive for sprinting and crits.

17C internal - USB ceramic cup and cone bearings run extremely smoothly and fast.

They will be stiffer and arguably roll better then any hand-built wheels you can have built, and at about 1,515 grams not bad on weight (I'm assuming you aren't going to try and have sub 1,400 gram wheels last in crits)

Only about 628.18 Euros shipped to the United States from Germany right now. PM me if you want to know where I saw that price.

[bremerradkurier]

$300-$320 including shipping for a DIY build kit with 31mm deep,19mm internal width rims and CX-Ray spokes.

https://www.bdopcycling.com/DIY%20WHEELS.asp

How heavy are these?

They claim 1485 for 20/24 and 1520 for 24/28 hubs.

[uraz]

DIY: Extralite Cyber SP hubs + CX-Ray spokes + HED Belgium Plus; Factory: Fulcrum Zero

[savechief]

I personally wouldn't consider less than $1,000 to be "cheaper" wheels, but it's all relative. Often times, for the best balance of performance and price, people point to Campagnolo Zonda, which can be bought for less than $400.

[taodemon]

You can usually find HED jet 6 wheels for around $900 online. I've had a set of the jet5 wheels for 5 years (22462 miles) and they have been relatively problem free.

[cbrshadow]

You can usually find HED jet 6 wheels for around $900 online. I've had a set of the jet5 wheels for 5 years (22462 miles) and they have been relatively problem free.

Regardless of price, which wheels woudl be generally better for crit racing?
- HED Jet 6
- HED Ardennes

Thanks for the responses so far!

[Sock3t]

Pro wheel builder has the Mavic Open UST's for just over $400 and about 1450grams iirc.

[clarinet5001]

AForce AL33 are more aero than FLO 30 according to an A2 wind tunnel test, but they're also pretty expensive.

[dastott]

Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon?