Climbing wheels

[keith davies]

Following a disaster with my carbon rims last time out in the Alps, does anyone have any recommendations for a good set of climbing wheels, 10-speed Campag-compatible, alloy - or at least with alloy braking rims, preferably under £1,000?
One set I’ve seen are these Zipp CL60 Carbon Clinchers with alloy brake rims, which I’m waiting to come back in stock at Ribble as they are reduced from £1,140 to £770 but wondered if there are any others I should look at.

 

[ray j willings]

Have you thought about some hand built wheels...you can get them very light easy to service " parts etc"
and not expensive compared to ready made light wheels.. Plus they are hand - built and IMO you cannot ride better wheels.

 

[StinkFist]

Agree with Ray here.

Find a reputable Wheel Builder close by, go and have a chat and tell him / her what you require along with your budget and they should be able to present you with plenty of options.

I've bought wheels off the shelf for years and then bit the bullet and had some training wheels built for me back in 2010 (Mavic Open Pro's laced up to White Industries Hubs).....haven't bought a wheel off the shelf / store / internet since

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Re:

Agree with Ray here.

Find a reputable Wheel Builder close by, go and have a chat and tell him / her what you require along with your budget and they should be able to present you with plenty of options.

I've bought wheels off the shelf for years and then bit the bullet and had some training wheels built for me back in 2010 (Mavic Open Pro's laced up to White Industries Hubs).....haven't bought a wheel off the shelf / store / internet since

Agree also. Hard to beat a wheelset designed and built specifically for you. It will be light(maybe lighter) and most importantly use 'standard' stuff, rims, spokes, so when you wear a rim out, just replace the rim rather than have an expensive pen holder. Probably be cheaper with better hubs. Stay away from Zipp, BTW-the hubs are truly junque.

 

[King Boonen]

Handbuilt.

Lightweight climbing wheels sound like a great idea, but unless you are getting airlifted off the mountain or climbing into a vehicle remember they have to get you down too!


As BK points out, the best thing about handbuilt wheels is they are made from standard parts. Bust a fancy bladed spoke on your factory wheel set and you could be waiting weeks for a repair, same with rims, pawls, freehubs etc. if you can even get hold of them. But get a decent set of locally handbuilt wheels and the builder will have everything needed to repair them and can probably do most things while you wait.

If you tell us where you are in the UK we might even be able to recommend someone to you. Take a look at these guys site:

http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk/news/117-ordering-and-delivery

They have some very nice stock builds listed on there and will also do completely custom stuff if you know what you want/tell them what riding you are doing.

 

[Master50]

Following a disaster with my carbon rims last time out in the Alps, does anyone have any recommendations for a good set of climbing wheels, 10-speed Campag-compatible, alloy - or at least with alloy braking rims, preferably under £1,000?
One set I’ve seen are these Zipp CL60 Carbon Clinchers with alloy brake rims, which I’m waiting to come back in stock at Ribble as they are reduced from £1,140 to £770 but wondered if there are any others I should look at.

Campy Shamal Wheels are light around 1400 grams, stiff enough to sprint and almost as aero as much deeper wheels.

 

[winkybiker]

Following a disaster with my carbon rims last time out in the Alps, does anyone have any recommendations for a good set of climbing wheels, 10-speed Campag-compatible, alloy - or at least with alloy braking rims, preferably under £1,000?
One set I’ve seen are these Zipp CL60 Carbon Clinchers with alloy brake rims, which I’m waiting to come back in stock at Ribble as they are reduced from £1,140 to £770 but wondered if there are any others I should look at.

Campy Shamal Wheels are light around 1400 grams, stiff enough to sprint and almost as aero as much deeper wheels.

I actually just bought a set of those. I had a really good experience with some Eurus a few years back. I also considered the Neutrons which are about the same weight and steel-spoked. I like the 2:1 spoking on the Shamals though, as well as the "mille" hardened finish.

I can't say that I'd consider those Zipps. Hubs have a bad rep, and they're heavy, aren't they?

 

[keith davies]

Thanks for all the advice. Seems like handbuilt is the way to go. I'm in London and Condor Cycles seem to get good reviews so will call in and talk to them, unless anyone knows any better alternatives!

 

[King Boonen]

I've seen this guys name pop up a few times, being in Glasgow I've never really looked into it much though:

http://www.yogarup.com/wheels/

 

[ray j willings]

Jon built me a set of clinchers 1182 grms pair .
he know's his stuff

http://www.justridingalong.com/

 

[King Boonen]

Weren't Condor the ones selling re-painted steel frames at twice the price of elsewhere just because it has their name on it?

 

[ray j willings]

Re:

Weren't Condor the ones selling re-painted steel frames at twice the price of elsewhere just because it has their name on it?

I don't know much about them. I'm sure its going to be more expensive going to condor rather than a independent builder