Suitable wheels for Cross racing

[jimcameron]

Hi,

I recently bought some RS10's Shimano wheels for my commuter. Would these be suitable for cross racing?

Cheers
Jim

 

[James Huang]

Hi Jim,

The things that make for a good road wheel aren't really all that different for a 'cross wheel. In either case, you're looking for something well built, as light as is reasonable given cost and reliability constraints, and individual components that can handle the required task.

In the case of your RS10s, I think you'll likely be fine. Shimano's wheel build quality is quite good, the hubs are pretty well sealed (and easy to work on if they do get contaminated), and the relatively shallow rims should make for a decently comfy ride over the rough.

They're perhaps a little heavy for a true race wheel but that's neither here nor there as far as I'm concerned. Believe me, I've been smoked on many an occasion by someone on a far lesser bike than what I'm usually privileged to ride simply because they were fitter and faster. While I still say that the rider on the better bike will be faster *all other things being equal*, there's no substitute for the engine.

Get yourself a good set of open tubular tires if your budget allows (such as ones from Challenge) to maximize what those wheels can do and then upgrade later as your skills, fitness and budget improve. If you find that you really love the sport, keep your eyes open for a set of used tubular wheels in good shape. In 'cross, the biggest improvement you can make equipment-wise is by switching to tubulars as they allow for far lower operating pressures than even tubeless clinchers (I ran 26 and 28psi front and rear in my race on Sunday), letting you roll faster, corner much harder, and finish fresher.

In the meantime, get out there and enjoy the suffering.

 

[BrandonT]

Tubular's

I took similar advise James mentioned in his response and got tubulars. Best investment I have made for my CX racing!

 

[kiwirider]

Those wheels will work OK as a cross wheel - I had the same on my Cannondale cross bike when I bought it. I raced all last season, commuted (including the winter) and rode them for about half the summer as a road and cross wheel before they died.

They are definitely strong enough to take the punishment that they'll get. My regret was that the sidewalls chewed out before I managed to get to 15 dents in the rear rim! (In case you're wondering - lots of really rocky trails that are used for training here ...)

That said, they will be a pain to keep in true if you ride them on the dirt. I used to get mine trued weekly during the season as they'd keep going out after each race. I'm not that heavy either - at 73kg/158lb - and generally ride pretty smoothly.

The other thing is that they'll give you a **** ride. They are really harsh and slow rolling. I think that the harshness is a factor of a combination of spoke count and spoke type. The rolling resistance is just a factor of a low quality hub. I built myself a set of wheels around Campag Daytona hubs and Mavic rims and the transformation in my ride (comfort and speed) is night and day from the Shimanos ...

So ... I guess, if you've got the wheels as effectively a "free set" to use - go for it. But my advice would be to get onto something else ASAP (or ASAFA - as soon as funds allow!)