WHEELS!
I love new wheels! Wheels are the biggest upgrade you can make on a bike. A good set of them can turn an average bike into a fast work of art. Why do you think every time a bike is photographed they have a wicked fast set of race wheels on it. So with this post I want to go over some of the best wheels out there. ![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/_W3XeAh9tGAs/SR5ZHgFIjII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/2aTgJTytsSM/s320/1080Tubular_674.jpg)
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Everyone knows zipp wheels. They are by far the most popular race wheel out there. Why is that? Answer: THEY ARE FREAKIN' FAST. Zipp boldly states that you can drop over a minute in a 40k time trial just by using a set of 404s. I have raced on many different set of zipp race wheels and here is my take....Zipp tells the truth. My favorite race set is a pair of Zed 808 tubulars. Second favorite is a Disc and 808 front.
Pros: Freakin fast
Cons: Freakin Expensive $2000+ for a set.
This wheels don't seem to get the credit they deserve. I have ridden a pair of 420s and thought they were an excellent TT training/race wheel. I will say I dont think they are great (just good) for the pedal mashing type or crit racer. They changed the hubs for 2009 and made some improvements. The 6 paws in the hub release and catch at the same time opposed to other hubs that release one at a time. I think the Mag Wheels are the next on my list of wheels to get...can't argue with a 1255 gram clincher wheelset. Also for 2009 they are making a Disc and deep dish wheelset. The disc is a rebadged Zipp for less money....so that means it must be fast for less money. Sounds good to me.
My current wheelset is a Reynolds Attack. I have been using these as my training wheels and they have stood the test. In 2009 they are coming out with the Reynolds Strikes. These wheels are going to awesome.
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1. Cheaper than most others
2. Carbon Clinchers
3. Cool Hubs and roll smooth (very very important...always feels a wheels hubs before you buy)
We have in stock a Reynolds Element which I think has the best graphics of any wheel.
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I can't say I care too much for the TT line, mainly due to price, but the roadie line is awesome. If you want to make a solid upgrade on your bike get a pair of Kysrium SL's. Light, fast, and sturdy as hell. I dare someone to try and break those. The R-SYS makes every bike a light plush ride. If you get a Cervelo RS with Mavic R-SYS wheels you will have the most plush bike on the market not to mention it will be light. A Cervelo RS frame weighs 1000 grams and the R-SYS are 1360 grams. Thats a light combo.
So in short...
Zipp = The standard in FAST, but pricey
American Classic = New hubs, New graphics, the new hot wheelset
Reynolds = The best in full carbon clinchers
Mavic = Best in training wheels or race wheels if you are a roadie
So if you want to improve your speed just try a nice wheelset and I guarantee you will never go back. Remember: one can always buy a little speed.
-Adam
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