This carbon wheel issue has been burning a hole in my soul for so long. The twin headed snake of thrift and indecision (not such an impressive snake as far as twin headed snakes go) held me at the impasse for years. Having @mauibike commit to all carbon for his lifetime wheelset needs got me hot. Seeing Fabs winning Paris-Roubaix and the Ronde on his Aeolius 5.0 wheels made the fever burn higher.
Maui is a very gusty place to ride and I was loath to own some deep section rims that would be the death of me. Looking pro while getting blown off the road at speed, uncool. Bontrager has the budget to blow on high speed computing and wind tunnels to make sure Gianni is not buffeted unduly. They also use Alpina spokes with plastic inserts so the the wheel should be truable for years.
Ebay is full of people who buy tubular wheels then sell them after very light use (or their first flat tire). Voila, Gianni finally owns Fabooo’s tubular wheels.
The first impression on the first ride was holy smokes, these float uphill. The weight difference was what impressed me immediately. I take off the front wheel when transporting the bike and I still marvel at its lightness. This lightness is also noticeable when cornering and not in a good way. The flywheel effect of a heavier aluminum rim is diminished making the steering, for lack of a better term, whippy. I’m used to it now but for the first few weeks the front end felt less stable.
My wife was quite vexed that I was undroppable on climbs; these wheels were feeling better and better. The improved climbing alone was enough to make me embrace the benefit of carbon construction.
It was during the first descent of Haleakala volcano where the other lightbulb switched on in my dim brain. Unintentionally I was going into every corner faster than usual. My V-meter does not give me data to substantiate the feeling but these wheels are more impressive going down than they are going up. They are fast. When you get off the brakes on a descent the bike just hauls more ass. To add to their list of wonders, they are very stable in gusty crosswinds too. The windtunnel testing was money well spent. Score one for the boffins.
I have not done enough riding in wet weather to have an opinion on rainy day braking. This is my number one bike after all and I’ve avoided the real steep descents if I have a choice.
To address the original question in the original article; can carbon wheels be one’s everyday, go-to wheels? I now say absolutely. These aero wheels are faster in all directions, why would you deny yourself that pleasure everyday. They do cost a huge amount to money new. That is their one massive downside. They can be had reasonably if one looks at slightly used tubulars, what is not to love about that? If one buys the premise that wheels are the most important upgrade to a bike, then buying light, aero, carbon wheels is the way to go.
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I think carbon wheels look bad ass! Somewhere in that 48 - 52 mm range, black wheels on a black frame, just looks dam awesome!
@ChrissyOne Of course they would use magnesium, something more exotic than carbon fiber.
I was just out and got caught in a quality heavy rain. The braking was not impressive, semi-functional but a lot more hand strength to get an effect. Maybe the pros just never use their brakes. What would Cancellara do?
@tony
That is a very wise idea. Train heavy then race light and fast.
I don't race so I'm just going right to the light and fast(er).
@antihero
Absolutely. The ride of the Vittoria Paves is great, as is their durability. And I only have one set of clinchers in the quiver -- and they don't get ridden much at all.
Like @Gianni, I scored some Faboo-esque used tubulars (the net-to-me costs was so amazing I'm not even going to post it) which are pretty much my do everything wheels.
I had them off for a while since I put on my Nucleons when we had a week of wet weather and was too lazy to swap brake pads back to carbon compatible. Have to do some service on the Nucleon freehub so put the Bontragers back on for this morning's ride and remembered now much I like them.
Would probably have gone with the 50mm profile, but the 35mm deal was so good I couldn't pass it up.
I think next go-round tires will be Veloflex Roubaixs or Vittoria Corsa SCs for the tan sidewall look.
@Gianni
I wish I had more time to perv over this bike the last 2 days.
@RedRanger
Did you see it disappear into the sleet ahead of you?
@teleguy57
I approve of your bike choices there: frame, saddle, front fork, white hoods on Campa 11 speed. The whole package being ridden in sunny Colorado, nice day out.
@Gianni
unfortunately
@Gianni
Thanks! Pic is from the Fraser Valley back in July. Today's ride back home in WI was at 37F, windy, and mostly overcast. But the Aeolus rode as sweetly as ever.
If I remember right @frank dinged me on the SMP, but mentioned you also were a fan. As I responded then, it works for me and is usually hidden under my fat butt anyhow.
@Geraint try tubulars. By all means. Get nice tires. The vittorias paves or even better, Veloflex roubaix/arenbergs. Fantastic ride and durable too. You wont look back.
@teleguy57 you may find the SCs a bit delicate for Wisconsin applications. And I hope you can get your freehub sorted [emoticon omitted].