Carbon rims!

Question: Why does it cost 90 bucks to ship these things from China?
Answer: Because Vivian puts them on an airplane so they get here in 8 days.

My order of carbon rims has arrived:

• 1 set of 20/24 hole 50mm carbon tubulars
• 1 set of 20/24 hole 50mm carbon clinchers

I measured the ERD of the clinchers last night and they were within 1mm of factory claims. I've seen more variation on aluminum rims, FYI.

This batch of rims looks a little higher quality than the ones I ordered a year ago. Those were a unidirectional finish, and had the unlikely claim of being able to tolerate 250 Kgf spoke tension. Something may have been lost in translation.

This new batch is matte finish 3k carbon weave and carries a more realistic claim of 180 Kgf spoke tension before failure. This set is also lighter than the originals. The claim of 400 grams seems conservative.

I have ordered the spokes for the carbon clinchers/Chris King setup. That'll get laced and built this weekend. I hope.

Something to look at until those are together....

A harder, higher friction treatment for the brake track. Braking during cross season was sufficient. Not sure I'd bomb an Alpine descent on them.