Friday, August 23, 2013

First impressions: wide carbon clinchers

Just short of 100 miles on the new wheelset. Impressions so far using the wheels on the cross rig, with 700 x 25 clinchers, 80 psi & 90 psi (front/rear), 11-28 cassette.

Stiffness: carbon rims have no issues here. These are very stiff, especially with CX-Ray spokes.

Ride: not bad considering the stiffness.

Braking: good! This was a surprise. I won't be riding these in the rain, or bombing sustained descents. Using DT Swiss yellow fronts and Gigantex cork rear.

Aerodynamics: they don't feel fast, but they're also not susceptible to crosswinds.

Looks: head turners thanks to the 12k cosmetic weave.

The test rig.

It's hard to capture the luster of the 12k weave. It does look sweet--take my word for it.

The brake track uses the 3k weave.

38 mm, U-shaped profile, Sapim spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples. Black everywhere.

Carbon everywhere!

And yet more carbon...

Head tube badge. Carl Strong is the man.