Robert A

I have a 2019 CAAD12/Ultegra with R8000 caliper brakes. I'm considering ordering A-Force AL33 rims with the ceramic brake track. I plan to install 25c tubeless tires.

Has anyone experienced fitment issues with the R8000 brakes, particularly the width of the rim at the brake track (24-25mm)?
Are there any tubeless installation headaches with these rims?

Lastly, here's a pic of my bike. The wheels will be all-black, but I'm thinking of getting stainless spokes to add a little pop. Thoughts/opinions?




Thank you,
Robert

Chi_Z

i am more amazed that your bike shop would sell you CAAD12 with aggressive racing geometry when you clearly needed something else.

Robert A

Don't quite understand the nature of your comment, but the chose the bike after many test rides and a proper eval. from a recognized bike fitter.

masi61

I'm curious what others will say about the ceramic brake track of these Aforce A-33 rims. In the past I recall reading mixed reviews of Mavic Open Pro rims that were available with ceramic brake tracks. Seems there were some proponents, while others reported that the coating would get damaged or had issues finding just the right brake pad inserts.

I'm a little curious what deficiency you are trying to remedy with the new wheels in comparison to the ones that are on there currently?

noodle soup

He's referring to the massive stack of spacers, and the upright stem.

Robert A

What about it?

tagaproject6

That there's a massive stack of spacers and an upright stem. The frame is not suited nor fitted to you if they have to modify the bike in that manner. They could have put you on a more relaxed geometry. But you could have different body measurements, so there's plenty of speculation.

noodle soup

Ask the guy that made the comment.

Robert A

You'll note the clean cassette and chain? This was on delivery day, as it came from the factory. The bike fit came later.

Now can we move on?

Robert A

I just want lighter, better performing wheels that can accept tubeless tires. The factory wheels weigh about 1900g, the ones I'm discussing with Richard weigh about 1500g and are more suited to my weight and riding style.

noodle soup

I didn't bring it up. I just explained what his comment was about.

masi61

Cool.
I just looked up the rims themselves & saw where they retail for about $180 each. A bit on the high $$$ side for aluminum rim brake rims except that the ceramic coating just might justify the cost. A lot of modern rims build into stiff wheels and are tubeless compatible.
i thought I saw where November Bikes is building custom wheels utilizing these rims.

Can you share info about the specific wheel build? What hubs, drilling, type of spokes & cost?

what tubeless tires are you hoping to run?

Robert A

Basically, White Industries T11, Sapim CX Ray spokes (20/24 config), alloy nipples. Price is $961 after 12% discount.

I'm thinking of adding a little stylistic contrast to go with the classic nature of the CAAD. Possibly silver spokes OR silver hubs. Thoughts?

Tires would be GP5000-TL or similar (haven't decided).


Here's the specific build:

A FORCE AL33 MSW CERAMIC 700C BLACK RIM +$205.00 (475 grams)
20
700c / 29er
Tubeless Tape and Valve for 1 wheel Installed (Not available as Rim Only) +$11.00
WHITE INDUSTRIES T11 FRONT BLACK HUB +$157.00 (97 grams)
QR Front 9x100mm
*No Bearing Upgrade
20
*No Skewer
SAPIM CX RAY J BEND SILVER BLADED14 X 21 X 14G OR 2.2 X 0.9MM SPOKES +$3.30 (4.35 grams)
SAPIM POLYAX 14MM 14 GAUGE BLACK ALLOY NIPPLE +$0.34 (0.312 grams)
RadialA FORCE AL33 MSW CERAMIC 700C BLACK RIM +$205.00 (475 grams)
24
700c / 29er
Tubeless Tape and Valve for 1 wheel Installed (Not available as Rim Only) +$11.00
WHITE INDUSTRIES T11 REAR BLACK HUB +$344.00 (252 grams)
QR Rear 10x130mm
*No Bearing Upgrade
24
*Ti Shimano/Ti SRAM 8,9,10 or (ROAD 11spd)
*No Skewer
SAPIM CX RAY J BEND SILVER BLADED14 X 21 X 14G OR 2.2 X 0.9MM SPOKES +$3.30 (4.35 grams)
SAPIM POLYAX 14MM 14 GAUGE BLACK ALLOY NIPPLE +$0.34 (0.312 grams)
Two Cross

BK84

I have had 25mm wide wheels with 25mm gp4000s on a caad12 with r8000 brakes with absolutely no issue.

Robert A

How do you widen the calipers enough? When I borrowed a friend's Ardennes, I turned the knurled knob at the top of the caliper all the way out, and still had to leave the little lever slightly outside the locked position.

Do you use thinner pads?

Clipped_in

Robert, you can loosen the screw clamp that connects the caliper to the brake cable to open them up further. Just be sure to tighten it up again and check for brake adjustment before you ride. You can also open up the quick release lever so long as your tires will clear the brake pads when you remove the wheel.
You should have plenty of clearance for a 25mm rim width.

Banzai

Kinlin XR31T rims test just as well in the wind tunnel at half the price.