Lenkearney

A friend is getting rid of a bunch of bike stuff and has a pair he wants me to buy. I am a recreational rider (average ride is 25 - 30 miles at 14-15 MPH) and ride a specialized rubaix with what ever wheels came standard. I am a little overweight (5'8", 200 #) so hills are challenging. The wheels are really light, though they are tubulars (no experience with this) so I am wondering if this would be a reasonable investment for me? He didn't specify a price but said to check ebay and he would be way below that - so I am thinking $3-400 for both - did not look at back sprocket so that might need to be changed. Thoughts? would you do it? Pros and cons?

Also said he had some power meter stuff (hub mounted)- too exotic for me.

Len

Wildwood 

I ride tubulars and prefer a lightweight wheel. Tubular tape (in place of glue) makes things faster.

As to this Zipp wheelset, I don't know, condition is everything. How good of a 'friend' is this person?
Aluminum tubular wheelsets (as I ride) are quite common used and at a bargain price.

CliffordK

A lot of "Race Wheels" have been used infrequently, and are in good shape. But as above, actual condition is everything.

Around 2010, most of the bike industry shifted from 10-speed to 11-speed. And, that may well impact your decision on the utility of the wheels.

bruce19

Forget tubulars. Go tubeless.

caloso

Are there tires glued to these wheels? If so, what kind of shape are they in? If not, are you willing to deal with (or pay someone for) gluing and mounting new tires?

CliffordK

If a person isn't willing to glue (or tape) the tires, and doesn't have a support crew following them around, then they shouldn't be riding tubulars.

Flats will happen, although the sealants are much better than what was available a few decades ago. And, of course, what does one do when the tires wear out?

fronesis

The two bolded parts DO NOT GO TOGETHER. Given your self-description as a rider, you have absolutely no need at all for tubulars. There are tons of great clinchers, and good tubeless options, out there, but tubulars are for racers, fast riders who enjoy gluing their own wheels, and probably some others, but not 14-15mph recreational riders.

Wilfred Laurier

This.


The hassle and drawbacks of tubulars are too great for most recreational riders. Also there is risk if the tubular is installed by someone who doesn't know what they are doing, if the glue doesn't hold, you might find yourself in a fast corner discovering that a tubular rim does not have the same traction as a tubular tire.

woodcraft

Tubulars and power meter stuff are about the same exoticity,

so may not be a good fit for you.

Lenkearney

good advice from all. I plan to pass on his offer- thanks for the comments.

Len

Wildwood 

such bs - tubulars are not exotic, they have been in use longer than modern clincher designs. Taping a tubular to a rim is easier than seating tubeless and more 'idiot proof' than a tubed clincher.

lighter rims + tires are the cheapest upgrade worth doing for a recreational rider who wants to up his game.

but hey. maybe the Zipps have an issue. usually a good decision to pass when indecisive.

woodcraft

I ride tubulars but 9 of 10 folks that I ride with have no concept at all,

so except for to you & the rest of the 10%, they are exotic.

Wildwood 

I consider the internet a teaching opportunity.





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