Used wheels from Pro's Closet
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 752
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 559 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 63 Times
in
45 Posts
Used wheels from Pro's Closet
Anyone ordered used wheels from Pro's Closet? At first impression, this seems like a great way to get into a high-end carbon wheelset for the price of aluminum. There's a return policy (30 days, I believe ). Are there any downsides other than cosmetic to be aware of?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,516
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20808 Post(s)
Liked 9,450 Times
in
4,668 Posts
I've ordered a few things from TPC, but not wheels. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to order wheels from them if the price:described condition was commensurate, particularly with disc brake wheels (with rim brake carbon wheels, I might go so far as to limit myself to new or sales floor models, but that's just me).
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 752
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 559 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 63 Times
in
45 Posts
They have a fair number of Zipp 303 and 404 rim brake wheels. Are there nuances to these wheels that I should know about? For example, did Zipp redesign the wheels (thus making the used ones older, less desirable models)?
I've ordered a few things from TPC, but not wheels. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to order wheels from them if the price:described condition was commensurate, particularly with disc brake wheels (with rim brake carbon wheels, I might go so far as to limit myself to new or sales floor models, but that's just me).
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,516
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20808 Post(s)
Liked 9,450 Times
in
4,668 Posts
Oh, one thing to be careful of - a good number of screaming wheelset deals at TPC are tubulars; that would make for one hell of a disappointing unboxing if you accidentally bought them.
#5
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
I got some mavic carbone SL from them for $500 about two yrs ago. Beat the hell out of them used wheels. Good people and fast shipping. Good detailed enough photos so you have an idea of the condition of the set.
Zipps are tricky, look at the hubs color ways, make sure you get 11speed stuff, most there problem/recalls were around the 10spd silver hubs if I remember correctly.
Zipps are tricky, look at the hubs color ways, make sure you get 11speed stuff, most there problem/recalls were around the 10spd silver hubs if I remember correctly.
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 752
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 559 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 63 Times
in
45 Posts
Well here's the thing. It seems like I can get quality used carbon wheels for around $800 - $1200 with known brands like Enve, Zipp or HED. Or I can spend close to the same amount for new carbon wheels from Light Bicycle. I have not done complete research on the whole topic of wheels generally, but I've been following the thread about Light Bicycle.
#7
Senior Member
Well here's the thing. It seems like I can get quality used carbon wheels for around $800 - $1200 with known brands like Enve, Zipp or HED. Or I can spend close to the same amount for new carbon wheels from Light Bicycle. I have not done complete research on the whole topic of wheels generally, but I've been following the thread about Light Bicycle.
Likes For popeye:
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 752
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 559 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 63 Times
in
45 Posts
Good suggestion. But my question is really about higher-end used vs. lower-cost new. Is there a quality difference with the higher-end products even though they're used?
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
Enve wheels come with a 5 year warranty, and have a reputation for toughness. That warranty is almost certainly for the first owner only.
Older Zipps have had trouble with hubs. I don't know enough about this to be very useful, but if you go with Zipp wheels do your homework.
I wouldn't buy used rim brake wheels, but everybody is different in their tolerance for risk.
Older Zipps have had trouble with hubs. I don't know enough about this to be very useful, but if you go with Zipp wheels do your homework.
I wouldn't buy used rim brake wheels, but everybody is different in their tolerance for risk.
#10
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
We have officially gotten into the used wheel market ourselves. We are buying used wheels, inspecting them and tension/true, certifying them and selling. We are working out the details - like we want to offer a 1 year "anything happens" and you get 1/2 credit towards another set including wrecking them, etc. We realized we spend half out time anymore working on older wheels - replacing rims, bearings, re-building, etc so it just made sense.
We registered the domain but I am working on a revision of our main site first but if you are in the market to sell sets it doesn't hurt to hit us up. I keep buying used and then sell them too quickly.
We registered the domain but I am working on a revision of our main site first but if you are in the market to sell sets it doesn't hurt to hit us up. I keep buying used and then sell them too quickly.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 752
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 559 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 63 Times
in
45 Posts
Why is there risk with older rim brake wheels?
Enve wheels come with a 5 year warranty, and have a reputation for toughness. That warranty is almost certainly for the first owner only.
Older Zipps have had trouble with hubs. I don't know enough about this to be very useful, but if you go with Zipp wheels do your homework.
I wouldn't buy used rim brake wheels, but everybody is different in their tolerance for risk.
Older Zipps have had trouble with hubs. I don't know enough about this to be very useful, but if you go with Zipp wheels do your homework.
I wouldn't buy used rim brake wheels, but everybody is different in their tolerance for risk.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,516
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20808 Post(s)
Liked 9,450 Times
in
4,668 Posts
#14
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
thinned braking surface equal more heat in that area, transfers to tubes and kaboom on decents. I've seen/heard bead blow out on carbon wheel on STEEP fast decents.
I was looking at those Zipps on their site last week and some local zipp 404 that ended up silver hub 10spd. In the end I ordered new wheels from Reynolds for 1300 shipped. a hundred more but I'll get a warranty and new brake surface to dig into. Lifetime warranty w/ Reynolds
I was looking at those Zipps on their site last week and some local zipp 404 that ended up silver hub 10spd. In the end I ordered new wheels from Reynolds for 1300 shipped. a hundred more but I'll get a warranty and new brake surface to dig into. Lifetime warranty w/ Reynolds
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#15
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,104
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1782 Post(s)
Liked 1,621 Times
in
927 Posts
In late December 2015 or early January 2016 I bought a Powertap Amp G3 35/35 wheelset from them. They eBay ad said "raced 1 season." I still have those wheels and aftet 5000+ miles the brake track is just starting to show the slightest bit of wear.
The wheels were around $2200 new, I got 'em for $1000 at the time. The front hub is just starting to make the slightest audible bearing noise but spins true & long.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. They were new as far as I could tell.
The wheels were around $2200 new, I got 'em for $1000 at the time. The front hub is just starting to make the slightest audible bearing noise but spins true & long.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. They were new as far as I could tell.
#16
Old Legs
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Mass.
Posts: 1,212
Bikes: '80 Strayvaigin, '84 Ciocc Aelle-Shimano 105, '90 Concorde Astore /Campy Triple ,85 Bridgestone 500/Suntour, 2005 Jamis Quest, 2017 Raleigh Merit 1, Raleigh Carbon Clubman
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 302 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Two years go, I bought a set of Campagnolo wheels (Shimano 105 hubs) for a build. They were well in spec, as advertised. Prior to installation, I took them to my LBS for a truing, and was told, they are in great shape. Didn't even charge me, for checking. I've put over 500 miles on them. I won't think twice, about buying used wheels again from Pros Closet. KB.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18350 Post(s)
Liked 4,502 Times
in
3,346 Posts
I've dealt with TPC several times on E-Bay, generally with good luck, but never directly through their website.
They do try to describe their wheel sets as well as possible. But, they seem to like to check the wheels on a truing stand without doing significant maintenance.
Yep, a bunch of models. Older ones were smooth. Newer ones have golf ball bumps.
I think the newer ones are also listed as "Firecrest®"
I can't say there are huge differences from one model to another. Spoke Count? Silver hubs & Spokes?
Somewhere around 10 years ago, there was a big shift from 10s to 11s. Just make sure what you get is compatible with your bike.
Zipp's disc wheels are very narrow, and in theory, one can get a cassette that will overhang to the inside side of the freehub without problems. There are specific 11s conversion cassettes you can buy, or make.
Obviously, also be aware of Tubular vs Clincher wheels.
Brake Track wear, of course, is the issue with older rim brakes. One should see it with careful inspection of aluminum brake tracks (and hopefully TPC will list it as part of their ad, and supply photos of the brake track for you to inspect).
It may be more complex of an issue with carbon brake tracks, where it may be more difficult to detect minor wear. Obviously be very careful if a rim has heavy wear.
In many cases, carbon rims are getting sold to second owners with almost no wear (used for race only), even 10 year old wheels.
Obviously be careful of holes and damage with Carbon wheels, although disc wheels may be able to suffer some damage, and still be usable.
They do try to describe their wheel sets as well as possible. But, they seem to like to check the wheels on a truing stand without doing significant maintenance.
I think the newer ones are also listed as "Firecrest®"
I can't say there are huge differences from one model to another. Spoke Count? Silver hubs & Spokes?
Somewhere around 10 years ago, there was a big shift from 10s to 11s. Just make sure what you get is compatible with your bike.
Zipp's disc wheels are very narrow, and in theory, one can get a cassette that will overhang to the inside side of the freehub without problems. There are specific 11s conversion cassettes you can buy, or make.
Obviously, also be aware of Tubular vs Clincher wheels.
Brake Track wear, of course, is the issue with older rim brakes. One should see it with careful inspection of aluminum brake tracks (and hopefully TPC will list it as part of their ad, and supply photos of the brake track for you to inspect).
It may be more complex of an issue with carbon brake tracks, where it may be more difficult to detect minor wear. Obviously be very careful if a rim has heavy wear.
In many cases, carbon rims are getting sold to second owners with almost no wear (used for race only), even 10 year old wheels.
Obviously be careful of holes and damage with Carbon wheels, although disc wheels may be able to suffer some damage, and still be usable.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 10,474
Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3374 Post(s)
Liked 371 Times
in
253 Posts
FWIW - my fave braking in CLEAN situations is rim brakes on smooth carbon rims. "They" started messing with the surface for those few that use rim brakes in the rain. ENVE does serrated and it iis not good. Others have a bruised brake track. I have alloy on some and that is a good compromise. I do disc on rear of the tandem, a cx and MTB bike, but disc - is not like a good clean rim brake (the rim is the disc).