Another wheel thread. Ultegra 6800 vs Handbill
10-06-16, 09:59 PM
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Another wheel thread. Ultegra 6800 vs Handbill
I recently purchased an ultegra 6800 wheelset and am happy with their performance. Out of curiosity I'd like opinions on whether or not a much better wheelset can be hand built for under $500, and if so, your preferred spoke, hub and rim suggestions would be appreciated. I'm sure weight is a factor, I am usually right about 175 lbs.
10-07-16, 11:11 AM
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10-07-16, 01:47 PM
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anyone explain what is the magic behind handbuilt, anyway? as long as the rim is true and round within tolerance, and spoke tension are within range, how does the wheel having been built by Mr Hand or the T800 Terminator make a difference?
10-07-16, 01:55 PM
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I think that, most of the time, people are referring to the semi-custom nature of being able to spec out your wheels, and opposed to the method in which the parts were assembled, but I could be wrong.
10-08-16, 06:09 AM
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I thought that Shimano's wheelsets are handbuilt. This article seems to suggest that's the case:
A look inside Shimano's shrouded wheel factory | Cyclingnews.com
A look inside Shimano's shrouded wheel factory | Cyclingnews.com
10-08-16, 06:27 AM
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I have a pair of Chinese carbon rims that are IMO excellent.
Hubs will not be like Ultegras. First Ultegras are too heavy to build light wheels with. Second the lighter hubs all use sealed cartridge bearings unlike Shimano.
10-08-16, 11:05 PM
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You can surely get lighter. Regarding aero, for that little money you are pretty much limited to 30 mm deep alloy rims. That is assuming you don't buy direct from China. If you are willing to buy umbranded goods from China, you can get lightweight, aero, carbon wheels for that price. 50 mm deep or similar is no problem.
I have a pair of Chinese carbon rims that are IMO excellent.
Hubs will not be like Ultegras. First Ultegras are too heavy to build light wheels with. Second the lighter hubs all use sealed cartridge bearings unlike Shimano.
I have a pair of Chinese carbon rims that are IMO excellent.
Hubs will not be like Ultegras. First Ultegras are too heavy to build light wheels with. Second the lighter hubs all use sealed cartridge bearings unlike Shimano.
10-08-16, 11:37 PM
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you can get the Shimano RS-81 C35's for just under $600. they're basically the Dura-Ace C35 rim laced to the Ultegra 6800 hub, tubeless ready, ect. the only downside is that they're about 20 heavier though, but if you went with the C24 version of that wheel (the TL is tubeless ready) they'll be over 120 grams lighter than your 6800's and about $470...
10-09-16, 05:53 AM
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