dmcdam

So there just haven't been enough wheel threads around here lately so one more…

Looking for a new set of AL clinchers for a build. Both the Flo 30 and Boyd Vitesse have caught my eye as good options. I'm a clyde and both of these are spec'd to about 240lbs with a 28 spoke rear (I'm 220lb). I'm not a sprinter and ride mostly smooth rolling hills.

I don't love only having silver spokes as an option on the Flo's, and they're proprietary so would be a bit of a pain to replace. Price is pretty much a wash with the Flo's about $500 and the Boyd's on closeout at $550 (with tape and skewers incl). Looks-wise I prefer the Flo's. The only other thing that has me a bit nervous is the 24mm width of the Flo's and running into possible fit problems, though the frame manufacturer said 23mm should be fine so will 1mm make any difference?

Is there any real difference between these two sets or is it pretty much splitting hairs at this point?

Smokehouse

FLO uses Sapim CX Ray spokes on their wheels:

https://www.flocycling.com/faq.php

I've been wondering why they don't offer black spokes either...I have black CX Ray's on my wheels and love the look of them.

Back on topic, I've been looking hard at the FLO options but have yet to decide on them...I will probably land up with a set of them eventually (FLO 60).

*EDIT*
If you're considering the FLO 30...also look at the ROL Race SL (SLR for you if your a heavier rider). I currently own the Race SL and love them...

https://store.rolwheels.com/2013-race...FYkWMgod_woArA

dmcdam

That's weird - I emailed Jon from Flo about them and he said their spokes are a custom order. I must have misunderstood.

I like the look of the ROL SLR but I'm trying to keep the budget down a bit. Shipping to Canada is going to cost $60-$90 plus I'll have to pay 13% tax when they land. At $700 I'd have a few more options but I don't think I'm missing out a whole lot for Flo's or Boyd's in the $500-$550 range.

redlude97

Not a fan of anodized brake tracks. They eventually wear unevenly and look bad, especially if you ride in the rain or less than pristine roads. So one thing to consider

SirHustlerEsq

I've very happy with my Flo30s after about 2000 miles, coming from Ksyrium elites. I had a huge crash too where I basically threw the bicycle 80' and the wheels are still "true" to the naked eye. I think I found a slight increase in average speed, the bike cornered way better, and they were affordable.

Eventually the brake track will even out like mine after a few rain rides.

Smokehouse

Ah...yeah, I tried to look up the pricing on the 30 but their "SHOP" area is down at the moment.

I bought my Race SL's April of last year for $625...looks like their price went up for 2014. As for FLO...perhaps they've switched gears. I was looking at them and their 60 model this time last year and say the used CX Ray (the FAQ still say that is the case)...but if you got it straight from the horses mouth...perhaps they have changed and not yet updated the web site. That kind of stuff is common.

I do love some black spokes...they look stealthy. If I ever were to go with a set of FLO 60s...they'd have to have black spokes, anything else would be criminal.

$550 on the Boyds is a good price...I also gave them a strong look before deciding on the ROL's. I do wonder if the same house mas ROL and Boyd rims...they look/spec out almost identical between the Race and the Vitesse. The hubs are a bit different...but the rims, as far as I can tell/see...look identical. I wouldn't be surprised if the same factory makes OEM rims for both companies.

Dunbar

The wheels are manufactured and assembled in Taiwan. From what I gather it's much easier for them to order only one configuration (silver CX-Rays) than to try and guess the how many black and silver spoked Flo 30's to order. They also cite higher cost on black spokes as a reason they don't offer them but I think most people would be willing to pay a reasonable up charge to get black spokes. Their blog says they may start selling the Flo 30 rims separately which means you could build up a set with black spokes and whatever hubs you want. Of course, it remains to be seen how much the rims will cost on their own.

As far the Vitesse I'd be looking at Boyd's new 30mm deep Altamont at this point. The "old" Vitesse uses the Kinlin XC-279 rim which any number of wheel builders can build to exactly your specification.

https://www.boydcycling.com/products/...-clincher.html

chaadster

I think the proprietary design of the Flo 30, and the whole Flo story, gives them a big edge in the cool factor, and I plan to make my next wheelset Floes.

Parson

Regarding the black spokes, I enquired a while back and was told that they custom order their spokes and have a 20,000 unit minimum. I guess they picked one colour so that they dont have to put in two separate big orders.

Bah Humbug

Silver spokes and anodized brake track are the wrong way around.

chaadster

Yeah, that's I figure, too! Flo says they polled their potential client base, though, and that's what most wanted, ano rims/silv spokes. Whodathunk?

canam73

Then blame the triathletes on the spoke color.

Bah Humbug

Yeah, the tri geeks got this one wrong.

Bob Dopolina 

Machine built vs hand built?

Have a look at the hubs.

Customer support?

dmcdam

The more I look at the silver spokes the more I like them. They kinda disappear at certain angles and when in motion (though I guess most do).

dmcdam

Boyds are hand built - Flo doesn't say leading me to believe they're not.

I don't know much about hubs but both get good reviews. Anything you can tell me about them?

Both companies get accolades on the net for top notch service.

Bob Dopolina 

Not really, just advancing the conversation. Rims and spokes were mentioned so hubs seemed the next obvious consideration.

RedVVing19

Amen

Gjc985

I love my boyds vitesse wheels. Id get them again in a second. They have been a terrific wheel for training and racing. Id love to get a pair of boyd carbon wheels I just cant afford them at the moment. I think his products are a great value

TexMac

Have Boyd Vitesse and have put on 800 miles. Best light, fast wheels ever! they are 30mm and you can fit 23,25,28. I weigh 180lbs and have crashed 4 times so far. Wheels look new. They both came at 1500gms.

TexMac

I have Vitesse and looking forward to getting some 44mm carbon tubulars sooner.

chaadster

Flo wheels are hand built, according to the first post on their Support/FAQ page on their forum.

chaadster

He meant the Sapim CX Rays are a custom order for them; they're not standard CX Rays. Flo had Sapim spec a shorter bladed section specifically for them so that the blade did not extend into the fairing, which allows the builder to avoid spoke twist in the section of the spoke he can't see, i.e. inside the fairing. The result is a better build and wheel.

dmcdam

You know with each post you're pushing me closer to the Flo's - you have a good answer for everything. The only other concern I have is that they might be too wide - worried about rub. They're almost 26mm at the bottom of the brake track. It would suck if there was a fit issue.

redlude97

Thats all good but isn't applicable to the FLO30 discussed here. The nipples aren't hidden