lennyparis

Roval Rapide 40 CLX vs. Zipp 202 vs. Zipp 303 vs. Reynolds Assualts vs. Enve 34 or Enve 45????

Debate pros and cons

Thanks

MikeyBoyAz

Anything that says SRAM/ZIPP on it is going to be over priced... My investments would go to boyd, but on your list I suppose ENVE would be my choice.

merlinextraligh

Cons are none of them are Enve 6.7.

Aero trumps weight. If you're going to spend on a CF wheel, might as well go big.

topflightpro

OP, your list is too broad. Narrow it down to what you want.

High end or entry level?
Shallow or mid rim.

StanSeven

Enve is the clear winner. My only gripe with them is there isn't anything in the "mid" depth of 50-55 or so

Pros and cons

Roval - no one uses them
Zipp - 202's aren't that aero, 303's get you there but 404's are more aero and only a little heavier
Reynolds - again no one uses them and even Reynolds hasn't done much aero testing

lsberrios1 

I have ENVE 3.4 and I like them.. They are pretty.

Jiggle

Yes

bikerjp

Do you race? As cool as carbon wheels look, I just don't see the payoff for non-racers. If you race then get wheels to match your abilities and general interests (i.e. a climber probably doesn't want or need deep wheels and a sprinter might want to balance weight and aero benefits). If you don't race, look into something like the DA C24 or C35 wheels - light and strong with alloy brake tracks. My bike comes with RS81 wheels which I haven't ridden yet (bike not here yet) but I've seen a lot of good reviews and the DA are just a bit lighter. Lots of great custom and semi-custom wheels out there too such as Boyd, Psimet, Soul, etc. Enve hoops and CK hubs would be sweet.

SirHustlerEsq

Whatever is the most expensive.

lennyparis

I don't race but might get into that a bit (probably not too much)

Want something with more ability to move through the wind and stiffer for better power transfer and light enough to climb on

Riding Mavic Krysyrim on a 4 year old Madone

So wanted a better wheel for new S-Works I am getting probably other than the Rovals it normally would come with (buying frame and building up the bike)

Hearing so so things about Rovals and most people loving the Enve

Don't want super aero so Zipp 303 or Enve 3.4 seem like good choices

Width of rim is not something i factored in-wider is more aero?

lennyparis

What size bike and rider are you that you like the Enve 3.4? No issues getting blown around?

lsberrios1 

I think they are superb in terms of riding quality. I don't have much to compare them since my other carbon sets are chinese 50mm clinchers but they are stiffer and better in crosswinds. They don't feel particularly light but they are good. Mine are 1593 because I have a power meter hub but I think the regular 3.4 are 1420g or something like that. Are they worth it? not sure really. The only two things I believe are superb is looks and breaking surface. Other than that meh...

PS you will feel crosswinds with box section wheels or aero wheels. The 3.4 are better than my 50mm but they still get blown around.

TexMac

I was in your spot, ended up with Williams 58mm carbon wheels for $900

TexMac

Boyd makes good stuff din't see much difference between his carbon clincher wheel and williams carbon clincher 58

lennyparis

Can "afford" any of these wheels
But want to make the right choice
I keep hearing Enve are great wheel
Nobody seems to have ridden the Roval (Specialized Brand)
light and short rider who wants more power transfer and light enough well for climbing without getting blown all over the place

coachboyd

Maybe in our older stuff from 2012 and before, but since the revamp last year where we had our own rim moulds and hubs produced for us, there is quite a difference. We're hand built in house as well.

link0

Enve is the best looking.

Zipp 404s have the most aero data to back it up.

The other choices will save you money.

lsberrios1 

I also like seeing your truck / tarp every time I go to a race. I think my next purchase will be Boyd when I need another pair.

coachboyd

ha ha, well then wait til you see the new tarps! You may need to get two sets.
Actually, I am pretty excited about the new tents. The guy that's been helping me with our artwork and design has been doing a great job.

TexMac

Good to know and plan as always available to educate on your products.

lsberrios1 

I recently crashed in Greenville STS. I am super disappointed in having to send my ENVEs back to the factory to get a spoke replaced and trued. Take in mind mine are the Powertap versions. I think they are assembled in a different facility but use ENVE SES rims. I kinda wished they had somebody there to help me with my needs. I'm sure if I had boyd, the guys there could have helped me with it somehow. Now I am out of a wheelset for 3 weeks.

moppeddler

Aero is much more important than weight, no matter what kind of riding you're doing. Look at companies that place their emphasis there. Many companies are going to a toroidal shape these days which is supposed to help performance/stability in crosswinds. Also, wider rims can give you some advantages in aero profile, rolling resistance, ride comfort, and handling/cornering. This seems to bee the trend in wheels theses days. Deep, wide, and aero. Weight is probably less of an issue than everyone has traditionally thought. I've don a lot of research on wheels recently, and this is the conclusion I've come to, FWIW. Do your own research, and make up your mind what's best for you. There are companies these days making Al wheels that have these 3 properties. You don't necessarily have to go carbon and spend a ton of cash to get great performance. I understand that sometimes people just want stuff because they think it looks cool. OK by me. Good luck!

oespinoza83

get some Boyds, or HEDs.

gregf83 

You're looking in the wrong place if you want more power. Wheels aren't absorbing your power.

topflightpro

OP, the Rovals aren't bad. I believe they are basically DT240 hubs with Reynolds rims. If you are buying a complete Specialized bike, keep the Rovals. My wife has a set of the aluminum Rovals on her bike and they are actually quite nice.

That said, Enve has a great reputation.

And I'm quite happy with my Reynolds 46 and Zipp 404s - both Tubular.