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New Wheelset recommendations.....

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New Wheelset recommendations.....

Old 06-28-22, 11:30 AM
  #1  
ArgoMan
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New Wheelset recommendations.....

Hello all,

Getting into my new build. Light steel frame, steel fork (Soma). Kind of a mix for distance/speed build. Need a wheelset recommendation. I've got no carbon on the bike, except for headset spacers, and don't really care if I add anything carbon. BUT, I did see a set of "Fast Forward Tyro Clincher Carbons" at ProBikeKit for $679. Seems like a decent price with good reviews. I'was otherwise looking at Campy Zonda and Shamal. Any opinion or info on the Fast Forward brand? Thank you!
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Old 06-28-22, 02:08 PM
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You running XDR?...that is what shows available. I have 0 experience with the wheels and know nobody with them. They arent light, for what its worth. Good price and you get a 45mm depth though, if thats what you are looking for.
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Old 06-28-22, 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
Hello all,

Getting into my new build. Light steel frame, steel fork (Soma). Kind of a mix for distance/speed build. Need a wheelset recommendation. I've got no carbon on the bike, except for headset spacers, and don't really care if I add anything carbon. BUT, I did see a set of "Fast Forward Tyro Clincher Carbons" at ProBikeKit for $679. Seems like a decent price with good reviews. I'was otherwise looking at Campy Zonda and Shamal. Any opinion or info on the Fast Forward brand? Thank you!
I run Campy Zondas on a rim brake bike, and think they're pretty sweet. They seem light, spin up quickly, and the G3 lacing pattern is different. The hub on these is also very, very quiet when freewheeling, so if you're looking for a loud buzz... these ain't it. I went with them because they're alloy, which I definitely prefer on a rim brake bike - were I building up a disc brake bike, I'd probably look harder at carbon options like FF, Prime, or Hunt, which also have wheels in that price range. Should be just as light, but more aero - or lighter, and equivalently non-aero. I seem to remember someone did a review on FF wheels - if I can recall who it is, I'll link to it.
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Old 06-28-22, 03:20 PM
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What's XDR?
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Old 06-28-22, 03:21 PM
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Thanks. Think there's a major difference between the Zonda and Shamal, in terms of performance? I may get into a little competition riding. Nothing grand....
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Old 06-28-22, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
What's XDR?
XDR is the standard needed to run SRAM 12 speed cassettes that have a 10T gear. If you're running Shimano, you'll want Shimano 11-speed (listed as Shimano or maybe as HG). Shimano 11sp freehubs can run Shimano 12sp cassettes, IIRC.
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Old 06-28-22, 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
Getting into my new build. Light steel frame, steel fork (Soma).
Rim brakes or disc brakes? Is this your vintage steel frame? If so, most likely rim brakes.

Originally Posted by ArgoMan
BUT, I did see a set of "Fast Forward Tyro Clincher Carbons" at ProBikeKit for $679. Seems like a decent price with good reviews.
You saw these: Fast Forward Tyro Carbon Clincher Disc Brake Wheelset | ProBikeKit.com

These are the original Tyro, for disc brakes and XDR; you will need to replace the freehub body if you want to run any cassette other than an SRAM 12 speed. That is a great price, potential compatibility issues aside.

Originally Posted by ArgoMan
Any opinion or info on the Fast Forward brand?
I recently bought these: FFWD Wheels F4R 45mm Tubeless Carbon Clincher Wheel Set (ffwdusa.com)

I like them very much but they have been discontinued. FFWD's current entry level model is the Tyro II, available in both disc brake and rim brake (RB) model, which are currently on sale:

FFWD Wheels TYRO II 45mm Rim Brake Carbon Clincher Wheel Set (ffwdusa.com)

As I mentioned in one of your other threads, assuming that your steel frame uses the rim brakes, the issue is whether the frame would clear a wider wheel and tire combination.
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Old 06-28-22, 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
Thanks. Think there's a major difference between the Zonda and Shamal, in terms of performance? I may get into a little competition riding. Nothing grand....
The Shamal has CF hubs and ceramic bearings representing a 90 g weight savings. Hard to justify the price differential.
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Old 06-29-22, 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
What's XDR?
That wheelset you are looking at is not light and uses XDR, which you presumably dont have.
Doesnt seem like the best fit for you.
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Old 06-29-22, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by SoSmellyAir
The Shamal has CF hubs and ceramic bearings representing a 90 g weight savings. Hard to justify the price differential.
Even though I have a set of Shamals and really like them, Zondas represent much better value considering the price difference
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Old 06-30-22, 10:10 AM
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Thank you everyone! I've settled on Zondas. Next....I'll be posting about seat post opinions. What a confusing area!
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Old 07-18-22, 12:12 AM
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Glad you get your dream wheels,I was also searching for my Cannondale CAAD 10,I want the wheel to be lightweight and aero,the budgetary wheels possess this 2 features are Hunt,Winspace,Elitewheels and Cadex but prices on par with big brand.After comparing and learning more about aero features on 105 rules and the 25c tire i intend to use,I pull trigger on Elitewheels Drive 40V
The wheels felt light and they were easier to climb than my previous wheelset,Going over potholes at 35km/h is quite a jolt but the wheels are not affected.I went over many potholes and the wheels stayed true -- a testament to the quality of the build and craftsmanship of the wheels.The wheels felt light and responsive,they were easier to climb than any of my previous wheelset.
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Old 07-18-22, 02:28 PM
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If you want optimal performance and comfort I'd consider tubeless. I bought Mavic USTs for about $600 and that includes the tires. They are lighter, more comfortable and spin up quicker than tubular and clinchers.
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Old 07-19-22, 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
Next....I'll be posting about seat post opinions.
It holds a saddle- just buy one that holds the saddle well. Get a carbon one if you want to experience the magical perception of damping and flex.
There, done.
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Old 07-19-22, 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by ArgoMan
Thank you everyone! I've settled on Zondas. Next....I'll be posting about seat post opinions. What a confusing area!
good call - Zondas are tremendous bang for the buck
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