I am currently in the market to upgrade my Shimano 550 wheelsets. Local roads offer a lot of climbing with average road conditions. I do about 3-4 tri's per year on a road bike as well.

So..... I guess I am looking for an all arounder that will perform well, is a bit aero and will hold up to training. I am 178lbs and do about 2000 miles per year. I have considered the following:

• Zipp 404 Clincher
• Reynolds Attack or Assault (perhaps the 46DV if I can afford)
• Mavic Cos Cabon SL Premium

Any advice or experiences you all have on these sets would be great. Include pricing if you are willing to share. Aerobar clip-ons will be next!

Thanks!!

I have been riding Shimano Dura Ace 7850 Carbon Laminate Clinchers on my RS - they are very light, spin up fast and after 1,600 miles I am delighted with them.  I also think that they are great value for money and as they have aluminium breaking surfaces they stop in the wet ;-)   

There is both a narrow and deep section version...

Reynolds DV46C are light, aero and really tough.  They are so much better than the attack or assult being that they have the swiss DT240 hubs.  Spend the extra...it's worth it!

Thanks for the feedback Ripper. I was contemplating poss having Prowheel builder build a set of Assaults with upgraded hubs, spokes etc. What do ya think of that route?

I would love to hear someone's feedback comparing the Reynolds to a 404 clincher........ any takers?

matt1025:

Thanks for the feedback Ripper. I was contemplating poss having Prowheel builder build a set of Assaults with upgraded hubs, spokes etc. What do ya think of that route?

I would love to hear someone's feedback comparing the Reynolds to a 404 clincher........ any takers?

I have had the Zipp 404 tubular, Zipp 404 clincher, Zipp 404 clincher custom build from www.prowheelbuilder.com and Reynolds DV46C and still prefer the Rolf Vigors www.rolfprima.com . If you do a custom build using the DV46C with White Industries hubs you would have a way better wheel then the Zipp 404 stock. If I had to choose between a stock Zipp 404 clincher vs stock DV46C I would choose the DV46C. The weight of the Zipp 404 clincher is pretty heavy for climbing but the tubular is ok. I would only do custom builds now do to cost savings and better choices in hubs and spokes for better performance.

http://bikesoul.com/wheeldivision.html

 Have you considered these. They are realatively new to the market and at that price you can't argue. I have only read positive reports on other forums like weightweenies etc. I am running Campag Neutrons on my R3 at the moment but what easier way to drop 280g for $430usd.

Take a look!!

What is a fair price for the Rolf Vigors? I have heard they are great from posts here and they seem to be pretty bomb-proof as far as reliability.

Thanks for the feedback!

matt1025:

What is a fair price for the Rolf Vigors? I have heard they are great from posts here and they seem to be pretty bomb-proof as far as reliability.

Thanks for the feedback!

Rolf wheels are hard to find used since people that own them rarely sell them. Ebay has them up once in a while for about 500.00 Try to buy 06 - 08 since the rim was beefed up and has a deeper brake track. Its like Cervelo saying they are beefing up the R3 to be stiffer the Rolf wheels simply are bomb proof but for 06-08 they got even stronger. Last I heard they were sold out of inventory for 08 on the Vigor and Vigor SL. www.prowheelbuilder.com can order you some or www.wisecyclebuys.com can. Expect to pay near MSRP though no one online discounts them. Rolf wheels are kind of like Cervelo couple years ago the demand is higher than their production.

I have had great luck with the bontrager Aeolus 5.0. Full carbon clincher with DT hubs. These wheels have been bomb proof and aero 50mm deep. They also provide a very smooth ride.

Thanks

Mike

 The best deal I've seen is at www.gottaridebikes.com  They have them for 899.00 but you get 15% off so $764.15

Have you considered the AMerican Classic 420's?  They're light, stiff, and durable enough to use for training AND racing!

I'm in the same position...looking to upgrade for the same reasons.  I've been considering the Hed Jet 50 and Spinergy Stealth wheels, because they allow me to keep my brake pads - they have aluminum brake surfaces along with carbon aero V's.  If you're not a weight weenie - they add about 100-200g per set to all-carbon wheelsets - these are highly-rated and economical, and still lighter than the Shimano 550's.  Hed's go for under $1300 new; Spinergy for under $1100 (and I've seen them used on EBay for much less).

Second vote for the Shiman D/A 7850 carbon laminates! Using them for 6 months now and extremely pleased. All-in they are awesome value,

Great information from all of you today. WOW my head is spinning now.

Any prices to share in the Shimano 7850s.?

The HED product does look good but a little heavy. The also make the Bontrager wheel Aeolus 50 and I have not had good luck with any of their products(stems and bars)