New wheelset recommendations?

[JRogers]

I have been thinking of getting a new wheelset for the road so I can keep my cross tires on my current Ultegra/Open Pro set and have something lighter and more interesting for the road. Thinking max of $500, but cheaper is always better. I don't mind buying used or ebay.

Weight is a concern- if they're not significantly lighter than my current set, then I don't see too much of a point in getting anything besides what I have already. I'm about 160 and pretty light on equipment. They'll be going on an Empella Bonfire CX bike. For all around road stuff. Probably no racing, but I like going fast.

I've been looking pretty hard at Easton wheels (EA 70, 90, Orion, Tempest II), Reynolds (Solitude) and a few others. Also Williams Cycling (williamscycling.com) seem very interesting. Less than $500 for a sub 1500g set with ceramic bearings and other nice touches. They had a good review in cyclingnews last year too for the 30s. They're slightly more than I want to spend, but I like the looks of them and the vibe from the company is good.

Any thoughts?

[maddog17]

i remember seeing Neuvation was having a sale.

[DRB]

jensonusa appears to have a bunch of easton wheels on sale.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH297B00-Easton+Ea90+Sl+Wheelset+08.aspx?SSAID=276051

[James]

jensonusa appears to have a bunch of easton wheels on sale.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH297B00-Easton+Ea90+Sl+Wheelset+08.aspx?SSAID=276051

Those are the updated versions of my Easton Orion II wheels. I have put those wheels though hell and high water, they're living on my "winter" bike right now, and they're bombproof.
I have another set on my CX bike.
The EA90s are easier to swap spokes though, straight-pull instead of dual-thread. Looks like they gained a tiny bit of weight though. But man, 2 years ago those were $800 wheels, $499 is a great price!

[JRogers]

I was going to go with a Williams set, but found a set of barely used EA90s for $350. It's the SLX model....which seems a bit light on the spokes....but I'm not that heavy in weight or on equipment so I think it will be okay. Since I have the Open Pros for CX and another set of older CXP33s for trainer and spares, I think I have enough wheels if something goes wrong. :biggrin:

I just ordered a set of new Race Face compacts too so I can get rid of the old Ultegra triple but still ride it in the woods. This bike is getting its first new parts in years.

[loco-gringo]

I have had nothing but bad luck with Easton wheels I have sold this past year.

[James]

I have had nothing but bad luck with Easton wheels I have sold this past year.

Mine are all a couple of years older, with the different spoking system...
My sets have been bombproof.

[loco-gringo]

Mine are all a couple of years older, with the different spoking system...
My sets have been bombproof.

All old ones have been that I've seen. Now I see tons of bearing issues. By tons I mean that I have sold 5 sets this year and have worked on one or both wheels from each set. Not confidence inspiring.

[ire]

I have a set of Dura-ace SL wheels and love them, I bet you could find a set used for around $500

[-dustin]

I have had nothing but bad luck with Easton wheels I have sold this past year.
Ditto

I have a set of Dura-ace SL wheels and love them, I bet you could find a set used for around $500
the new tubeless wheels for $500? that'd be badass.

[JRogers]

Hmmmm...Well, I hope these turn out okay... Just so I know what to look out for, do you guys know what the issues were more specifically and what it takes to fix them?

I did look at Shimano wheels, but the weight on the lower end ones isn't that great and the upper end ones (at least the ones I found with decent prices) were 10-speed only and I'm still on 9.

[ire]

were 10-speed only and I'm still on 9.

That might pose a problem with more wheels than Shimano, since many use Shimano's cassette body

[JRogers]

That might pose a problem with more wheels than Shimano, since many use Shimano's cassette body

Not many use the 10 speed body. Seems like the standard one is most common. I think Ritchey (on the high end stuff) and maybe a few others do that, but it seems to always be noted specifically.

[James]

All old ones have been that I've seen. Now I see tons of bearing issues. By tons I mean that I have sold 5 sets this year and have worked on one or both wheels from each set. Not confidence inspiring.

Huh, that sucks. Must be some growing pains with moving the hub production overseas.
I have a set of the EX90SLX but haven't glued any tires up yet, the bearings feel super smooth now though, but guess we'll see how they hold up.

[James]

My coworker just got a pair of these in today: http://www.carbonsports.com/LW_Ventoux.lasso
I am insanely jealous, they are really nice.

[MtnbikeMike]

I see you've already picked up a set, but I've ben training(with a little bit of racing) on my Solitudes for 3 months now. Verdict: awesome.

[DRB]

My coworker just got a pair of these in today: http://www.carbonsports.com/LW_Ventoux.lasso
I am insanely jealous, they are really nice.

those are right in his budget range......

[James]

those are right in his budget range......

He could put them on a payment plan.

I was bored, there wasn't enough chatter in the road forum today.

[MtnbikeMike]

He could put them on a payment plan.

I was bored, there wasn't enough chatter in the road forum today.

Those wheels gave me wood...or carbon. I forget which.

[JRogers]

Hey James, quick question: are the cassette bodies on your Easton wheels 10 speed only? I've come across some conflicting things: most anything from Easton suggests it's a standard 8/9/10 Shimano/Sram body, but I've heard a few people say they are 10 only standard.

[James]

Hey James, quick question: are the cassette bodies on your Easton wheels 10 speed only? I've come across some conflicting things: most anything from Easton suggests it's a standard 8/9/10 Shimano/Sram body, but I've heard a few people say they are 10 only standard.

Both the old (Gen 3) and new (Gen 4) hubs are the 9spd cassette body. I had a SRAM Red cassette on there for Interbike, so no worries.

[DirtyMike]

I have had nothing but bad luck with Easton wheels I have sold this past year.

Same here, serious sugegstion, another set of open pros, but build them 28 hole DB with Alloy nipples, One for beating on teh cross trail, one for on the road!!!! I absolutly love mine

[James]

Same here, serious sugegstion, another set of open pros, but build them 28 hole DB with Alloy nipples, One for beating on teh cross trail, one for on the road!!!! I absolutly love mine

Open Pros build super-rad, bomb-proof wheels. Doubly so for CX wheels...

[DRB]

Open Pros build super-rad, bomb-proof wheels. Doubly so for CX wheels...

But not very sexy.... and we know road wheels should be all about the sexy.

[JRogers]

But not very sexy.... and we know road wheels should be all about the sexy.

Pretty much....

[DirtyMike]

Open Pros build super-rad, bomb-proof wheels. Doubly so for CX wheels...

Yes, yes they do. Thats what I have, Open pros on Ultegra hubs. I absolutly love them. and there light, specially for a 32 hole wheel. Did I mention that I really love mine!!!!!!