Alu vs Carbon wheel feel.
Discussion
I tried some 50mm Edco Albis Carbon wheels this morning, only a short ride of 30km, whilst I had a sore throat, head ache and generally felt like crap I had booked them so decided to take them out.
My normal wheels are hand built DA hubs with Pacenti SL23 circa 1450g 24mm deep and wide running tubeless. The Edco are similar width, obviously 50mm deep, 1560g with 25mm GP4ks.
I have obvioulsy been deliberating for some time about getting some carbon wheels as a summer wheel primarily for flatish rolling terrain. Which is what I rode today of sorts. Solo rides I can normally average 31-33kph on similar terrain so was expecting to notice some obvious difference.
Prior to decided I shouldn't be riding a bike, I did have them up to 40-45kph on some flat sections and they did feel faster than the normal wheels, but to be honest they just felt a bit meh. Hard to put into words and I expect being a bit off colour is clouding being subjective.
I looked at a few strava segments to compare power/average speed and to be honest there isn't a massive difference but then again they were oldish times when I was less fit.
So has anyone else tried carbon wheels and not liked the feel. I really wanted to go back into the shop convinced I needed to buy them, but I wasn't convinced (cannot believe I am saying this)! This was confirmed on the ride home where the other wheels felt right.
Maybe I need to take them out for a longer trial when I am feeling better, I have ridelondon next weekend so need to take it easy ish this week.
I have to say it quite windy today and I rode a loop so got most wind angles, there was no buffeting or the like. But they did feel sluggish compared with the other wheels, assuming the hubs are a similar weight I cannot believe 50g per rim could make such a difference.
Just looking for any feedback from those that ride both types of wheels.
Ta
Alex
My normal wheels are hand built DA hubs with Pacenti SL23 circa 1450g 24mm deep and wide running tubeless. The Edco are similar width, obviously 50mm deep, 1560g with 25mm GP4ks.
I have obvioulsy been deliberating for some time about getting some carbon wheels as a summer wheel primarily for flatish rolling terrain. Which is what I rode today of sorts. Solo rides I can normally average 31-33kph on similar terrain so was expecting to notice some obvious difference.
Prior to decided I shouldn't be riding a bike, I did have them up to 40-45kph on some flat sections and they did feel faster than the normal wheels, but to be honest they just felt a bit meh. Hard to put into words and I expect being a bit off colour is clouding being subjective.
I looked at a few strava segments to compare power/average speed and to be honest there isn't a massive difference but then again they were oldish times when I was less fit.
So has anyone else tried carbon wheels and not liked the feel. I really wanted to go back into the shop convinced I needed to buy them, but I wasn't convinced (cannot believe I am saying this)! This was confirmed on the ride home where the other wheels felt right.
Maybe I need to take them out for a longer trial when I am feeling better, I have ridelondon next weekend so need to take it easy ish this week.
I have to say it quite windy today and I rode a loop so got most wind angles, there was no buffeting or the like. But they did feel sluggish compared with the other wheels, assuming the hubs are a similar weight I cannot believe 50g per rim could make such a difference.
Just looking for any feedback from those that ride both types of wheels.
Ta
Alex
broster said:
Ok go, not tried latex tubes, what difference do they make?
Hard to explain, but apparently its a few watts different to butyl and the ride is noticeably different. Best google it to find out why though, I think something to do with how the material reacts to lumps and bumps vs butyl.Hi Alex,
I rode Enve 45's for a summer but ended up selling them as I preferred the feel of my alloy climbing wheels. The 45's did feel nice when pushing along the A31 but most of the riding I do (similar to you) is on the undulating lanes of Surrey and Hampshire where weight (and comfort) trumps aero.
The 45's did look good
I rode Enve 45's for a summer but ended up selling them as I preferred the feel of my alloy climbing wheels. The 45's did feel nice when pushing along the A31 but most of the riding I do (similar to you) is on the undulating lanes of Surrey and Hampshire where weight (and comfort) trumps aero.
The 45's did look good
Janosh said:
Hi Alex,
I rode Enve 45's for a summer but ended up selling them as I preferred the feel of my alloy climbing wheels. The 45's did feel nice when pushing along the A31 but most of the riding I do (similar to you) is on the undulating lanes of Surrey and Hampshire where weight (and comfort) trumps aero.
The 45's did look good
Jan, thanks for that although on a FRC Sunday ride aero wheels are probably useful on the return leg! I rode Enve 45's for a summer but ended up selling them as I preferred the feel of my alloy climbing wheels. The 45's did feel nice when pushing along the A31 but most of the riding I do (similar to you) is on the undulating lanes of Surrey and Hampshire where weight (and comfort) trumps aero.
The 45's did look good
I swap between alloy Dura-Ace 25mm and carbon clincher Reynolds DV45.
The DA are great, roll well, don't flinch at pot holes, reasonably light and are a perfect all-rounder. They feel very smooth, agile and robust.
The Reynolds feel better in almost every situation, except for braking in the wet and dealing with high sidewinds. I originally bought them only for racing, but they're so lively and responsive that I want to use them the whole time - in fact, I now use them as my summer wheels from May-Oct, with the DA doing Nov-Apr.
The DA are great, roll well, don't flinch at pot holes, reasonably light and are a perfect all-rounder. They feel very smooth, agile and robust.
The Reynolds feel better in almost every situation, except for braking in the wet and dealing with high sidewinds. I originally bought them only for racing, but they're so lively and responsive that I want to use them the whole time - in fact, I now use them as my summer wheels from May-Oct, with the DA doing Nov-Apr.
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