What front wheel to choose? (Page 2)

Lee,

Just curious, why would you avoid spinergy?  I've read they are made in mexico and some of the older models had a high failure rate.

Newer spinergy (spoked) wheels are fine. RevX's had some scary fails when they were new (almost 20 years ago) so I don't imagine the time has helped them. It didn't help that they weren't fast either.

Basically when it comes to "large" spoked wheels, odd number of spokes > even number of spokes... and of those, only the original DuPont H3 and the Mavic 5 spoke have ever been true successes (to my knowledge)

I actually didn't make any claims.   I think you were responding to another poster.  And don't get too excited dude.  I am sincerely wondering what you meant in that sentence.  Read it again...what do you mean by a used front? 

I'm glad you have workout data that proves your wheelset is faster than staying at stock....(even though we don't know what either wheel is that you're talking about....your stock wheel nor the wheel you're currently running).  This is the best way to prove and validate any purchase you make.  One of the best feelings is to be able to get some real life data that shows you got faster without having to add in more training!!  I love it! 

To the OP...Interesting question about rim depth.  I think it is smart in going for something in the middle.  Going middle range will for the most part reduce your price as well (you still have to wait for a good deal though).  The mid-depth wheels are more versatile if they are the only wheel you are going to run.  I run an 808 because I'm a bigger guy and don't mind the bike being a bit squirrely in the cross-winds.  If I was lighter and I wanted to just buy one wheel, I may go with a 60mm deep rim.  If you're really light....it's better to feel powerful, in control and in aero than fighting with the bike, right?  It's tough to say without riding them of course.  Do you have any friends who may let you borrow a wheel for an afternoon just to try out?

The graph from HED.

Keep in mind what happened to FLO when they initially started up.  They lost all their money because of shoddy manufacturing on the mainland that they weren't willing to accept - and I thought they'd done quite a bit of research.  I believe the new operation is in Taiwan.

This isn't intended to be a blanket statement, but just a different reference point.

That's kind of what I figured.  I would love to see the graph at a more realistic speed like 22-23 mph.

Definitely do not buy those wheels you were initially looking at.  You are going to want a clydesdale build in almost any wheel that you buy.  The carbon does not necessarily add strength for a lower spoke wheel over an aluminum or box rim with the same spoke count.  Spoke material, build quality, and quantity all play a part.

^If I need a custom built Clydesdale rim does that pretty much mean I am going to have to save and buy a new one or is there any other cheaper options/rims like a Hed 3 or similar that are "bomb proof" enough to work (although a previous poster discouraged a hed 3)? I know that the words custom built and very expensive are often synonymous

Please don't think I am just cheap, I am still in college so money is tight at the moment but I do want to upgrade my bike as much as possible with the funds that I have saved. I already spend most of what I have saved on the bike so now I'm trying to do small upgrades with what is left. I'm sure many here on BT have been here and done this before and so you understand where I'm coming from when I say that I'm trying to upgrade on a budget.

PS thanks to all who have chimed in already!

30 mph isn't realistic?

Nope, sorry for the confusion.  Lots of companies make a clydesdale build.  You can buy a zipp 404 clydesdale for example.  It's just "beefed up" for lack of a better term.

Not with that attitude :D

If you are looking for a cheap aero carbon front wheel, I think you you found it. If you approach it with low expectations you won't be disappointed. I have a similar wheel and paid slightly more since it was branded by an American Company and I am fairly impressed. The wheel is light and true.

The reality is no wheel is going to make you much faster. You can get a cheap one now and when you get your degree and are making 6 figures you can splurge and get Zipps