Should I buy these wheels?

[indysteel]

I've been thinking about getting a better wheelset for my Bianchi for next year and had decided that Campy Zondas would be a good choice for me for the money. I assumed I'd just go through my LBS--even though the price probably wouldn't be as competitive--in case I had any trouble with them or needed them serviced. That said, I found a pair of 2006 Campy Zondas on Lickbike.com for $399. In my opinion, that's a very good price. Should I go for it? I would note that I currently ride on the Mavic Askiums that came standard on my Bianchi.

Help!

Kate

[7rider]

One bene of the LBS-route is they may let you demo the wheels before you buy. You may not like them vs. the Mavics you currently have, and 4 bills is a hefty hunk o' change to put down on something you don't like.

[indysteel]

Good point Regina, except that I can't find any LBS in town that stocks Campy wheels. I think I'd have to order them first, which would probably commit me to buying them.

I have read lots of reviews on the Zondas and feel like they'd be a good choice for me, especially for the money. I tried a friends Mavic Ksyrium SLs and liked them well enough, until I had to deal with a crosswind. The wide bladed spokes were less than aerodynamic.

I think I may call Lickbike and talk to the guys there. I've heard they're very helpful.

[Mimosa]

There is nothing wrong with a pair of Zonda's (or any campa wheelset for that matter). I think you'll find that they drive much, much better then the aksium wheels. I would qualify aksium wheels as trainings wheels and zonda's as competition wheels.

A dutch cycle magazine did a test with all kind of wheels. And the wheel which was tested best was the Campagnolo Sirocco (which is the cheaper brother of the Zonda). So the zonda should perform even better.

As to buying online or at a lbs. I have the same descission to make, I want to buy a couple of Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels and online they start of at 400 euro's however the lbs charges 500 euro's (and the advice price is 550 euro's). Still I think I am going to get them at my lbs since I don't have a clue how to service them and from what I have seen they are not easy to service. And should the wheel need to be trued then I can just hop in the store and he will do it for free.