Looking for feedback on HED wheelsets

I am in the preliminary stages of spec'ing out a new custom Ti bike (a Seven). I haven't really given much thought to wheels, but I guess I need to start thinking about that. My fitting is this Saturday and I'm sure we will go over component and wheel options at that time, too. One of the wheelsets I've been considering is the HED Ardennes line. The reason I'm looking at HED, is because they are one of the few wheel makers that are using the newer 23mm width rims (vs the standard 19mm that most of us ride). I've been interested in trying this wider rim for some time, so I guess this would be my opportunity to do so. I've heard/read some really great things about the 23's, such as the width makes for a sturdier rim and also makes cornering better due to more tire contact with the road. I was hoping to possibly hear some feedback from anyone here that may already be riding on HED wheels or any other 23mm rim. I would also be open to other suggestions on wheels. I'd like to stay at or under $1000 if possible. I am not interested in carbon wheels at all...nor do I care about rim depth or "aero" factor. I'm just looking for a nice set of all-around road wheels that will be durable AND compliment my new Seven bike. Thanks much!

Linda

No specific personal experience with those wheels other than to say

(1) I have a friend who rode those HED's with the wider rim and LOVED them.

(2) Also, my new road bike has 23 rims built to work with the disc brakes. (Since it's the only production road bike running discs, they had to also build a wheel/hub to work with it and since the bike is designed for long distances, the wider rim/tire was a natural fit). I'm running 25 tires on them right now. They handle great. A lot of that has to do with the frame geometry, stability and modulation of the disc brakes, but I am sure a lot of it is also related to the contact patch as well.

Any way you could demo those wheels on your current bike to get a real comparison for how they handle?

Well, I'm not sure if there is an appreciable improvement in stability or handling by increasing rim width alone.

A properly built 19mm rim is just as sturdy as a 23.

Tire width, sidewall flexibilty and air pressure affect handling more so than rim width.

I've always focused more on the hub technology than the rim - quality of the bearings, freehub body quality, etc. Unfortunately my observation of HED wheels in the shop I worked at wasn't favorable. Poor seals, wouldn't stay in adjustment, freehub bodies not holding up. A quick google search:

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/fo...hp?f=3&t=73324


At any rate, I'm a big Mavic fan, but also like DT Swiss. Wonderful hubs with great rims.

Thanks so much for your insight. I'm glad to hear that the 23 is a good fit for longer distances, as that is primarily the type of riding that I do. I've heard that running a 25 tire on them, provides an even better ride...so that is also something I'm considering.

Not sure on the demo'ing part, though. Although, the bike dealer that I'm working with on the Seven, is an official HED dealer so perhaps they can work something out for me to try them first. I'll find out on Saturday at my fitting.

Thanks again!

Linda

So excited you are getting a Seven. Be sure to keep us in the loop as it comes along.
You might also consider the Zipp 101 or the SRAM S30 for a nice wheelset

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Originally Posted by Seajay

So excited you are getting a Seven. Be sure to keep us in the loop as it comes along.
You might also consider the Zipp 101 or the SRAM S30 for a nice wheelset

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I just took a peek at those Zipp 101's...and I'm in love! :D A tad bit more than I wanted to spend, but I'm seriously considering them. I'm also looking at the much cheaper option of the Velocity A23's...which lured me in with the many different color options they offer. I haven't decided on a color for the bike yet, so that will play an important role in determining which wheelset I go with. For what I'm spending on this bike, I certainly don't want a wheelset that will "clash" with whatever bike color I end up choosing.

I've had good results with Velocity Aerohead rims (both riding and building). A23s are based on the Aerohead and I wouldn't hesitate to use the A23s. I only wish that they came in silver.

A23s and a good hubset like White Industries....*drools*

Besides being an amazing all around wheel, with some subtle aero benefit....I do think the 101 would look so great with a ti Seven

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Originally Posted by Becky

I've had good results with Velocity Aerohead rims (both riding and building). A23s are based on the Aerohead and I wouldn't hesitate to use the A23s. I only wish that they came in silver.

A23s and a good hubset like White Industries....*drools*

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According to their site, I did see silver listed. Might want to check for yourself to make sure. I had to go to their "store" to see a dropdown list of colors to choose from, and silver was on the list.

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Originally Posted by nscrbug

According to their site, I did see silver listed. Might want to check for yourself to make sure. I had to go to their "store" to see a dropdown list of colors to choose from, and silver was on the list.

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Look at that! Where were they last year when I needed a set? ARGH! Sounds like I'll just need to wear out my Aeroheads and re-build :D