Help w/ 650c wheels

[Seajay]

Hi,
I'm looking to race and do crits this summer

I'll dive into the dangerous waters of wheel recommendation.

IMO...If its in the budget...get the 404. There is no better wheel out there for efficiency and going fast. Any other wheel is a compromise based on trying to save money.

Since you are on 650, you can't get the Firecrest...but the "old" version just won Ironman under Mirinda Carfrae.
If you are OK with the extra work involved with tubulars...I highly recommend them for speed and cornering. The way a tubular flexes should give you lower rolling resistance and more stable cornering on rough roads.
Also since you do not have the Firecrest option...you will get the lighter all carbon rim with the tubular vs an aluminum/carbon rim with the clincher.

I'll still recommend the alum/carbon clincher over any other wheel if you decide that route.

You might consider renting a set for a weekend.
http://www.racedaywheels.com/raceday...c_tubular.html
I can almost guarantee they will blow your mind.

[Eden]

If you go the carbon tubular route, I would not recommend doing crits (especially as a beginner) on your expensive light carbon wheels... I've seen to many destroyed that way...

[Seajay]

I assume you refer to stacking rather than the wheels inability to hold up to a crit.

It's racing...you have to bring your good gear and a good attitude.
OK, I'm being a smart aleck just for fun. Please don't take offense. But really, criterium racing is a mindset. If you go in expecting to crash....

[KimmyC]

I guess 404 tubular is the way to go then. Too bad firecrest is not an option. I contacted Zipp and they said they have no plan to make 650c firecrest.

Now I was quoted a price of 1840 dollars for a set of 650c 404 tubulars. That price is only for the wheels. Is that a good price or should I shop around for a better price?

Thanks for the help!

[Seajay]

IMO that's a decent price. That's the price we used to have as our "sale" price for 303s and an older set of 404s.
We have seen a resurgence in people willing to discuss 650 wheels as an option for tri bikes...so 650 are holding their value here.

Oh...IMO you should use proper "in line" valve extenders not just the tube style.

[KimmyC]

IMO that's a decent price. That's the price we used to have as our "sale" price for 303s and an older set of 404s.
We have seen a resurgence in people willing to discuss 650 wheels as an option for tri bikes...so 650 are holding their value here.

Oh...IMO you should use proper "in line" valve extenders not just the tube style.

I'm not sure what you mean by in line extenders. I bought this one at rei and was planning on using what I get my new wheels. Is this not right?

http://www.rei.com/product/752226

[oz rider]

If you want to check what's available, google 650c wheels, check your favourite online retailer and check the Mavic/Zipp/etc websites. Your retailer should be able to answer the load limit question, but you'll often find it buried in the details of the manufacturer websites.

Have you considered custom as well as production wheels? If you have a good local wheelbuilder, it's worth a chat, especially with the limited options in 650c. That way, you get a wheel that's the right mix of strength/durability/weight/cost for your purpose.

And if considering tubs, check out an online tutorial first, unless you plan on having the LBS glue them for you. Tubs are a great ride but they do flat. Sheldon has a nice 'n easy list of pros and cons.