Help w/ 650c wheels

[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.

[KimmyC]

Thanks for the pointers. I have given much thought about it and in the end, I decided to just go with my gut and get tubulars. Here's hoping it's the right choice for me...

Any recommendations on which 650c tubular tires I should get and which width, 21mm? Also which brakes and brake pads holder will work with the zipp wheels, I have ultegra 6700. And finally, should I buy another ultegra cassette so I don't have to switch it? Is it hard to do or too time-consuming?

Is there anything else I'm forgetting? Thanks again for the help!!

[Seajay]

I'm so excited for you. Your riding will be transformed. It will be so much fun.
I would tend to recommend something closer to a 23mm tire for general racing. You may give up a bit of aerodynamics for TT but unless you are changing tires per event...23s are the best option IMO. I'm sure there are other opinions but I trend toward a bigger tire and less pressure for performance.
I happen to like Vittoria tires because they have a pretty flat seam and I have better luck getting them straight.
Zipp has a brake pad...either cork or rubber. I tend to recommend their pad for their rims.
The cassette thing can get a bit complicated because of chain wear. You don't want a skipping chain on race day. One neat trick is to get 3 or 4 new cassettes and chains at the start of the season...Weekly, switch them around so no matter what cassette you choose for a race....your chain wear will match it. That said...changing cassettes is easy once you have done it a couple times.
HAVE FUN!