Help w/ 650c wheels

[KimmyC]

Hi,

I would really be grateful if i could get some help deciding which wheels I should buy. I currently have a 650c Reynolds solitude and I am looking to upgrade my wheels.

Could someone please help me by listing which wheels come in 650c? I've looked into the zipp 404. Is there a similar wheel like the 404 that you could recommend? I'm looking to race and do crits this summer if I'm not too busy with work.

I am also unsure whether to go tubular or clincher. I am leaning a bit towards tubular because it supposedly will not have pinch flats and people say the ride is more smooth than clinchers. Does weight (I'm 100 bs and my bike is ~15lbs) affect the ride on tubulars and clinchers?

Thanks in advance for any help and happy new year!

[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.