I'm not sure if this has been brought up here before. I noticed a lot of roadies have tried these inexpensive rims out, but i was wondering if anyone has used them on the track or city streets. Please post your experiences, opinions, and facts about them. I might be interested, as i am looking to buy a carbon bike track bike.
I've tested the BLB Notorious 90mm and Colossi C-UNIT Aero Ultra 90... both Chinese made carbon clinchers. Both handled great on the streets, but I highly recommend for TRACK only.
I've used a front 88mm carbon clincher for a little bit for street use and it seemed fine. Just don't abuse it.
I got the Newsonsporttex rims from eBay (33mm profile). This is a Taiwanese manufacturer. The rims are solid, but the build (read: aesthetic) quality was so-so. They're not the lightest rims, but the wheel build (Phil wood double butted spokes to Zipp hubs) with 20h fronts, 24h rear is pretty damn light overall.
These wheels are for my street bike (fixed), and have held up to speed check skids and other abuses just short of FGFS (too old for that crap as I rode bmx BITD).
Prior to getting these rims, I researched for a couple months regarding the differences in quality between chinese-made carbon rims versus the Taiwanese-made rims. From what I gathered, the Taiwanese companies typically made a higher quality rim that those made by the Chinese.
[edit]
here are the listings on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=newsonsportec&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=newsonsportec+carbon&_sacat=0
These wheels are for my street bike (fixed), and have held up to speed check skids and other abuses just short of FGFS (too old for that crap as I rode bmx BITD).
Prior to getting these rims, I researched for a couple months regarding the differences in quality between chinese-made carbon rims versus the Taiwanese-made rims. From what I gathered, the Taiwanese companies typically made a higher quality rim that those made by the Chinese.
[edit]
here are the listings on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=newsonsportec&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=newsonsportec+carbon&_sacat=0
...Or you can just go here: http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/700c-carbon-fiber-bike-wheels.html
Is that site finally trustworthy? Have you ordered from there personally? I've heard some bad things about them—they're not exactly as secure as eBay.
i have a 88mm carbon wheel i got from aliexpress which is essentially alibaba. holds up great and didnt take long to deliver. there are some scammers on it but as long as the seller has feedback they are fine.
anybody know any other good sources to buy them? Thx for the input so far guys, very informative.
would love to see some pictures and experiences anyone else has, contemplating buying just some carbon rims to lace to my hubs, completely unnecessary but i'll find some way to justify it.
There was a local forum who did a group buy and they all seem to like them.
I've been using the chinese built 88mm daily on the street for about a year now. I've had no major problems and just recently broke a spoke which I think is pretty minor considering how hard I am on bikes and wheels. I get these things chattering all the time on skid whips. I'm thinking of swapping out the rear hub for a chub hub to improve stiffness etc. I would definitely recommend these wheels unless you are big into freestyle. lightweight, sound, feel and look great. I bought on ebay to avoid potential scams. Not that much more $ than other track wheel sets once you start looking. you only live once - go carbon!
I've been running a set of 38mm chinese clinchers for over a year now and not had any issues. They've held up fine to the abuse of general street riding and even the occasional stack here and there. As long as you buy from one of the more reputable manufacturers (I got mine from hongfu) and get them built by a professional then you should have no problems.
there are several lbs's in my area that sell those wheels. cx riders love them for the price and yes who better to test the quality than a cx rider haha. theyre light and well priced. also not a pain to replace. having them built by a quality wheel builder would be a must though .. at least for me. its the least I can do to reassure the overall quality. i'm currently looking into some for an aero wheelset.
Thanks for the feedback. I think i'm going to get some...Just the rims though, then have them built. Seems like the way to go.
Same here, thanks for making this thread. I have always been curious.
Just ordered a 5 spoke carbon front wheel from a seller on alibaba. So far so good I will tell you more about it when I get it. Should ship out tomorrow according to the seller ! stoked
how much was that 5 spoke wheel?
The wheel was around 500 US dollars. But I forgot to mention it's the tubular version. However they do sell a clincher version witch is prolly equally satisfying as this one but maybe slightly heavier.
Haven't had the chance to ride it yet as I'm waiting to get gluing tape to stick the tubular on. Anyway here is a quick pick.
Haven't had the chance to ride it yet as I'm waiting to get gluing tape to stick the tubular on. Anyway here is a quick pick.
damn you received that pretty quickly. looks dope.
Yeah the seller I was in contact with was very helpful and answered all my questions without delay. She, a certain Miss Betty, even ask me to send her an email when I got the wheel to make sure the shipment went as planned. I have no cons against buying these wheels so far and will gladly do it again.
now time to get some mavic stickers for it.
Have been riding the five spokes for a few weeks now and I must say I have nothing against them ^^
good god please dont get mavic stickers for it . its fine the way it is hah.
plus its not even close to what the mavic io looks like. (still nice though)
plus its not even close to what the mavic io looks like. (still nice though)
Wasn't planning to my friend !
And yes it just just cannot compare with an io but my wallet keeps reminding me I made the right choice ;)
And yes it just just cannot compare with an io but my wallet keeps reminding me I made the right choice ;)