I am currently in wintertimes still riding on a rim braked road bike (Aeroad CF SLX 2018) with the DuraAce WH-R9100 C40 carbon-alloy wheelset. This wheelset with alu rimbrake surface rides and brakes exceptionally well in cold and wet conditions and in mountainous areas unlike the full carbon rimbrake wheels.
After about 20000kms of riding in mostly winter conditions the braking surface is really deteriorating and I will have to replace them. I’ve been looking around for these 2nd hand and in really good condition, but to no avail.
In my search for carbon-alloy wheels of the same quality build I can’t seem to find any of similar quality. and weight/depth (between 35-50 mm depth) There are ofcourse alu options but they are usually less deep or increase significantly in weight when depth increases.
In other words; I’m looking for a high quality clincher rim brake wheelset with alu brake capabilities and a depth between 35-50 mm preferably weighing no more than 1450 grams for the set.
Anyone any ideas or experience in what/where to buy?
HED is your main option here. Their Jet Black series have a textured braking surface to further improve stopping performance in the wet and dry. Bonus is that the brake track is black, so it looks especially nice, and it doesn’t require special pads.
I have the above mentioned Jet Black HED Wheelset and they ain’t light but I really like them. The hubs are kind of mid but the braking is great and they have a decent internal width.
But for winter training I’d recommend a simple aluminium wheel as it will die from braking and not be much heavier/ slower than the Dura Ace or Ultegra wheels with much less expense. There are hundreds of good wheels going cheap on your local sales platform of choice - stuff like Campagnolo Neutrons, Mavic Ksyriums and hand built wheels on Shimano hubs that were good enough for the TdF 20 years ago are now expendable rim winter trainers for $150-200. Start with some good hubs and regrease them 1-2x per year and the hubs will last for ever.
For better weather I’m a fan of the Campagnolo carbon wheels with AC3 grooved rims. These brake really well even in rain, but I’d not want to wear them out with winter miles.
