Zipp’s 303 carbon rim wheels have been a mainstay in US cyclocross races and European spring classics since they were redesigned in 2010 to be wider than the average road rim. Although the company tweaked the 45mm deep rim’s profile again two years ago to go from the toroidal shape to the new Firecrest shape [...]
Mercury Cycling started out several years ago by offering frames and bikes, but quickly decided to focus on high-performance, high-value racing wheelsets. Over the last few years, they have had a few pro teams test their Mercury wheels with much success, including Kenda Pro Cycling.
Most serious cyclocrossers eventually move from clinchers to tubular tires (or tubeless) to take advantage of the faster speeds of low-pressure tires with less pinch flat risk. Serious cyclocrossers who can afford it often look to carbon rims for weight savings. Now cyclocross racers are increasingly seeking wider rims for better tire support. Revolution Wheelworks [...]
Williams has brought to market a cyclocross specific tubular wheel set that is a strong performer yet durable enough for even the most aggressive Clydesdale. The wheels are built with stout 14 straight gauge spokes: 2-cross lacing on the front and 3-cross on the rear. The semi-aero, aluminum rim is robust, benefiting from a simple tubular cross section. The rims are completed with a brilliant white paint scheme, and their `cross-specific pedigree is emphasized by bold decals.
Mercury is following the trend of increasing rim width for better stability out on the course. For the glue-sniffing set this means a wider surface to lay the adhesive on, resulting in a firmer connection between tire and rim and, based on your gluing prowess, fewer incidences of rolled tires. The better connection between rubber and metal can also mean better cornering as the tires retain their shape better in the corners.
With the increased popularity of cyclocross, more companies are coming out with wheelsets tailored to the unique needs of our favorite sport. For tubulars, the recent trend has been to widen the rim to give the tire more support, especially in cornering, and provide a bigger and better gluing surface.
You may have seen the beginning of Lee’s interview with Rob Curtis in his column this past Saturday, but that was only the beginning. Today, Lee continues his interview with Rob Curtis, the wheel-builder behind PSIMET Wheels.
This year, you’ll be faster. You’ll train harder and you’re going to maximize every pedal stroke, and in order to do that, your bike has got to be lighter. There are a few easy ways, a few hard ways and ways that cost more than others to make that happen.
It’s a popular belief that if you can upgrade only one part on your bike, it should be your wheels. There are a lot of good reasons behind this, as wheels have a profound impact on predictable handling, braking, acceleration and even coasting. In cyclocross use, we’d argue that most of these variables are exaggerated when compared to road cycling and that upgrading to a new set of wheels for cyclocross is even more justified.
Cyclocross Wheel Review: Zipp 303 Carbon Tubular Wheelset
IN THE COWBELL FORUMS:
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