Wheel upgrade?

deero83 wrote:

How did you get the 20% off @notfastenough?
Seem to be 439Euro/£347 on their site?

I had previously signed up to their mailing list, through which they provided the discount code 'swisssidepromo'. No reason you can't use it too. I opted for the free delivery option, but they still sent using the express48 service. They were well-boxed and included a spare spoke for each different spoke length, QR skewers, rim tape (already fitted), a pair of snazzy-looking bidons and a pack of blingy stickers which will probably find their way onto laptops etc.

Given the same direct-to-customer model which ensures the likes of Canyon bikes look great value, a reasonably favourable exchange rate, and reviews comparing them to Dura-Ace C24s, it feels like I got a great deal. Although one of my club-mates took one look at them, all shiny and rather pro-looking, laughed and said "you better be fit to ride round on those next summer!"

notfastenough wrote:

deero83 wrote:

How did you get the 20% off @notfastenough?
Seem to be 439Euro/£347 on their site?

I had previously signed up to their mailing list, through which they provided the discount code 'swisssidepromo'. No reason you can't use it too. I opted for the free delivery option, but they still sent using the express48 service. They were well-boxed and included a spare spoke for each different spoke length, QR skewers, rim tape (already fitted), a pair of snazzy-looking bidons and a pack of blingy stickers which will probably find their way onto laptops etc.

Given the same direct-to-customer model which ensures the likes of Canyon bikes look great value, a reasonably favourable exchange rate, and reviews comparing them to Dura-Ace C24s, it feels like I got a great deal. Although one of my club-mates took one look at them, all shiny and rather pro-looking, laughed and said "you better be fit to ride round on those next summer!"

I've put in around 200kms on my Francs now, nice wheels, but some crosswind instability when you hit hedgerow gaps, not too hard to keep under control though. The wheels are stiff and accelerate better than the Fulcrum 5s they replaced, but feel more compliant and less harsh than the Fulcrums. +1 for the service...I bought mine through Ebay (from the Swiss Side folks), got them for €350 all in - so equates to roughly the same discounted price and came with same extras in the box as Notfastenough, so was delighted on opening the 'prezzie' when the box arrived. Colour scheme goes with the bike well...but will be a bit of a 'mare to keep clean - being white. i'd certainly look at their Hadron range if I was in the market for some carbon wheels in the future...

The _Kaner wrote:

+1 for the service...I bought mine through Ebay (from the Swiss Side folks), got them for €350 all in - so equates to roughly the same discounted price and came with same extras in the box as Notfastenough, so was delighted on opening the 'prezzie' when the box arrived. Colour scheme goes with the bike well...but will be a bit of a 'mare to keep clean - being white. i'd certainly look at their Hadron range if I was in the market for some carbon wheels in the future...

Thanks for your detailed post, I guess that's about what I expected in terms of performance. Re goodies, I bet it's not just me who's eyeing up the matching jersey and swissside bottle cages/QR skewers is it?!

I am dreading the cleaning though - thinking that maybe some snowfoam that car geeks use might come in handy. That and *careful* use of a jetwasher. My Trek Madone 4.5 is black/white with a hint of red/blue - it's the old team colours, and should look ace with the Francs. I have ranted on here in the past about everything being a variation of black/white/red, but screw it, I got good deals on both the bike and wheels.

Fulcrum are very good wheels, I wouldn't get too hung up on rider weight unless ur buying mega exotic wheels as I have had a pair of racing zero for the past 12 months and as a tad under 15 stone had no issues with regards to wheel strength. I realise ur budget is not in the range for zeros but club mates highly recommend Fulcrum 3, 5 and quatro as being good quality reliable and of a good weight, I bought mine from my LBS bicycle lounge Ormskirk and Mat was happy to fit cassete and check gears running nice and smooth, I guess it would be cheper on line but I find the reassurance of a good LBS important for major purchases. No I don't work for them.

Which ever wheel upgrade you choose don't forget a decent cassette, tyres and tubes make a noticable difference to how the wheels feel. Most of all enjoy how much faster the new wheels will make you feel!