UKC

There are quite a lot of new road bike carbon wheels on ebay around the 300 pounds mark; nearly all are shipped from China. Does anyone have any experience of these wheels?

In reply to lumu_tit:

Tempting as they are, and I'm sure some are great. Do you really want to save a buck on your 2nd most critical safety device (behind tyres?)

I know people have had joy with "Chinarello" frames, but the repetitive stress experienced by a wheel means they are that much more critical.

£300 gets you a decent set of alloy wheels (would you really notice the difference?

In reply to lumu_tit:

There are various reviews on YouTube if you fancy a proper look at the merch

In reply to lumu_tit:

As Balmy says do you really want any doubt about your wheels when descending at speed.

From what I've read over the years about Chinese frames and Wheels it is possible to get very good products but you are just as likely to get inferior rubbish that may look the part but is very dodgy if not outright dangerous.

You won't know what you have actually bought until it's too late. Is it really worth saving a few quid, or even a few hundred quid over a guaranteed product that you know has been built to stringent quality and safety standards and is gauranteed.

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=618029

In reply to yesbutnobutyesbut:

Agree with everyone here.
That said, it's your call on what risks you accept. I'm selling a front, that I rather liked a lot. Have a look here. Cheers

In reply to lumu_tit:

hit and miss, few of the guys I ride/race around are using BladeX and have been solid. But would I want to bet on it? Not personally. Perhaps spend extra or save for Planet X maybe, or Swiss side. Though you can normally some good deals on the old zipps(40s and 60s) or Reynolds etc

In reply to lumu_tit:

Friend of mine bought an "alledged" Planet X cyclocross frame direct from the manufacturers.

I can't remember specifics, but he's had problems with it - something to do with the bottom bracket delaminating, which he's had to epoxy back himself.

Now, he "may" just have been unlucky, but, as someone else said, I'd rather trust my Campag carbon wheels than something I've never heard of, even though I've yet to hear of a death purely due to a failed carbon wheel.

Having said that, I've broken an alloy wheel on a pothole, so any wheel could go at any time.

If I were you, I'd be looking at sales - for example:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/wheels-factory-built-wheel...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/token-tk-c55a-carbonalloy-clincher-wheelset/