Aluminium vs Carbon Wheels

[aserota]

Another question (or two) for you all;

1. Are there carbon wheels that are suitable for daily commuting (taking into consideration there are poor roads around)?

2. Will i feel a noticable difference in performance between a £120 set of falcrum aluminium wheels with an ultegra cassette and a £500 set of deep dish carbon wheels with a dura ace groupset? and if so is it that noticeable?

 

[TheDoctor]

Carbon wheels? For commuting? I'd say no. I'd be scared of trashing them or having them stolen.
And I doubt you'd feel so much difference between the two wheels you mention. Deep rims are lovely and aero for TT but they're not so light.
Just my opinion. It's a lovely dilemma to have though!

 

[aserota]

I have the falcrums (aluminium wheelset) which seem ok for the moment, especially @ their price.

I have a set of deep dish aero trigon carbon wheels, however the rear has delaminated and will need a new carbon rim, so am deciding whether there is any point getting a new rear wheel?

 

[fossyant]

Carbon wheels are for racing and 'events' - not every day... unless you have cash to burn.........

If the hubs are good, get them built into some good Mavic Open Pro's...

 

[thebikemarket]

Carbon wheels have been designed to be light, aero dynamic, stiff... and expensive - hence geared towards racing rather than commuting.

Reynolds do an Assault wheel which is designed for every day riding - however, there are several things you need to consider:

1. Have you got money to burn????
2. Carbon wheels are typically deep sectioned - and can get caught by side wind - not ideal for commuting!
3. They are very rigid - hence not the most comfortable ride for commuting - especially if your roads are poor.

Will you feel the difference in performance??? Yes... but is it worth it if you are commuting... probably not.

One thing to consider - dura ace blocks and chains are not durable - if you are considering making an upgrade with wheels with say Dura Ace Hubs - go with an Ultegra block and chain!