Planet-X "model C" or "A57" wheelsets?

[buddha]

Anyone have experience of either Planet-X model C or A57 wheelsets?

I'd prefer the model-C, as it's lighter. But my local roads aren't too good. There is an issue with the alloy SL hubs and Shimano 10sp cassette's - but I may get a Sram cassette anyway.

Thanks.

 

[dan_bo]

I ran the A57 wheelset for a bit. Chocolate IMO.

 

[davidg]

I have model Bs and they seem pretty decent alrounders....extra spokes can only help if one breaks I suppose...

 

[buddha]

I ran the A57 wheelset for a bit. Chocolate IMO.

Was that the hub (as in damage to the freehub splines) or rims?

 

[dan_bo]

Err both.

The freehub splines were a tad on the soft side and the rims were a bit flimsy. They're probably OK if you're a lighter rider but, well, i'm not.

 

[kyuss]

I did initially have problems with my A57's. Constantly went out of true, had to send them back a couple of times. Third time I got my LBS to re-tension them and I've not had any problems since. And I'm a fat bastard too.

I think for £125 they're pretty good (they were closer to £200 when I bought mine).

 

[dodgy]

I have Model Bs, I'm quite pleased with them actually. I do have some concerns about how I will remove the cassette if the hub starts to get chewed up, but there's no sign of that happening yet (I've had the cassette off to check).

 

[buddha]

Thanks for the replies.
I've decided to go for a pair of A57's (until I can get some 105/open pro's).

A bit of searching revealed that you can buy pins to lock the 'loose' sprockets of your cassette together - distributing the load on the freehub-splines. However, for my 105 cassette, the 19t sprocket doesn't have the corresponding 3 holes for these pins. One solution that's come to mind is to insert thin (1mm) steel strips in the gap that's left by the differing freehub/cassette spline heights. If I can get a reasonable fit that should prevent any major damage - I hope

 

[dodgy]

Tell us more about the pins you can buy? Got a link?

 

[buddha]

Tell us more about the pins you can buy? Got a link?

From this thread:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12608440
although they didn't work for the poster - same problem as me.

from the faq - you need to contact your American Classic dealer:

I noticed my Shimano brand 10 speed cassettes are loose on the cassette body and is this normal? Do I need to use the clip/pin kit with my cassette?

Shimano changed the shape of the inside of their 10 speed cassettes by removing contact points causing the cassettes to fit loosely on the cassette body. Before the invention of the steel face cassette body, Bill Shook designed special clips or pins, which reduce the movement in the 10 speed Shimano cassettes and protect the cassette body from being marked and damaged by the movement of the loose 10 speed Shimano brand cassette. The clips/pins are installed under the freestanding cogs. It is important to use these clips/pins in conjunction with the 0.5 mm American Classic cassette spacer provided with wheels and the silver Shimano cassette spacer so that you do not damage your cassette body.

You do not need clips/pins for Shimano 9 speed cassettes, SRAM 9 or 10 speed cassettes or Campagnolo 9, 10 or 11 speed cassettes, or if you have one of AC’s steel face cassette bodies.

The kit contains 3-10 speed Ultegra clips, 3-10 speed Dura Ace clips and 3-10 speed 105 pins. The kits are $14.99 US plus shipping and you can order a kit from your local American Classic dealer or by calling American Classic. Please see the HELP tab on this website for directions on installing the clips or pins in with your Shimano 10 speed cassette.

Do the Clips/Pins work with other maker’s hubs?

Yes, they work with other maker’s hubs.

 

[JRAB]

I tried the American Classic pins on my P-X Model B's but they didn't work - the holes through the sprockets went one sprocket less than they needed to (or the pins were one sprocket too long), so that the pins stood proud of the top of the sprockets and stopped the smallest sprocket & lockring fitting properly (if that makes sense?)

Solution? LBS's suggestion, credit where it's due - went to hardware store and got some pop-rivets with shanks about the right size. Used cable-cutters to chop heads off them to the right length, stuck them in holes through cassette. Bingo (and dirt-cheap!)

With pins in, chewing on freehub body is not getting any worse - although it wasn't terrible to start with it was enough to be concerned about long-term.

IMO the Model B wheels are pretty good - they seem to roll really well and have proved pretty tough, haven't needed any TLC in about a year.

Richard.

 

[mossy]

Quest como wheels are worth a look .Bomb proof.