Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

DHBC Brains Trust

Has anyone had any experience with HED wheels?

I am looking for a light yet robust set of clinchers. Candidates include Shimano C24's or C35's, Fulcrum 1 or 3's or the HED Ardennes.

I noticed that there is also a version of the HED Ardennes that has a slightly higher spoke count to make them even stronger for those of us who are not built like Purito Rodriguez

I have recently snapped a couple of spokes on my old wheels and I suspect that their days are numbered as the rims are reasonably worn as well.

Suggestions gratefully accepted.

Richard

I'm yet to hear of someone having a bad experience with HED wheels. A few guys from the club run them - I think Chris96 has a set of Ardennes maybe he can help.

I've got a pair of HED carbon tubs for racing. They've been fantastic and most importantly fast. I rode a pair of their lightest alloy clinchers at the Tour of Bright a couple of years ago. They are great wheels. The wider rims make them a completely different proposition to a standard alloy clincher. From memory there are 3 versions with the usual weight/reliability trade-offs. If I was buying a training wheel I wouldn't hesitate to go with them.

I've spoken with many racers and bike shop people about HED wheels and I havn't heard a bad word either. If you're looking for a higher spoked wheelset you can also buy the Aredennes (C2 Rim) independently and get them built up with whatever spoke and hub combos you want. The C2 rim is called the belgium.
http://www.wheelbuilder.com/hed-belgium ... r-rim.html
The Aus HED dealer is in Warriewood. Most LBS should be able to get them in for you...
http://www.hedcycling.com.au/contact.asp#

I've had a great experience with my HED Ardennes. I opted for the Sl version and they were light enough to get my bike to 6.9kg. I've used them in my U17 races and the wide rims offer a better tyre profile which makes cornering easier and great aerodynamics. I have never needed to true my wheels, but this could be due to the fact I only weigh 62kg. One thing I have noticed is that the rear hub needs to be properly adjusted or it will not roll smoothly. I work at Ashfield Cycles and we can easily get in a pair for you. If you want you could even give mine a go.

Thanks for the kind offer Chris but I wont endanger your wheels. The last time I was 62kg Neville Wran was Premier.

I like the look of the Ardennes SL with the extra spokes called the 'Stallion' option. A rather more marketable title than the more apt 'Clysdedale'.

slightly off topic: I got some nice wheels built-up from the USA. Chris King hubs, spoke count & type your choice (I got 28/32 as I'm not that svelte) and I got some a23 Velocity rims. about AU$900 delivered. http://www.prowheelbuilder.com/

Spokes are good! I'm currently building up some A23s with 36/36 spokes, however my race wheels (A23s) are 24/28.

I have Ultegra 6600 series brakes

Are they able to cope OK with the wider style rims like used on the HED wheels? i.e. modulation / clearance etc.

A few mates of mine run standard brakes with the Enve Smart wheels which are 26-28mm wide and have no issue.
I have sram red brakes and the C2 Belgium rims which are 23mm wide, and there is a lot of room for adjustment. I would imagine it's the same for Ultegra.