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A few rides in with the new wheels and time for an update. I have tried this bike with a set of Hyperons, a set of Lightweights, a set of Boras and a set of 404 Firecrests, but I have to say, the hype about the ENVE 3.4s on King hubs is absolutely justified.
They are a couple of a hundred grammes heavier than the Lightweights, but on a par or slightly lighter than the others. More versatile than the Hyperons, more aero than the Lightweights, less prone to the strong sidewinds that we get on Hong Kong island than the Boras and 404s. The best of all worlds, and the King hubs are just wonderful and should stay that way for a while. And (if this makes sense), they ride lighter than any of them. Not the best braking, but I think that will improve as I put down a layer of the ENVE brake pad compound on the braking surface. Right now, I wouldn't trust them on the steep descents of Hong Kong in the rain! I have almost finished building my new Moots Psyclo X RSL with Super Record EPS and disc brakes which should be just the ticket for those hilly braking issues! Just waiting for the new internal battery to hit the shops.
Contrary to the ENVE recommendation, I am running 25mm tubs. ENVE recommend 23mm for optimum aerodynamics, but some of the roads over here are concrete with wheel-eating expansion gaps in between and the 25s are just that bit more comfortable.
A typical Autumn day in Hong Kong. 32 degrees, sunny and a gentle breeze. I do miss the cycling scene in the UK, but as Winter approaches, Hong Kong has its distinct advantages!
Really well built by Strada. Highly recommended. There is something to be said for handmade wheels.
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Frame - Moots Vamoots RSL
Fork - ENVE 2.0 tapered
Aheadset - Chris King Inset 7
Chainset - Campagnolo Super Record Ti Compact
Bottom Bracket - Campagnolo PF30 cups
Pedals - Look Keo Carbon Titanium
Front Deraileur - Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Rear Deraileur - Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Shifters - Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Brakes - Campagnolo Super Record
Chain - KMC SL
Cassette - Campagnolo Super Record 12/25
Wheels - ENVE 3.4/Chris King R45
Tyres - Continental Competition 25mm
Stem - Moots RSL
Bars - Zipp SL Carbon
Seatpost - Moots Cinch
Saddle - Fizik Arione
Grips - Deda Cork
Lovely wheels, I have a set and we sell a fair few. The braking is a little crap because the enve pad is a little crap, swissstop yellow flash or black prince is a better way to go. Saw a proto (in the flesh) of the new disc specific enve rim a few weeks back: pretty!
Might try some different pads. I have always had success with the Campagnolo pads, particularly the new red compound.
Unfortunately the new disc specific 3.4 isn't due out until March. The disc wheels for the new Psyclo X RSL will be ENVE XC rims on King R45 disc hubs. Pretty aero, plenty light, and a bit more robust for CX. I am also building a set of Mavic Open Pro CDs on the same hubs just for road use and wet weather riding when braking on carbon rims and using tubulars is too risky.
I had a set of Lightweights on my Parlee and hated them, out of true in 250k's and we're forever needing tensioning. Utter rubbish for a set of premium wheels. If I rode in Tuscany on the Blanche I'd understand, but here in the sleepy South Downs??? Pathetic.
Edit: BTW lovely bike, great location, ride it till your bums sore 😆
I agree on the Lightweights. Very disappointing, and the lack of an ability to true them was very frustrating, particularly since they come out of the factory with a fairly large tolerance of wobble!
It's rebuildable wheels with non-proprietary parts all the way for me from now on.
Any pics of the psychlo-x rsl disc? Considering something very similar for my next project....
One of the sweetest Vamoots rsl's out there. Congrats, ride her like you stole her 🙂