There has been a lot of hype about this wheel set. There has been a lot of talk about aerodynamic testing in wind tunnels and Formula 1 experience. So how does this hype relate to the experience on real bikes, on real roads?
When you first see these wheels, you can't help but admire them. They look good. Picking them up, they feel light. Taking a closer look at the carbon, it feels flimsy. It buckles when you push it. However, it is not there for strength, rather aerodynamics. Then I found something else, the holes around the spokes were not closed. Swiss Side states there is no aerodynamic benefit, so they left them as is. However, when you are paying about AUD$1000, you expect the work to look a little more polished. I was disappointed.
I read the documentation which accompanies the wheels. Swiss Side have acknowledged there is a noise problem with the tube valve knocking against the wheel. They suggest you place some electrical tape (not supplied) around the valve. I am normally pretty good with electrical tape. I don't know if it was the anticipation of just riding these wheels or not but the gap was just too small for the tape to fit. I talked to my LBS mechanic (an absolute wiz who rides in a QRTS team). His suggestion made me laugh at first but I tried it and it worked. Use the elastic band which came with the new tube.
It worked wonderfully. As you can see, I had to use the Swiss Side supplied valve extenders which are very easy to use and install. Just make sure your presta valve allows the inner parts to be removed.
With the wheels on, I took my bike for a ride. I could not believe how noisy these things are. I walked my bike out to the road over some grass. I could hear the grass crunching. As I started riding, the road noise was being amplified. It was driving me nuts. I met up with some friends and they could not believe how noisy they were. Even pedestrians could hear me. I thought I had made a mistake.
Then I reached my first "fast" corner. I went through it faster than I ever had. I was amazed. I got out of the saddle and tried sprinting. My bike suddenly came to life. I found myself yearning for a hill. Flying down the hill did not disappoint. These wheels are fast. I then reached a corner which I have had some "issues" with and I am not confident with. I attacked the corner and the bike was unbelievable stable.
Above all else, I realised these wheels are a lot of fun. I have been testing them for two weeks now. I had a bunch of guys push past me this morning so I jumped on their wheel. I was hardly pedalling and we were flying. I am not sure I will ever get over the noise but you cannot wipe the grin off my face when I am riding now. Surely that is what cycling is about?
They are a great wheelset. When you consider what is available under AUD$1000, you realise these wheels are great value. If you are after a carbon clincher wheelset, with alloy braking surface, then take a long hard look at this wheelset. They are great value for money and really have no comparisons in this price bracket. Now if they could just do something about the noise.
More details can be found on their website www.swissside.com
