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Test the carbon/Kevlar spoke alloy clinchers, Topolino CX2.0 1350gm/pair, made in Connecticut, $1,300. 

What about tubeless?

Tubeless clinchers have been around for some time now, but they still haven't had the impact on the road that they have off-road.  Hutchinson is the best-known manufacturer, but they still only approve of one wheel set for use with their tire, the Shimano Dura-Ace.

Carbon spokes?

The use of composite spokes that are reinforced with other materials, like Kevlar, is growing.  Witness the success of the Topolino CX2.0 and Mavic's Cosmic Carbone Ultimate and Cosmic Carbone SLR. 

Currently we are not recommending the Mavic R-Sys.  The R-Sys was recalled last year, and a post-recall wheel failed under the legs of Velonews editor Ben Delaney.  The R-Sys uses a hollow carbon spoke, not to be confused with the non-hollow spokes used by Mavic's Cosmic models, which have not had problems (their spokes are similar to Topolino's).

Which is better, carbon or aluminum?

Carbon rules in triathlon and time-trials, where the superior aerodynamics of deep-rim carbon wheels give the rider a competitive edge.  Deep-rim aluminum wheels are too heavy to make them worthwhile.  The only deep-rim clinchers that are worthwhile are carbon.

Another area where carbon excels is climbing, because it's possible to make very strong carbon rims that are also exceptionally light, provided you are willing to glue on your tires. 

Is carbon worth the extra cost for the regular road rider?  Try out a set of our Edge Composites wheels, and compare them to our demo Topolino CX2.0 wheels, and then decide.

Which is better, tubular or clincher?

I want a 15 pound bike, but I don't want to use tubulars!

If you're a weekend warrior who always seeks an edge in equipment, especially for climbs, you've just handed the advantage to a fellow rider who's willing to glue on his tires.  It's impossible to build a clincher rim as light as a tubular, because the U shape of a clincher requires more material than the box shape of a tubular.

You won't have much luck finding a light tubular aluminum rim in the U.S.  Even manufacturers like Bontrager and Mavic fail to take full advantage of the inherent strength of the tubular rim.  Instead, they just build tubular versions of their best clincher rims.

With carbon it's another story.  1,200gm is the benchmark for a really light wheel set, and that's 3/4 pound less than a set of Mavic Ksyriums.  1,000gm is the benchmark for an ultra-light wheel set.  Edge Composites' Edge 25 rim weighs in at 200gm, and builds into a sub-1,000gm wheelset with conventional hubs and spokes, for $2,400.