Pound for pound, a good set of aluminium clinchers are the best upgrade you can make for your road bike. I can build these up in a variety of rim, hub and spoke combinations and weights in the region of 1500 - 1700g are achievable in most cases. All the hubs use cartridge bearings - easy and cost effective to replace when they do wear out. And whilst the rims are stiffer and more aerodynamic than most budget options, replacing any of these rims, in the event of impact damage or once worn out, is not a costly exercise.
With the exception of the H Plus Archetype rims, the Ambrosio and Kinlin rims are both tubeless compatible; I consider this to be an advantage but there is no issue with using tubes if you prefer. Use these as an upgrade to stock wheels, use them for training, use them all year round - every road cyclist should own a decent set of aluminium wheels!
The Kinlin XR26 is 26mm depth x 24mm width, with a wide 19mm internal diameter (many budget orientated wheels still use 15-17mm) and weigh in at 475g per rim. There is an offset version of the Kinlin XR26 which I use for the rear wheel for improved non drive side spoke tensions - a good thing for spoke longevity. They are ideal for 25mm road tyres and you will notice a much improved tyre profile, improved comfort and grip as a result; this is in contrast to a 25mm tyre on narrower rims which results in more of a light bulb profile and a negative impact on handling. The extra width also makes for an excellent pairing when using 33mm cross tyres and I've even used these Kinlin rims with 40mm gravel tyres on some knarly Welsh gravel tracks - this is where the benefits of a tubeless rim really comes into play!
The Ambrosio P20 is similar to the Kinlin XR26 in terms of depth, width and weight. Both are tubeless compatible and build into reliable wheels. They also have a stealthy black brake track and, although it will wear through over time, it’s a great look.
The Archetype rims are not officially tubeless compatible (I appreciate this is no consequence for some) but they are nice looking rims with an invisible welded join. Like the Ambrosio rims they also have a stealthy black brake track. This is a stiff rim, a good thing for longevity and, even though there isn't an offset version, the fact that they can take high spoke tensions is a good thing. Weight is very similar to the Kinlin and Ambrosio rims at 470g per rim.
I can build these up to suit a range of budgets - starting from £260 with Ambrosio P20 rims, Miche Primato Syntesi hubs and a combination of Sapim Laser (front wheel and rear non drive side) and Sapim Race spokes (drive side rear). If you want a top performing aluminium road wheelset, Hope RS4 hubs are manufactured in the UK, are exceptionally smooth rolling and have a feel of quality about them. They are well sealed, making them usable all year round.
If you want a top quality aluminium race wheelset (an option if you're worried about the cost of replacing a damaged carbon fibre rim), I can build these up with Sapim CX-Ray spokes. This increases the cost but the process of making a bladed spoke is good from a fatigue resistance perspective whilst reducing weight by around 50g for the wheelset.
Example build weights are as follows (+/- a few grams, minus skewers):
Ambrosio P20, Miche Primato, Sapim Race / Laser (24/28 spokes), Brass nipples - 1700g
Archetype, Hope RS4, Sapim Race / Laser (24/28 spokes), Brass nipples - 1650g
Kinlin XR26T, Novatec, Sapim Race / Laser (20/24 spokes), Alloy nipples - 1525g
Kinlin XR26T, Novatec, Sapim CX-Ray (20/24 spokes), Alloy nipples - 1500g
Please get in touch if you want advise on spoke counts. Alternatively, let me know in the comments box at checkout, as well as which freehub you need (Shimano/SRAM, Campagnolo, XDR)
Please see my guarantee that applies to these wheels. I have confidence in my wheels but it's nice to know you're covered if you do get any issues.
Wheels will be supplied with tubeless tape fitted and quick release skewers.
Any questions, please let me know.
Alex