Loading... Please wait...The latest offering for the Vitesse alloy clincher wheelset comes in the form of a new rim. This rim is 23mm wide, 28mm deep. The increase width of the rim helps to create a better tire to rim interface. The tire doesn't have to deflect back into the rim as much (think lightbulb shape). This better tire shape will help with better handling for those days when you want to fly down a twisty mountain or race these in a technical crit. With matching the tire width to the rim width the airflow over the tire onto the rim is much smoother giving a more aerodynamic wheelset, even though this rim is not as deep as our previous Vitesse it will be more aerodynamic.
With the better mating to the rim, you can run tires at lower PSI for a less harsh ride along rough asphalt. If you are going for a long epic ride you can better run 25mm tires for a smoother ride that is easier on your body. The wider rim will also translate into a stiffer rim, we do want all our wheels to be as stiff as possible and this rim will further help. For cyclocross applications this will be an ideal wheelset for riders not wanting to run tubular tires.
**IMPORTANT** For freehub body choice on Shimano, if you are planning on getting 11 speed Shimano the next year then choose the 11 speed option. You will have to run a 1.8mm spacer behind your cassette while you still have 10 speed, but when you do make the transition to 11 speed you can just slide on the cassette with no new parts needed or any re-dishing of the wheel needed. If you are planning on running 10 speed for a while, choose the 10 speed option. You will have a rear wheel with the right flange pushed out farther to make it stiffer and with better tension balance between the drive and non-drive sides. To upgrade down the line to 11 speed you will need a conversion kit which will consists of a new axle and a new freehub body. A slight re-dish of the rear wheel will be needed when moving from Shimano 10sp to Shimano 11sp.
The logos on this new rim are laser etched. This slightly helps to save weight and will make the rim very easy to keep clean. You can now wipe off all the dirt without worrying about any of the decals lifting up.
The brake pad option refers to the Swissstop BXP brake pads (listed separately here). You can purchase them with the wheels for a discounted rate with no added shipping.
If you are looking at both the Vitesse and the Rouleur and want to know about the differences between the two, you can read about that here.
To read about the different hub options we offer, please click here.
Rim depth - 28mm
Rim width - 23mm
Rim weight - 500g
Spokes - Black Sapim CX Ray
Front wheel radial laced
Rear wheel 2X laced both sides
Black Self-Locking Brass Nipples
Free Skewers included
Free Rim Strips included
*Weight limit - 215 pounds 20/24 - 240 pounds 24/28
*Spoke count recommendation - under 180 pounds 20/24 - 180 pounds and over 24/28
2 year warranty* About weight limits and spoke counts. Weight limit really depends on the type of riding you are doing as well as the terrain. A rider in Florida is going to have different stresses on a wheel than somebody using the wheels in the mountains of California. We put these numbers out as guidelines, they are not strict limits. Depending on your riding style the weight limit may be different than what we have listed. For spoke count, we recommend if you are close to the point of going with the higher spoke count and really want to increase the durability of the wheels then go ahead and get the higher spoke count. As you can see the weight difference is very small, adding 44 grams to make a more durable wheelset will be worth it. If you have any questions about weight limit or spoke count please feel free to contact us.
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Posted by Terry Noteboom on 18th May 2013
I've been riding the 2012 model Vitesse for about a year now. You'd be hard pressed to find better value in a high end lightweight alloy clincher. The wheels have been used for commuting, training, club rides, and centuries. I've ridden through potholes, rough pavement, and road debris without a pinch flat (I don't understand why anyone would consider less than a 23mm wide rim given all the wide rims available now). The wheels are as true and round as when they came out of the box. I love the fact that Boyd uses self locking brass nipples as I've had problems with alloy nipples on wheels in the past including failures and loose spokes on the rear non-drive side. I believe the overall quality is comparable or better in all respects to alloy wheels from competitors that are twice the cost. I will certainly buy another pair if these ever wear out.
Posted by Jason (Kobe, Japan) on 9th May 2013
These wheels are probably one of the best upgrades you can make on your bike. The wheels feel very solid, light and they roll forever! It could just be me, but I've ridden these wheels for about 200kms (in one weekend) since I got them, and I was pedaling stronger and faster than on my previous wheels. My bike just feels lighter overall. For reference, I was using the stock DT Swiss Axis 3.0 wheels that came with my Specialized Tarmac.
I'm extremely happy with this purchase!
Finally, Boyd and Nicole are just a pleasure to deal with. All of my emails were answered quickly and comprehensively. Would gladly deal with them again when I decide to go carbon!
Posted by Robert on 6th May 2013
First, Boyd and Nicole - you two are super, friendly and very approachable - you operate like a LBS!
Second, the wheels look much better than your photos on the website would lead you to believe - sleek and clean.
Most importantly, they ride extremely well! They spin up very quickly, roll forever, climb swiftly, and don't seem to have any flex in them at all. I removed a set of DT Swiss 3.0's from my Roubaix and between the conti-gatorskins and the Vitesse, I shaved over 450 grams of weight. The wider 23mm rims give a very solid platform and smooth out the sweet ride of my Roubaix even more. I went with 23mm tires in the front and 25mm in the rear - smoother is faster and having a softer ride is just fine with me. I looked at HED Ardennes and the ROL wheels but was constantly drawn back to the Boyd's and I am so glad I did! Saved some major cash compared to the HED's and got a great set of wheels with superior service. Boyd helped me make some adjustments to the rear hub to fine tune the drive train to my bike - once again very quick and accurate response to my questions.
I would strongly recommend these wheels or one of the other ones that Boyd's offers - you will not be disappointed!
Boyd & Nicole - you need to get more exposure so that more riders can get a set of your wheels! Advertise!!
Posted by Unknown on 24th Apr 2013
These are my first set of wide profile wheels and I couldn't be happier. Lower pressure, better cornering in the wet, and most importantly to me: comfortable. While I try and avoid the holes these things seem to roll through cracks and holes in the road with a comfort im not used to. Obviously the pricepoint is a highlight as well but im more stoked on the performance.
Posted by Brian on 23rd Apr 2013
I have only had my new wheelset for about 2 weeks now, but I can definitely see a massive improvement in the overall ride quality of my bicycle since I installed them.
Not only are climbing efforts impacted, but road vibrations are handled very well, and I feel that they are more solid descending than my OEM wheels. I've taken these on some of the longer climbs in the Greenville, SC area and the rides have been spectacular.
I had to make several small adjustments to my brakes because of the wider rim, but braking power seems fine.
I'd definitely recommend this wheelset to anyone who is looking for a fantastic wheel at a great price.
Posted by John Richards on 11th Apr 2013
After cooking my Reynolds carbon clinchers in Fondo Hincapie I needed a set of wheels that could take some abuse, but where still light. These fit the bill perfectly. They are stiff, quick to accelerate, and have fantastic ride quality with the 23 mm wide profile. Wider is better. I don't miss the Reynolds at all, but these do get me excited about the thought of a wider carbon wheel for racing. :)
Can't say enough about the customer service either. Absolutely hands down the best I've dealt with!
Posted by Joshua Hayes on 19th Mar 2013
I can not attest to longeity however my initial impressions are great. I have used the wheels in 2 races now and hit a deep pothole in one of them. No pinch flat with the 23mm width and they are still straight as an arrow, they roll great and are as good if not better than many wheels that are 2-3x the cost.
Posted by Brad on 14th Mar 2013
Will have ran these for a year in June. Nearly 7000 miles including the Alta Alpina Challenge ( 200 miles, 20,000 feet of climbing in one day). Still flawless, have not needed to be re trued. Would highly recommend these for a strong, light weight all around wheel set. New hubs sound interesting.
Posted by Alan on 10th Mar 2013
If you want to read how they make you go faster, there are plenty of reviews here so I thought I'd put in a few comments that I don't think I've seen before.
Rider quality - I'd say clydesdale Cat Z (not 5) but I've been at it for a while.
Distance covered on Vitesse - approx 1500km.
Compared to - Dura Ace C24, Dura Ace WH7800, Ksyrium Elite, Aksium (Ugggh!)
From an engineering standpoint I love the Sapim C-Xray spokes. Not only is the weight fantastic while still maintaining strength but to me aerofoil sections work better when you have all sorts of variable wind directions and you also don't get pushed around like bladed spokes when they get hit with a side wind - not that it is a real problem at my weight.
Number of spokes - I heeded Boyd's web page and got the extra spokes. Great results. I still ride some dura ace C24 clinchers and they are a great wheel that can handle the weight - but they flex! My first time going up even a small hill with the Vitesse it really was notcieable the extra rigidity and power transfer that the Vitesse supplied. I have two similar spec bikes, one with the C24s and one with the Vitesse. The Vitesse bike is just faster. I certainly am not good enough to notice the weight difference but I certainly can notice the power transfer.
Other interesting things - Punctures are a pain but changing tubes on the Vitesse is really neat. I usually put a few psi in the tube when fitting so that the tube doesn't get pinched on install. With the Vitesse being about 2mm wider internally than 19mm rims I can now fit the whole tyre to the rim without having to deflate the tube near the end. Very helpful.
Currently I run 23mm tyre front and 25mm tyre rear (Michelin Pro Race 4 if it makes any difference). I inflate both to around 100psi and find it provides a nice comfortable ride. On the last rear puncture with a 25mm tyre I could only get 60 psi from the 1 gas cannister that I had. I did stuff up the inflation so I'd think I'd get bout 80psi if done correctly as I would normally inflate a 23mm to 100psi. However, the ride was still very good and did not feel underinflated at all. Riding partner confirmed it looked normal.
Usual comments apply - Came true and have remained so.
Hubs spin like Dura Ace and to me it is amazing that a cartridge runs as freely as ball and cone systems. Spin the same on the road as well.
The front wheel has a very slight catch on the front wheel rim joint but I measured it with a DTI and couldn't see anything untoward. Changed shoes and it went away.
Hubs are slightly noiser than Dura Ace but much quieter than Chris Kings!
Overall - Great quality wheelset at a great price!
Posted by Allan on 4th Mar 2013
What else can be said that's not already been said? Some of the best aluminum clincher wheels you can get, period, let alone for the very affordable price they are offered at. The proof is in the pudding...I put these on and on my first long ride, I PR'd a 6-mile climb, and easily was a cog or two faster for the whole ride, over my 404's, which cost 3 times as much. "Speed Weaponry"...right here at Boyd.
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