Shimano Groupset : Zonda or Fulcrum R5 Wheels

alanjgalbraith

I have a Trek5000 with Shimano Ultegra SL groupset and have now to replace Bontrager Race wheels as the rear has developed a number of hairline cracks at the spoke holes.
These wheels rolled well but were always sloppy when climbing or putting the power down

My weight - 86kg

Looking at either the Fulcrum Racing 5 (Black) or the Campy Zondas. (not interested in anything else really - prefer to buy at LSB - Not getting anything handmade)

Thoughts I have so far before purchasing are:

Zonda's G3 lacing look sharp
Seems rude to be putting Campys on a bike with a Shimano Groupset. Comments? :eek:
Fulcrums are slightly more expensive? Does this mean they are better, as I would expect the "Campy" branding to add un-necessary cost to the Zonda's.
If Fulcrum are using Campy "parts" what extra do I get with the Racing 3's for the extra money? (front seems identical)
Any known issues I should be looking out for? 2009 models only.

Zonda
Racing 3

only in Black I guess ..

Explosive_Cornflake

I'd go with the fulcrums. I don't like the spoke layout on the rear Zonda. I Have racing 1's myself and I think they're quite good.

Chips Lovell

There´s nothing wrong with mixing Campag wheels with Shimano. It´s not like the bike is going to explode or something.

crazydingo

Mmmmmm Zonda

horizon26

I can only comment on the fulcrum 5 wheels.I am about the same weight as yourself,fulcrum wheels are very very strong look cool and have a loud buzz out of the rear hub.Now this review is for about a 6 month period,in 6 months I am very pleased with the wheels.:)

Single Malt

Fulcrum is Campy, but the R5 wheels are better in Ireland at 14+stone. The G3 lacing on the Zondas isn't quite as strong as the more traditional R5.

Home:Ballyhoura

Not sure if you'd be interested but there is this dude on Weight Weenies selling a used set of 2007 Campag Vento's for £100. See the description page here and this is a photo of them. It seems good enough value if you were just looking for something relatively cheap, especially when you can often bargain these guys down a bit further (what I usually do is try to get them to include shipping).

witty username

el tonto wrote: »

There´s nothing wrong with mixing Campag wheels with Shimano. It´s not like the bike is going to explode or something.

oh yeah? That's what this guy did and look what happened......

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090820/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

alanjgalbraith

Thanks all ....Your comments actually helped make my mind up (but probably not the way you intended!! ;-) ) .. Went for the R3's in the end ... Just put them on with some Vittoria Corsa's .... Looking too good ...

Up early for a spin tomorrrow ... no need for tailwinds with these ...:D