All photos from Handspun’s FlickrBrief posts this week as I’ve entered the final countdown for the Rapha Centre Ramble tomorrow. After a doctor’s appointment this morning I’ll make a beeline for State College and the Rapha Conti crew.
For now, a question remains, one that perplexes many a rider about to embark on a long ride in adverse conditions: wheels. What should ride? The Ramble has some serious climbing, so an argument can be made for lightweight (Shimano Dura-Ace Scandium); but there’s also roughly 25 miles of dirt roads that make a case for durability and comfort (Mavic Classics Pro SSC’s).
Both sets are some of the best wheels I’ve ever ridden, and both are more than worthy of making the trip.
It all gets me thinking: is there anything more classic than a nice set of wheels? Recently, I discovered that Competitive Cyclist has been offering sets of tied and soldered wheels. Talk about one of cycling’s lost arts!
They’re made by Handspun and boy are they beautiful! Handspun also made a set of classics wheels for Embrocation‘s Jeremy Dunn before he left for his week at Flanders, Gent, and Roubaix. Here are some photos from their Flickr photostream:
Nice choices, Jeremy.
Handspun offers several classic versions to suit your needs. As time passes, we plan to include reviews and articles about various classic and neo-classic wheel and tire options from Shimano, Mavic, Handspun, Challenge and more. But for now, you’ll have to be content with just drooling over these samples.
What’s your favorite set of wheels for the pavé?
