I may not be Bruce, but....
03/01/06 06:06 PM (66.219.216.203)
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I have had the Topo clinchers on my Tetra Pro for two years now....
I have nothing but good things to say about them. First off, they are not a gimick. Granted they looked gimmicky, but there is definately method to their madness.
They are extremely light... listed at 1390g for the pair (mine came in at 1420g). But they are solidly built.
After about 6k miles they have not needed truing (that's even more impressive when you learn that I'm 6'3" and weigh anywhere from 260 to 280 the last few years). One reason for this in the high spoke count. The composite spokes weigh less than metal spoke, so Topo uses more of them. In fact, they invite big riders to try them. Other light-weight wheel makers tell big riders to avoid their wheels.
The give a smooth ride. The first time I took them off my Tetra and put on my "training" wheels (Ultegra, DT, CXP 33 w/32 spoke count), the Tetra's ride became noticeable harsher; still smoother than any other bike I've ridden including my Lemond Tete de Course, but not as smooth as before.
Now you skeptics just be quiet for a sec while I say this.... They accelerate and climb extremely well. (I can hear it now... "How can a FF like you notice a pound or two difference in a wheelset while climbing?" Sorry buddies, but I do. Zinn talks about climbing as constant small accelerations and decelerations. Obvisously a light wheel is going to be eaier to turn.)
Whenever I've had to deal with them company they've been great. The one time I sent them a wheel to work on (I had changed the rear from Campy to Shimano and wasn't sure I had done it right), the wheels were sent out 36 hours after being sent in.
Needless to say I highly recommend them. There's a pic of my Tetra in the photo gallery. Also I noticed Pez Cycling News has a review, but I don't know how much that counts. I don't think I've ever seen a negative review on that site, but the reviewer does share some of his experiences.
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