HED Wheels and Durability

I've been using Aerospoke wheels on my GRR, and am very glad of their notorious bombproof qualities
on my daily urban commute over extremely rough and poorly maintained East and West Baltimore
Streets. But, they are a bit heavy, which I feel on the hills. I have read about various
recumbenteers riding HED tires, but have seen few or no comments on their durability. Specifically,
I am interested in the HED recumbent tires, and also the H3 trispoke tires. How robust would either
of these be under a 200 lb rider over rough urban conditions riding daily? I'll be getting my new Ti
Rush soon, and am trying to decide between Aerospokes and HEDs.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Nathan Congdon

>I've been using Aerospoke wheels on my GRR, and am very glad of their notorious bombproof qualities
>on my daily urban commute over extremely rough and poorly maintained East and West Baltimore
>Streets. But, they are a bit heavy, which I feel on the hills. I have read about various
>recumbenteers riding HED tires, but have seen few or no comments on their durability. Specifically,
>I am interested in the HED recumbent tires, and also the H3 trispoke tires. How robust would either
>of these be under a 200 lb rider over rough urban conditions riding daily? I'll be getting my new
>Ti Rush soon, and am trying to decide between Aerospokes and HEDs.
>
>Thanks for your thoughts!
>
>Nathan Congdon
>
>

Hi Nathan

I have ridden HED's as my bents fastest aero wheels for about 8 years now, and think they are
the best. The HED 3's are among the most proven and reliable wheels out there. Rough urban
conditions will mean very high pressure 23c tires (145PSI) to protect your wheels rim though.
Wider tires will kill much of the aero gains with any aero wheel....tires as wide as the rims
(20mm) are best for aerodynamics. Discs will tolerate slightly wider tires (23c) better than
other aero wheels, according to Steve Hed.

IMO...The best research, the best aero wheels, and the best customer service I have ever seen
from any company.

Just to be clear, I am not financially connected to HED in any way, just a very
satisfied customer!

Rich Pinto
Bacchetta Bicycles