Proton wheelset

Aside from the Gucci-factor, would I notice a difference in the ride offered by Campy Protons? Currently using '99 Chorus hubs with Mavic Reflex clinchers and 32 Revolution spokes. Not interested in racing, just fast touring in the Colorado mountains, and I weigh 190 lbs. Never tried any of the wheels with 20+ spokes so I'm wondering about how they feel.

Well for starters, you are going from a tubular wheeset to a clincher - which may be a good move if you want convenience of being able to easily fix a flat when you're in the Colorado highlands.

Both sets weigh about the same.

If I had to choose one or the other from the get-go, I'd opt for the Protons because I prefer Campy's engineering. Since you already have the Mavics, I'm not so sure the difference between the two is worth the cost of buying a new set of Protons. You may want to consider Neutrons if you're going to throw a little money for a replacement set and want to take a real step up.

That's just my two cents, and you can read reviews on the Protons here:
http://www.roadbikereview.com/Wheels...5_2490crx.aspx

To clarify, my Reflex rims are clinchers, not tubular, with the ceramic coating. If Excels weights are accurate (using OP rim and assuming hubs haven't changed), the front Proton should be about 74 g lighter and rear 26 g heavier, so you're right, it's a wash.

Just I'm wondering if that wheel will flex more on turns, give a harsher ride or be less durable for a heavier rider. I read somewhere that Proton's aren't recommended for over 175 lbs. but Campy doesn't spec that.

Also, are Campy wheels really that much harder to change tires?

That's weird, Mavic advertises those as "tubular only" (http://www.mavic.com/servlet/srt/mav...ct.id=58&lg=uk), and the reviews list is as tubular as well:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/Rims/M...2_2488crx.aspx


I certainly don't think the Proton set would be *less* durable than the Mavic. As for tire changes, some Campy clincher wheels are regarded as having tighter tolerances. If the Proton set is one of them, I do not know.

Older reflex's came in clinchers. They are now available only in as sew-ups

I've got a set of the new Protons and after 500km they are holding up fine under my 210lb on some pretty rough roads.

They are pretty light, accelerate well and roll very nicely, they needed a quick tightening of the rear hub last week but then they are new and needed a service after breaking them in a little anyway.

the only negative i can think of is that they are a major hassle to put tyres on, i hope to hell i don't get any flats because it took ages to get the tyres on and by the end of it i was sweating and swearing!!

but i'd buy another set of campag wheels

Sounds like the Campy rims are a bit too big. Don't worry, they'll break in after a few thousand tire changes.

High quality stuff is typically made out of spec so it doesn't work when you buy it. Just like expensive Swiss watches. They don't tell the correct time until after a few years...

I have the protons on my bike, after about 2000 miles they are going very strong. The front wheel made my set of OP's feel really loose and flimsy. The rear hub is a bit noisy and feels like it offers a bit more friction than an ultegra or chorus hub, but it's negligible. Tire changes aren't too bad. I've used contis gp3k and hutchinsons with no more problems. The campy rims are a mm or 2 wider than the mavics. Once your tire breaks in, no worries.
highly recommend them.

Regards

-Sharky

I have 1000 mi on them this year. They're fine. Personally, I can't tell the diff in rolling resistance or acceleration and I think those that can are, well, um, imagining things.

Ride is good, smooth. Tire replacement isn't any tougher than on any other clincher I've had. I use levers to start the removal, and just use hands to replace them.

I have 1000 mi on them this year. They're fine. Personally, I can't tell the diff in rolling resistance or acceleration and I think those that can are, well, um, imagining things.

Ride is good, smooth. Tire replacement isn't any tougher than on any other clincher I've had. I use levers to start the removal, and just use hands to replace them.