During an REI Legendary Lunch Ride last week, I quipped, “Hey! no one told me it was bring the good wheels day!” One of the lunch ride hammerheads was all riding his Zipp’s and damn, I should’ve brought my Heds. That reminded me it was time to post a review of my new hoops.
To some, cycling is all about the wheels and earlier this year, Mark posted his Aero Wheel Wisdom and that’s the Stinger 50 he’s gluing up. I’ve also been riding the Jet 60, another great wheelset.
The Jet 60s roll really well and I use them for roleur type of courses, which are flatter circuits, also known as a kermese. The wheels reminded of Hed Alps, but lighter, and are a good all-around wheel.
For the hillier races, crits, and tighter circuits, I’ve been riding the Stinger 50s and totally dig them. They’re the fastest wheelset I’ve ridden. Of course, that’s a perception, but perception is everything. The speed I’m feeling is a direct result of the stiffness, which translates to out of the corner acceleration. They’re also exceptionally well made with Hed’s Sonic hub.
Little known facts
Hed manufactures the carbon rims for Bontrager and they rely on his patented rim shape. The Aeolus 6.5 Clincher is very similar to the Jet 60 and both are thought to produce a flywheel effect. Specifically, you get them up to speed and they carry that momentum.
Hed also designs their wheels to always get you home. So, if you’re bringing them to a lunch ride or for a commute during Bike Month and a spoke breaks or something bad happens, you’re still going to finish your ride. That can’t be said for a lot of good, race day wheels.
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