USE THESE WHEELS ON MY TRAIL BIKE .. A LITTLE HEAVY ,BUT THEY ARE EXTREMELY STRONG ... LOOK GREAT .... GIVES THE BIKE A DISTINCTIVE LOOK COMPARED TO SPOKES ...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Newyork Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
streets
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop
Strengths:
The wheels will give your bike a great look. They are compatible with both types of inner tubes
Weaknesses:
They can cost alot. The wheels are abit heavy. I am reviewing the Wheels with disc hubs.
The wheels are a great set of mag wheels. The spin wheels are great but they never made them with disc hubs. The wheels are heavy but yea I do notice a performance difference. The wheels are abit harder to spin up but when you get the wheels up to speed they will hold that speed longer than a spoke wheel. They make good training wheels if you want to build leg power and endurance. If you ride for a while with these wheels and then put on spoke wheels(say Mavic 223 wheels) you will fly. The power you develop from using these wheels is amazing. I don't ever do off-roading so I can't say they are bomb-proof.I just go up against some of the roadies. The wheels help. IF you want top speed and got the leg power get them. If not then stick to the spoke wheels. IF you got any other questions about the wheels email me. Shadow3807@aol.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Goodenough
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler Date Reviewed: April 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pemberton, McDowell Mtns
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
rear/Bike Masters, front/Rage
Strengths:
Durable, can use standard tube with no need for a valve extender and not to mention there just good looking.
Weaknesses:
Need to regularly tighten nut that holds hub to wheel, need special tool from aerospoke or large channel locks to tighten nut.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic D521 rims w/XT hubs, and Hed carbon wrapped DH Rims w/bladed spokes and Ringle hubs.
Bike Setup:
Set up on a 97 Voodoo Hoodoo hardtail with a Lawwill Leader front fork, Shimano XT shifters and deraileurs, Raceface headset and cranks and Magura rim brakes.
Bottom Line:
Have read the other issues with these wheels and yes they do flex, so you will need to allow some room with brake set up. The issue with the hubs is valid and you will need to make sure the nut that holds the hub onto the wheel is tight if not you will twist and mangle the hub (I know first hand). Fortunately Aerospoke replaced entire wheel for 150.00 plus shipping through bike shop. Bottom line is if your looking for a great cross country (not racing) / trail riding wheelset this is it, I am 6' tall and weigh 275lbs and have beat the crap out of these wheels for the last 4 years here in AZ and there still true which is more than I can say for Hed mtb rims & Mavic 230, 217 and 521 rims. Great quality and cool looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zooloo zoo
a Cross Country Rider
from emerald isle .n.c. u.s.a. Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$295.00
Purchased At:
aero hq
Bike Setup:
cannodale super v 1000 polished alunium carbon swing arm.carbon seat post ,carbon bars .carbon bar ends,carbon f.s.a. cranks.25 pounds full suspension made into a hard tail! and hard nose!
Bottom Line:
after 3 weeks of checking reviews i bought one! friken love it! chicks dig it! turns heads! if you want to go unnoticed as hillary clintons daughter then get steel spokes! then goofy plain spokes are so yesterday!!,,lol..plain spokes have been outdated since the full wrap cardigon or the maroon colored members only jackets!.!![ok so i gained a half pound! woopie doo!]just drop a nice bowl whinder before you ride!,,but the best thing besides looks that i like is sticks dont get stuck in my steel spokes and rip my dropout off! or tear my derailieur off.i do alot of my riding standing cranking 8 th gear! with the aerospokes the sticks just slide through or the aerospoke just karate chops them in half!everybody was kung-foo fighting!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
coldcut
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Aerospoke
Strengths:
These wheels look awesome!!! Very strong and can handle agressive riding with no problems.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
97 Klein Mantra Frame with upgraded parts (too many to list).
Bottom Line:
These wheels are sweet. Haven't experienced any of the problems listed in some other reviews. The weight is not an issue for me ( I just like to ride).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Switch
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, Ne York, USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Castle Hill Bikes
Strengths:
Never need truing. very nice looking. aerodynamic design. very easy to clean. durable spokes.
Weaknesses:
the rear hub..... at the time of this review, I've had these wheels for one week, and the rear hub became inexplicably Jammed.
As far as the weight issue is concerned, it doesn't affect me whatsoever. My only issue is the rear hub. I'm waiting for the replacement hub. I pray that this problem doesn't happen again, 'cause I love these wheels. They give my bike a special look and the fact that they dont need truing adds confidence everytime I'll hop on my bike. I like to see the looks on people's faces (especially kids!) when I ride by. If aerospoke shows good customer service, then this will be a worthwhile investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nik j
a Downhiller
from NYC Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the urban jungle
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
direct from aerospoke
Strengths:
won't go out of true, as advertised. quality company stands behind them. they even absorb a bit of road buzz.
Weaknesses:
very heavy (actually heavier then some downhill wheels!). flexiest wheelset I have ever experienced. had the same rear hub problem as poster below. wheels do not come standard with disc hubs, which must be ordered seperately a considerable cost.
Similar Products Used:
nothing quite mag...
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS1 dressed to the 9's
Bottom Line:
if you can't be bothered truing wheels, or learning how to true wheels, consider these- UNLESS you are into hucking your bike around ala downhill and/or urban. these wheels will not go out of true, but they do not inspire confidence in your bike. they flex more than i ever knew wheels could. these are not carbon fiber, they are plastic. they are disigned to bend a certain ammount so they won't shatter on impact. if you run rim brakes, these will rub them as you make even the smallest slow turns, and slap against them with a very disconcerting CRACK-ing sound when your wheels hit the ground after being in the air but a few inches. the rear hub is sloppy feeling and allows a good bit of peadal turn before engaging. power transfer is acceptable, but not the best. they are arerodynamic, but a gust of wind from the side will move you much more than on a normal spoked wheel.
people seem to have the impression that these wheels are bombproof and suitable for downhill. they are not. while they won't come out of true, the aluminum braking surface is not anything special and WILL bend with impacts. when that happens the wheel will need to be replaced for $150. if you like to pound your bike, a mavic deemax wheelset is 1/2 pound lighter, only $100 more, and suitable for professional downhill racing. (and mavic quality) nuf said.
the issue with the hubs is primarily caused by riding when the lucknut that secures the hubs to the spokes is loose. this will allow the hub to break very quickly (yes, this happened to me). so if you have these wheels be careful and check it every month or so.
so after all this, downhillers and freeriders shouldn't get these, xc dudes shouldn't get these, nor should people who want high quality hubs. who should? people who ride a lot, don't jump things, and can't be bothered truing wheels. they are sturdy to a point, but have never inspired my confidence in my bike. this is unacceptable for a wheel this expensive. they're gone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgia Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Lifetime Bikes
Strengths:
Never have to true, Wheel looks better then any other. Also the guys at Aerospoke are very easy to work with top notch. Plus no matter how old you wheel is you can upgrade to new one for $100.00. Also I wanted to mention that I have the disc adapter on mine and it works great. I run I bike shop and have been into Mtn. biking for 10 years and have never dealed with such A good group of guys. Thanks Aerospoke.
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses so far. I feel after dealing with Aerospoke even if i did have A problem with the wheel they would take care of it.
Similar Products Used:
Spin, Spinergy, and Hed.
Bike Setup:
2003 Haro XLS works bike with full XT, Black Elite fork, and Aerospoke rear wheel. i will be purchasing the front Aerospoke soon.
Bottom Line:
This wheel is not for everybody. If you count grams then forget about this wheel, because they are not the lightest. But If you are looking for A wheel that has to never be trued, looks cool and is super strong then this wheel is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Kennedy
a Weekend Warrior
from Commerce Twp. Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Very stong wheel and quite lively. Strongest wheel I've used. The carbon/composite look is nice. Never had to true the wheel in over two years. People at Aerospoke are great to work with. Very friendly and give honest opinions.
Weaknesses:
Other that weight, none! Weight is a silly issue since most riders I see can stand to lose a few lbs. Worst think about the wheels is that a lot of people borrow them and I end up riding on a crappy wheel quite often.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic. Save the money on a truing stand and buy these wheels.
Bike Setup:
GT Pantera
Bottom Line:
These wheels are excellent and a great value (considering the durability and time savings from no having to true your wheels).
The folks at Aerospoke are veternan riders who seem to be very helpful with questions, etc.
I have recomended these wheels to everyone I ride with. Most have made the switch and are very satisfied.
Happy riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zoom
a Weekend Warrior
from brooklyn Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything without autos
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
aerospoke
Strengths:
(I only have the rear wheel) very tough wheel, aerodynamic, flexes like a spoked wheel -feels lively, great customer service. (You get the best price for these directly from Aerospoke.com)
Weaknesses:
1) The Hubs - the hub/freewheel is poorly designed - the hubs get loose over time and you have to keep an eye on them or trouble ensues (this is on their website). The hubs are slow spinners with too much friction (if you have an aerospoke, lift up the rear wheel, spin the cranks backwards and watch the wheel start spinning along with the cranks). No one is going to win races on Aerospoke hubs. For $275 for just the rear wheel, one would expect maybe Swiss bearings? How about even Mavic quality? Aerospoke hubs are also very heavy - which accounts for the high weight of the wheels. My freewheel started skipping and the bearings started grinding in less than a year. To their credit, Aerospoke fixed the hub immediately at no cost to me, but really?! Even totally rebuilt, I can spin the wheel by turning the crank backwards. Just spinning the wheel forward you can feel the drag. And it's not like I can go out and put in a Mavic or XTR hub - they're design specific.
2) WEIGHT - 1200 grams for a front wheel -come on! that's why I left my stock Bontrager on the front.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Fisher Big Sur, XTR/XT, Avids, Thudbuster
Bottom Line:
The first thing to keep in mind is that Aerospokes are NOT Carbon Fiber - so if you're expecting that cool hand-laid carbon weave look, you'll be very disappointed. The truth is, Aerospokes are basically 5 spoke PLASTIC wheels - and they look it - dull, black plastic - not Hi-Tec like the Spin or Spinergy mags. But the Aerospoke engineers mixed the right kind of plastics together because the wheels feel lively and are nearly indestructable (I too have had sticks go through my wheel and the Aerospoke snapped them in two like they were nothing and just kept rolling along.) I totally toasted my Bontrager superstock rim, and the Aerospoke was a nice, if not expensive, replacement. You'll never have to true these things. But they're way too heavy for any serious climbing or racing - I wouldn't recommend them for fast, smooth xc work. But they're nearly perfect for Downhill, Freeride or very knarly, technical trails and Rock gardens (which we have here in the East). They're perfect for drops, jumps and stairs as well. They've just got to put better hubs in these things, then they'd be great. 3 chilis for for the bad hubs and high price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ogemaw trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
bombproof, solid and true, look awesome on my Kestrel
Weaknesses:
*yawn* weaknesses? none..
Similar Products Used:
spin, rolf, mavic
Bike Setup:
Kestrel CS-X, marzocchi Z-2's, LP composite bars, seat post and bar ends, hussevelt dh triple and sram 9.0 sl drive train.
Bottom Line:
Okay..here we go. I love these wheels!! No more truing! No more thump, thump after jumping over a log. Ya buy em, throw tires on, stick em on yer bike and ya forget about them. Weight is not an important enough factor. I have no problems hanging with the best around here, hill or not. Besides, chicks dig strong thighs..Just ride..! Isnt that the point in the first place?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
national
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
LOOKS!!! INDESTRUCTABLE!!!
Weaknesses:
WEIGHT
Similar Products Used:
Spinergy--mavic 317/XTR
Bike Setup:
K2 all XTR and carbon fiber marzocchi Z1 4" travel
Bottom Line:
These wheels are awesome. There are two reasons the local bike shop succeeded in talking me into these wheels. The looks and because they never need to be trued. I was tired of trueing wheels. They were right on both accounts. The wheels make your bike look so much better. They are also bomb proof. I have never had a single problem. The one problem is these wheels weigh a ton.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james o'mare
a Weekend Warrior
from vienna, va, usa Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
W&OD
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Nasbar
Strengths:
The Aerospokes I purchased were for use on my Trek 5500 and yes they were cool to look at. They are also very good on the flats and downhill.
Weaknesses:
1) I killed a set of these rims going in to a moderate pot- hole. Expectedly, the aluminum rims were bent. However, the real damage was when the rim came out of round - thus, unusable. DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE THAT THEY ARE BOMB PROOF. They are not. I have hit many worse obstacles with rims costing much less and never had any comparable damage.
2) It's not enough to pay $600 for the set. The "replacement fee" is another $300. I decided instead to buy a Set of Shimano 535's from CambriaBike.com for $199. I felt Aerospoke was just trying to make more money off of their already weak product. Overall - don't buy.
3) If you do a lot of hills do not buy these rims as they are awful. Expect to lose the majority of that potential energy that normally helps rock you up the hill. These rims are dogs...
4) If you are going for cool looking rims get Spinergy's.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 535, Mavic Cosmic
Bike Setup:
Trek 5500, Flight Deck, the best ...
Bottom Line:
Don't buy them. They will break and then there is nothing you can do about it except pay too much again as a replacement fee. If you want, I'll sell you my busted ones for a discounted fee - return them for $300 and you too can experience my pain...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RastaMoha
a Cross Country Rider
from Union City, CA USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$369.00
Purchased At:
AEROSPOKE
Strengths:
Strong wheels. Smooth hubs. Never need to true. Look sharp.
Weaknesses:
You always have to sacrifice something, and in this case it's the weight.
Similar Products Used:
Spin wheels. Rolf.
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept
Bottom Line:
If you never want to worry about truing, tacoing, or replacing spokes on a wheel, then I would recommend Aerospoke. Also, they come with a $150 lifetime upgrade!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Not Fragile
a Racer
from Irvine, CA, US Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fast XC ones
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Bomb-proof, and Stylish. Runs true from day one. Zero maintence, and very tough.
Weaknesses:
Weighs a little more than race-spec wheels. Can get the wrong attention sometimes, you need to carry a lot of bike locks. Not exactly cheap either.
Similar Products Used:
Spin - don't ask, Mavic - good but fragile.
Bike Setup:
Fisher Mt.TAM, SID SL, Full XTR, carbon bars/tubes. Aerospokes with slicks for day-to-day usage. Aeorspokes with panaracers for trails. One bike, two sets of wheels.
Bottom Line:
I have bought two sets of these now, I am so impressed. I use these for road-use, cummuting to and from work, mounted with 1" slicks, and a second set for burning up the trails at the weekend. Both sets run very fast, and very true, covered about 1800miles on one set, and about 900 on the second (mountain) set.
Have been unable to damage them - I am not light (220lbs), and not the most carefull rider. These have outlasted supposed bomb-proof "normal" wheels, and have required zero maintenance in the past 8 months, that is despite abuse in terms of bunny hopping kerbs (badly), numerous down-hill adverntures, and about 900 miles of heavy mountain bike abuse.
The only downside is that people stop and stare at you, a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Buffa
a Racer
from Iksan, SK Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Aerospoke
Strengths:
The customer service at aerospoke pulled through with flying colours. Was very pleased with the results and will have a new wheel shipped to me (plus a small fee and shipping) within a few days. I've never met customer service this couterous and accepting of a racers word even thought I couldn't send in the wheel in for "inspection".
Weaknesses:
n/a
Similar Products Used:
Spinergy, Specialized & Mavic Trispokes
Bike Setup:
The Usual Roadie setup
Bottom Line:
The wheels are nice, and the hubs are smooth. One rim was really soft. But I'll assume it to be an defective rim from bad aluminum batch.
The company was great in dealing with damaged wheels, and are very open to warranty's. They backed up their product, and for someone who can't ride, that's the most important thing.
Very impressed...
That raises the overall value from 2 to 3. I'll let you know how they are after a few months of training.
Cheers!
Alex (one happy customer!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Buffa
a Racer
from Iksan, SK Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
direct from aerospoke
Strengths:
Nice looking wheels and smooth hubs
Weaknesses:
The wheel lasted me 1 day. Yes, 1 day. Severely dissapointed with the quality of the rim, which dented severely inwards on the ROAD (go figure..I'm a roadie). Contaced the company directly, and am waiting to see what type of customer support I will get.
They look nice though, but I feel that they are using a rim that is way too soft to be durable for everyday racing and hard training rides. The thing is..I don't want to give up $500 for a bad set of wheels, so I guess I have to buy a new wheel from them.
Just hope it wasn't a huge mistake.... I'd think twice before buying these wheels... If the customer support doesn't show up to back up their product, I'd stay away..I'll keep you updated.
Similar Products Used:
I've onwed spinergy (still have em), tri-spokes and mavic trispokes. Never gave me any problems....
Bike Setup:
Carbon Epic frame with dura ace...the usual roadie setup
Bottom Line:
I'd think twice before buying these wheels... If the customer support doesn't show up to back up their product, I'd stay away..I'll keep you updated.
They ride nicely....when they are working. But their durability needs some serious work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Chauncy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
St. Joesephs hill
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Trade in
Strengths:
BOMBPROOF!!
Weaknesses:
WEIGHT
Similar Products Used:
NOTHING SIMILAR!!
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Kaitai
Bottom Line:
I am stoked! I have a rear wheel I bought 10 years ago and found out i can trade up for a new fresh rear wheel for $150.00 bucks!! no questions asked!!!
goto http://www.aerospoke.com/ and read their testimonials, nothing is better for rigorous training or long Treks around the world!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Costello
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Island Park Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Fantastic wheels. I run them on both my mtb and road bike. They're super strong and true, and they stay that way. They are heavier than a light wheelset, but I knew that when I bought them, so I certainly won't hold that against them. The company is great. And I for one, would much rather ride a heavier wheel than carry back a real light tacoed one. I've gone through some pretty hairy situations, including taking a 1" stick through the front wheel at speed, snapped the stick like nothing, it definitely would have broken spokes on any conventional wheel. I highly reccommend them.
Similar Products Used:
Spin, Spinergy, Mavic, etc
Bottom Line:
A great wheelset. $500 well spent. I've been running them on my MTB for just over 3 years, and on my road bike for 2. Never a problem. This company pioneered composite wheels. And now I'm told that they have disc compatible hubs...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Serpico
a racer
from Fayetteville, Arkansas Date Reviewed: November 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
Aerospoke composite wheels are excellent all the way through. THe only negative I found with the wheels is that they are heavy. Almost 200grams heavier than spins. They are however bombproof and will not flex and rub the break pads or go out of true. The customer service is excellent. These wheels are not good racing wheels but for the recreational rider or racer to train on they make a great set. They make the most sense on a full suspnsion bike or for use on open courses if you are looking to gain the benefits from the stiffness and aerodynamics. I personally train on them all the time because of there lack of maintainance. For about $500 for the set they can be price but they are backed by a unconditional $150 life time replacement policy. YOu just mail in the old wheel and $150 and they send you out another one wheel, which can be any model you choose. YOu can even upgrade to a new wheel when new models come out for the $150 replacement.
Overall Rating:
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