Product Review
Williams Wheels System 50 Carbon/Alloy Wheels
By Rob Kamppila
I recently purchased a new pair of Wheel System 50 Carbon/Alloy wheels from WilliamsCycling.com, which are new to their increasing line up of awesome wheels. Right out of the box they look well crafted with laminated decals on the face of the rim that won’t come off like I have had on other brands of wheels. Also the carbon itself is hard and not soft which adds to the stiffness of the rim strength of the wheels. Some other wheels use carbon fairings that are soft and prone to cracks or puncture the fairing if mishandled. When I first took them out for a ride, I was impressed right away.
The over all look of the wheels is very clean looking. After using my new 50 carbons in about 8 races and several weeks of training on them, I was totally convinced that this wheel can go against any wheel on the market which may have higher price tag. I have never used a clincher wheel that is as rigid and as light weight in turns. It is solid with little or no lateral flex in fast sprints, really smooth up steep hills and steady in the crosswinds considering its high profile.
The alloy rim has a smooth braking surface for those times you have to tap the brakes. The alloy hubs use cartridge bearings for silky smooth rolling and low maintenance. The bottom line is you just can’t ask for any more in a wheel. Williams Cycling really got it right and the price tag for a hand built wheel really is a true value.
The Williams 50 Carbon / Alloy wheels are just $769.00, which is the lowest cost around for a pair carbon wheels. Included with the wheels are a pair of aluminum and chromoly skewers, rim strips, truing tool, valve stem adapters and brake pads.
Price Comparison:
Mavic Cosmic Carbon SL: $1,449.00
Blackwell CA55: $1,290.00
Hed Jet 50: $1,290.00
Williams 50 Carbon/Alloy: $769.00
Front wheel: 845g Rear wheel: 1055g (total 1900g per pair)
Cassette: Shimano 10 speed - Interchangeable (Campy and 9 speed Shimano cassette bodies are also available)
Rim: 700c clincher with carbon/alloy. No special carbon brake pads needed!
Spoke: Pillar Triple Butted, Stainless steel for both wheels.
If you are in the market for a high quality carbon wheel set then visit WilliamsCycling.com.
