The Spinergy Rev-X wheelset seems to be for most people either a love it or hate it kind of product. I tend to lean toward the love it. I purchased mine separately, with the front being brand new from an ad I read in velonews magazine and the rear a used unit from a velonews classified. I don't think many people at all buy them for any other reason than they're very sweet looking. Some claims of performance gains are made, but more people opt for this wheelset because of the it factor.


WHAT ARE THEY: ?

What the Spinergy Rev-X wheels are, are carbon fiber road bike wheels in an opposing four spoke per side design bonded with an aerospace glue system to an aluminum outer wheel rim, then expanded outward in the center and bonded to an aluminum inner hub and bearing assembly. The stretching of the "spokes" outward to the hub creates a tension which will act like the tightness you will get with conventional spokes. This is in my opinion a very well thought out and executed design with the wheelset never needing truing like conventional spoked wheels.

The four pre-stressed sets of opposing spokes have more than twice the strength of 32 14 guage stainless steel spokes used in conventional wheelsets. They come in 700c clincher and 650c clincher sizes with compatibility for 8 and 9 speed Shimano freehub cassette systems. Weight for the front wheel is 860g and for the rear wheel it is 1040g both based on the 700c clincher wheel size.


Of course the manufacturer will sell this system with the claim that they will shave time off of your time trials and century rides, but I am of the opinion that if you are a good enough rider to be able to notice the performance gains or time differential between Spinergys and a regular spoked system, then you are good enough to have sponsors and you probably race, so it would be a moot subject anyway because you will probably not need to shell out any money for them, somebody will take care of that for you.

The main reason I bought mine is because of the visual factor. I just don't like having anything that looks like somebody else's. My bike is definitely unique, and my spinergys help make it that way. They are a very strong wheel axially, but are quite flexible radially or laterally. To combat this problem I purchased a set of the optional "X" beams which go on in between the blades of the "spokes" with a very strong adhesive to increase the stiffness, and they do a wonderful job. I am heavier than most roadies at 180lbs, so the X-beams really helped take almost all of the lateral play out of them.

As with any other it factor item, these wheels will attract attention when you're out riding, and will hopefully lure more of the younger mountain bike riders and BMXers into the sport of road cycling. Spinergy also makes a complete line of wheel care items for your wheels including "X" wax, a potion to keep them nice and shiny and protects them from harmful UV rays and the deterioration that will cause fading.

MORE TO CONSIDER:

There has been complaints about the included valve stem extenders being a pain and leaking, and the shortness of other "long" valved tubes designed for other deep wheels not being long enough, so I e-mailed spinergy and they have tubes specifically designed for these wheels. I have never seen a valve this long in my life, it will give you ample length to fit virtually any pump over and inflate like any other presta tube. No more extenders. If you decide on this wheelset, make sure to have your local shop carry the Spinergy tubes and also keep a spare with you at all times.

The only problem I could find with this product is the inside wall of the aluminum rim is too rough to confidently put a tube in without fear of something wearing through, so I lined it with some velox rim tape and have never had a flat from the tube rubbing on rough aluminum.

I have over 3,000 miles on mine now without a single problem. I don't find them excessively noisy as with other carbon wheel designs with hollow spokes like the Specialized Tri-spokes and the ride is not extremely different from a conventional spoked wheel. They are a bit pricey though, so if you are looking for substantial gains in performance for the cost it won't be there. If the price is no object and you want to add some cool factor to your bike this is a great place to start.

There have also been claims of these being weightier than even some spoke wheels and with the technology of today and some of the ultralight metals and wheelsets it is a fact. But for your money, it is hard to beat the looks these wheels will add to your road bike. Minimal performance gains aside, this is a welcome addition to any road bike riders arsenal of visual and go-fast items with the visual beating all else hands down. I dare you to find one single item to rival the Spinergy Rev-X wheels for aesthetic enhancement alone, not to mention the need-for-speed !



Recommended: Yes