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Advice please – Wheelset for La Marmotte ?!

  • This topic has 20 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 1 month ago by MoutonDeMontagne.
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  • May 4, 2018 at 2:32 pm #28476
    Dorrica

    Hi Everyone, 

    I’m after some advise. I am taking part in La Marmotte in July – training going well :/ but am unsure (based on what I read) about whether my wheels are up to it. I have a Wilier GTR SL on Fulcrum Carbon Racing Quattro Carbons – which I love. I’m sure there are plenty of threads on a similar subject, but with the amount of descending will they/ I be okay? I’m a pretty decent rider, wont drag brakes if I can help it and weigh 78kg.

    I reckon my choices are;

    1. I get some alloy rims for the trip – Cero AR30 perhaps (Tubeless)

    2. Go with what I’ve got – my LBS reckons they’ll be fine.

    3. Would love to go disc but budget doesn’t permit at present. 

    I just don’t want to be constantly concerned on those heavenly descents so any help gratefully received.

    Many thanks

    Chris

     

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  • May 4, 2018 at 8:19 pm #918901
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    maviczap

    I’ve always used Alu rims in

    I’ve always used Alu rims in the mountains, even though I’m a confident descender, I wouldn’t consider using carbon.

    My current pair of wheels weigh about 1350grms bare, minus skewers, tyres, tubes and cassette. 

    You’ll only find tubular wheelsets to be lighter, and I don’t fancy riding on stuck on tyres.

    Mine cost me £200 on eBay, American Classic hubs, I forget the rims.

    The Cero’s would be a good choice, and I’ve looked at those and these, as I’d like to go tubeless, and have wider rims

    http://www.justridingalong.com/jra-wheels/jra-lark-light-road-wheelset.html

    If it rains or its wet, then carbon is going to scare you silly, no matter how good your brakes, plus they’ll be riders of all standards just to put into the equation.

    Keep your nice carbon wheels for home, and get some wheels you can rely for braking  on, whatever the weather, but won’t break the bank if you had any mishap on? Unless you’re minted.

    May 4, 2018 at 4:59 pm #918899
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    thax1

    Hmmm, I rode Alps Marmotte

    Hmmm, I rode Alps Marmotte last year.

    I took a conscious decision to take my Hunt alu wheels rather than my full Carbon Knights. 

    Very pleased I did. The descents are epic, but regularly punctuated by the gunshot sound of exploding tyres. I’m not exaggerating to say I heard more than half a dozen. You need to drop 10psi to avoid the heat build up becoming a pressure issue.

    I practise descents and weigh sub 75kgs. You can do a lot of aero braking.

    The Hunts are not far off the Knights for weight, and aero isn’t a big thing on a climbing event.

    I returned to the same Alpine area later in the year running my carbons, riding solo so taking it a bit easier than the Marmotte. One one descent, there was a terrible smell from my brake blocks, I decided to stop and cool them off. By the time I pulled over, the remaining braking effect was significantly reduced and the tyres were noticeably firmer due to pressure rise.

     

    Enjoy the Marmotte – it’s properly epic.

     

     

     

     

    May 4, 2018 at 4:37 pm #918897
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    srchar

    Aren’t they basically a Bora?

    Aren’t they basically a Bora?  In which case they’re more than up to the job.  Use the red Campag brake pads and you’ll be fine.  I’ll be riding the Marmotte myself on Bora Ones with those pads.

    May 4, 2018 at 3:37 pm #918895
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    Simon E

    Fulcrums look like a great

    Your Fulcrums look like a great option. Plenty of people ride events like this with similar wheels.

    If you’re thinking of alternatives that won’t break the bank look at the suggestions here:

    http://road.cc/content/forum/241045-best-racing-wheelset-junior-club-racers

    May 4, 2018 at 2:41 pm #918893
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    Joe Totale

    Work on your descending

    Work on your descending technique and treat yourself to some new brake pads if needed. The Quattro Carbons have a reputation as some of the best braking carbon wheels out there.

    I’d only buy another set of alloy wheels if you also need a set of winter training wheels. 

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