Neuvation Wheels - Product Review
About two months ago, I purchased a set of Neuvation R28 SL3 wheels. They originally listed at $499, but I got them on sale for $399, plus a ceramic bearing upgrade, which took the total price up to $409, delivered to my home. Right now, they're advertising the same set for $299! Neuvationcycling.com
I bought these wheels to serve as my daily training wheels, replacing a set of Ksyrium Elites that I've had for about 4 years. My goal was to get a solid set of wheels that were simple, lightweight, relatively robust.
After two months, these wheels are awesome! At an advertised weight of 1540g, they're lighter than my Ksyriums and the ceramic bearings seem to give a smoother ride going downhill. They might lack some degree of the stiffness that a deeper section rim might bring, but I've not noticed any sponginess or lack of responsiveness. And I've really banged them around - we have some mountain roads here that have the worst pavement you can imagine (i.e., more gravel than pavement -- including some sections that are really just gravel). I've blasted down some of these roads, shaking and rattling through 6in deep potholes and these wheels remain completely true and solid. One caveat here is that, at 125lbs, I'm not as naturally hard on wheels as some folks, but what I lack in density, I make up for in intensity and quantity (2 months = 3k miles).
The ceramic bearing thing was new to me. The kit comes with all the bearings you need as well as the gizmo to install them. The installation was relatively straightforward and required only one trip to my LBS to use a tool that I didn't have (I also had to cleverly use some dental floss in the process, but this also relates to the tool issue). Although it's probably unclear what difference it really makes, the website claims in increase of a few watts, which seems fairly substantial for such a small addition. But, as I say above, the place where I think that I notice the difference is in descents that feel just a smidge faster and smoother.
Other tidbits: The rear hub has a pleasing, but quiet click-click when freewheeling. The spokes are simple and easily replaced when needed. The hubs have about three parts, which is about right. A handful of extra spokes and nipples come with the order.
Overall, I'm really pleased. The only things that are potential drawbacks are: 1. No bling or sex appeal. Even the website is drab. 2. Gotta use rim tape. Is it me, or does that stuff weigh about 100lbs? That's it. Honestly, I like these wheels so much that before I strap on my Eastons prior to races, I really have to convince myself that they're really any better. In fact, I have a buddy who uses the Neuvations as his racing set and has some tricked out (and much more expensive) Ksyriums for training.
The bottom line is that there's no beating the price on these solid, lightweight, and straightforward wheels.
0 recs |
26 comments
Comments
$299 for the set?
by Drew on Jul 10, 2007 9:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not in that neighborhood,
But check out their product review pages on their website. They've got some heavy dudes testing their products.
And really, at $299, how can you lose? I also think they'd be decent for cross -- rugged, but easily repaired.
by ssmith on Jul 10, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just over there
by Drew on Jul 10, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That price
by Chris... on Jul 10, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts exaclty
Ruthann, Bethie, et al, any ideas?
by Drew on Jul 10, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Safety, saety, safety
These new wheels however, they're perfect for you, and your family.
by johnw on Jul 10, 2007 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
John, that's an excellent argument
by Drew on Jul 10, 2007 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sneak your bike out
See? Problem solved.
by Mr Van P on Jul 10, 2007 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's
by Drew on Jul 10, 2007 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few...
- They're so much cheaper than the wheels that [insert name of teammate here] just bought.
- I don't need much. These will do. You know, we really need to save the money.
- I'm not sure how much longer I can hold the old set together. I'm sick of spending money to repair them - it's a waste.
- Once I get these wheels, I'll be set for cycling stuff for a long time [fingers crossed behind back - this is clearly a lie].
- Look, you spend money on the rest of the house - I mean, look at all the furniture, cleaning supplies, and electricity you just have to have. What do I get?
by ssmith on Jul 10, 2007 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps you might pique her interest
Seriously, though, if you really want to sway her: fold some laundry, clean the toilets, unload the dishwasher, and sit her down tonight with a glass of wine and tell her that you want to paint her toes red. She'll be so amazed that she'll agree to anything. Works every time for me.....
by Ruthann on Jul 10, 2007 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well,
I think I'll substitute flowers for the toilet.
by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can one up you,
by CannonDowell on Jul 11, 2007 12:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good and Bad
by JP on Jul 11, 2007 12:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The people have spoken,
Nay I say! I shall move forward and carry out the people's mandate to the letter!
(are there any divorce lawyers out there.......just in case?)
by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 9:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Atta boy...
by ssmith on Jul 11, 2007 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmmmmmmmm
by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If you buy those 4 watts that come from ceramic
by ssmith on Jul 11, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why do I keep getting this mental picture
by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's better than the usual image
by ssmith on Jul 11, 2007 7:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
(Erp)
by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 8:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, this is bad
Get out of my head!!!!!
by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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