Tokyo Wheels - Second Opinion?

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PJCampbell
Posts: 74
Joined: 04 Nov 2011, 16:29

Postby PJCampbell » 12 Sep 2013, 21:20

I'm just wondering if anyone knows about http://www.tokyowheel.com, or knows someone who may have a set. I'm hoping to upgrade to some nicer wheels than my stock Bontragers that came with my bike. I stumbled across this company by chance and they seem fairly legit, just never really heard of them. Does $984.59 for a set of full carbon 50mm, skewers, appropriate brake pads etc seem too good to be true?

They're no Mavic, ENVE or other well known wheel maker, so the price may be a way of getting into the market.

These are what I have my eyes on: http://www.tokyowheel.com/products/epic ... lset#specs

Am I a victim of a very convincing scam? Or have I found a little gem? A second opinion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

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Dougie
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Location: Dulwich Hill

Postby Dougie » 13 Sep 2013, 15:49

PJ, I don't know them. I can attest to Shimano RS80 C50 alu/carbon clinchers. They are 300gms heavier and $200 cheaper however they certainly stop in the wet. good luck and your choice and I full handling report would be good if you decide to buy a set of Tokyowheels.

cheers

Dougie

christian
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Joined: 30 Oct 2007, 19:21
Location: Earlwood

Postby christian » 14 Sep 2013, 09:26

I wouldn't get carbon wheels for training unless you never ride in the wet, or just don't like stopping. They are also very wide for clincher rims, you would need to check your brake clearance. I'm sure others will have opinions on carbon clinchers but I'd be looking for a good aluminium rim with good hubs.

I'm a little allergic to factory wheels as they sometimes use very specific spokes that can be expensive if you snap one.

PJCampbell
Posts: 74
Joined: 04 Nov 2011, 16:29

Postby PJCampbell » 18 Sep 2013, 09:37

Ok thanks guys. Good advice. I'm not going to rush out for these. I do think going with a familiar name is a better option. The wheels I have are good for now so I'll keep rolling on these. Thanks again!

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mikesbytes
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Location: Tempe
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Postby mikesbytes » 18 Sep 2013, 10:58

Another option is to wait for a special on a brand name wheels. I got a good price on a fast forward wheel at Bike Bug about a month ago

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Karzie
Posts: 709
Joined: 03 Nov 2008, 17:14

Postby Karzie » 18 Sep 2013, 11:03

I'm a little allergic to factory wheels as they sometimes use very specific spokes that can be expensive if you snap one.
If you can actually buy them. I have two that I have to modify the spokes from other wheelsets because they don't make them anymore. They're like six years old!

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JoTheBuilder
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Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32

Postby JoTheBuilder » 18 Sep 2013, 12:18

Having broken a spoke this morning and being told they are out of stock at Shimano, and then being told Shimano can take up to a month to get more in, I would heartily suggest you buy wheels with industry standard parts!

PJCampbell
Posts: 74
Joined: 04 Nov 2011, 16:29

Postby PJCampbell » 18 Sep 2013, 14:26

Wow, Shimano out of stock! I would have thought they'd have spares of everything for years, and be industry standard. Hmm, interesting. My new mission is to find a brand that has backups if needed. Lots to consider.

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James Rogers
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Location: Newtown

Postby James Rogers » 18 Sep 2013, 14:48

Told to me by an anonymous bike shop person: "Apparently Shimano Australia's problem is that if they kept stuff in stock, they'd actually have to sell you something. And that selling process can be a hassle."

christian
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Joined: 30 Oct 2007, 19:21
Location: Earlwood

Postby christian » 18 Sep 2013, 16:15

There is definitely something to be said about having wheels with J-bend spokes in a standard gauge.

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JoTheBuilder
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Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32

Postby JoTheBuilder » 18 Sep 2013, 17:48

Told to me by an anonymous bike shop person: "Apparently Shimano Australia's problem is that if they kept stuff in stock, they'd actually have to sell you something. And that selling process can be a hassle."
Yup. Was told a very similar story this morning. By TWO different stores. The joke is the Shimano ad has one of each component on the poster - 1 brake lever, 1 derailleur, 1 shifter - because that is the entire inventory in their warehouse.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 18 Sep 2013, 18:33

Velocity rules

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Adrian E
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Joined: 07 Mar 2007, 13:15
Location: Newtown

Postby Adrian E » 25 Sep 2013, 06:55

J bend... yes please.

Re: the tokyo wheels, the basic models look like a mix of pillar spokes and formula hubs. Nothing wrong with that, but I couldn't attest to quality of the rims or the wheel build. I really don't see much benefit in going carbon except for racing.

Jo, when I've had trouble with Shimano Australia, this is were I've gone. If I can get the spoke, I'll fix it up for you.
http://www.moruyabicycles.com.au/conten ... imano.html

PJCampbell
Posts: 74
Joined: 04 Nov 2011, 16:29

Postby PJCampbell » 25 Sep 2013, 15:41

Thanks for your help guys. Much appreciated feedback. Unfortunately there's been a veto by the finance director on the purchase of new wheels. Bonus money is now being directed to household furnishings. Next year :D


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