I was initially going to simply go the ol faithful b43s, but since they’ve moved production to the States, I’m going to try the lesser seen H+Sons. I realise this has been a pretty common debate, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice that may sway my decision to pick up a set of Formation Face or Eero wheels. I’m leaning more toward the Formation Face, as they are quite a bit lighter, but I ride mostly on the road, and since they are supposed to be ‘true’ track wheels, perhaps I’d be better suited to the Eeros. Has anybody had any first hand experience with rim splits on Formation faces or anything like that?
Eeros are unnecessarily heavy just like a b43, that said I have had b43s and could not seem to untrue them no matter how many gutters I jumped up/off. I’d say go the formation face so you don’t have a wheelset that weighs a tonne or the SL42 if you want to run brakes.
I can vouch for the bulletproofness of B43’s as well. They are just heavy!
PM me if you’re interested in a set of used B43s
Alright, cool. Thanks for the advice. As far as I can see, this topic has roused some pretty fiery debates. Think I’ll go with the FF. I’m not necessarily the roughest with my ride, mostly just long pedals. My only concern is the few tales of rims tacoing during skids, but I suppose that’s on the wheel builder’s head too. On that note, I’m in Perth. Anyone know of a decent wheel builder? At the moment I’m going with Liberty Bikes, and I’ve also heard Rider’s Choice is good, but pretty dear.
I’ve been running a SL42 front and FF rear for the last 18 months on Sydney roads with no probs, still as true as the day I put them on. Thinking of selling them (they’re white, in great condition). Keep an eye out in the ‘parts’ forum over the coming weeks if you’re interested. Replacing them with a set of TB14 so impressed enough to stick with H Plus Son.
B-43’s are made in USA but are still built in australia im pretty sure.
So you are still helping out an Aussie industry.
Wut.
Not so sure this is still true (pardon the pun)
Premier manufacturer of bicycle rims moves from Australia to Jacksonville | jacksonville.com
Well the rims are made in USA,
Shipped to Australia along with the hubs and spokes from Asia,
Then they are built in Australia
Like orange Juice “made in Australia from local and imported produce”.
That’s what I thought any way
Nah, the Aust facility is for distro only.
B43 is an awful rim, any Other hson will be better. Sl42 is a much nicer rim, no question.
Or just forget the whole deep rim obsession, get a set of open pros and save about half a kilo in the process.
I have a set of F30’s, deepish profile without being stupid fuckin heavy, tough, strong and look pretty good too.
Are you doing stair drops/hardcore curb bashing/general trick shanigans? No? Then get the lightest rims for your money. You will be amazed how much difference a set of light wheels makes to both the speed and overall enjoyment of your ride. Like horatio said, forget all this super deep bollocks. All the cheap rubbish fixxaaays run super deep rims these days, why would you want your bike to look like one of those awful things? The Archetypes only weight 450 grams and look shit hot! If you need something a little stonger go the F30 or a Deep V 36h. These can handle plenty punishment and aren’t excessively hefty.
this was utter horseshit. just some clueless dickheads talking shit online and in reference to just one case of a rim taco’ing (2 if you count a trick guy destroying one)
anyway, i’ve had SL42’s on my main bike for almost 3 years and haven’t had a single issue. i don’t do anything crazy on them but they’ve survived plenty of jumps, minor crashes etc. obv, the wheelbuilder (shifter dan) has a hand in this.
as already said, think about something a bit lighter if you’re not gonna be tricking on them. the F30 and Archetype both look great at ~150g lighter than the FormationFace.