With the 3 Carbon, HED Cycling finally lightened its best aero wheel by going to an all carbon tubular rim. The result is a very fast set of racing wheels for $1,300.
HED claims its 3-spoke wheel is more aerodynamic than any traditionally spoked wheel. If this is true, which seems likely, then the new all carbon version, at 1,500g for the 700c model, puts these wheels on my short list for racing. The difference between the old aluminum rimmed tubular version and the new carbon rim is a whopping 120g off the front wheel and 170g from the rear. That's nearly 2/3 lbs from the worst place you can carry unnecessary weight - the rim. Even so, the HED 3 Carbon is still fairly heavy when it comes to tubular wheels, but 1,500g is low enough for me to consider them viable racing wheels.
There’s been a great deal of discussion regarding the weight of a tri bike. I don’t buy in to the lighter is better at any cost argument. I will simply state that minor differences in non-rotational weight on a tri bike is far less important than stiffness, ride quality, strength, function, etc. A minor difference in rotational weight, while noticeable, is still less important than other qualities. 100g or more per wheel difference in rotational weight, though, makes a significant difference in your speed, comfort, freshness and overall time. With so many excellent racing wheelsets available in the 1200g – 1500g weight range, I simply refuse to race on anything heavier. If you have a chance to do a high intensity brick workout with a set of heavier wheels one week and a set of hyper-light racing wheels the next, you’ll likely agree. That’s why I think the change from aluminum rims to carbon ones is so significant for HED – it shaves 290g from the rim.
The HED 3 Carbon wheels are relatively easy to mount tires to and have a reasonable ride. I'm sure if you’re a fan of clincher tires you’re tired of hearing about how good tubulars are. Nevertheless, even 20mm wide tubular racing tires, particularly very good ones, have an incredibly compliant ride while maintaining minimal rolling resistance. I don't think I would want to ride the HED 3's very often with clincher tires, but the ride is reasonable with tubulars.
If you’ve passed or been passed by triathletes using rear disc wheels, then you're familiar with their unique sound - a very distinct turbine like whirring noise. The HED 3's, particularly when using two, make a similar sound, but you don't notice it when you’re riding. While you can tell your riding a different wheel than a traditionally spoked one, it’s hard to explain why and the sensation dissipates the further you ride. One thing is certain, though, the 3-spoke wheel is less affected by side winds than disc wheels. Nevertheless, you will feel some significant tugs and pushes on the wheels on a blustery day.
Overall, I enjoyed racing the HED 3 Carbons except for three minor issues: (1) there is a slight hop in the wheels because they aren’t perfectly round; (2) they are slightly out of true and there's no way to true them; and (3) there is too much play in the hub causing the cassette to wobble slightly more than usual. Supposedly, the hop in the wheels, most notable in the front, will go away after 100 miles or so because the tire will wear more at that location than others. The wobble at the cassette just seems more prevalent than on other wheels due to the hub design. Finally, the fact that the wheels aren’t perfectly true likely has little effect on speed, time and ride. Nevertheless, these issues bother me enough to keep the HED 3 Carbon’s from becoming my permanent racing wheels.
If it weren't for those quality concerns, which are apparently inherent to the 3 spoke design, I would rate these wheels among the best available for the money. As it is, I still consider them a good choice for racing wheels.
KDG