For some time now I’ve wanted to try Shimano’s Dura-Ace Carbon 50 tubular wheelset.  The 50s are well-made, versatile wheels that use the outstanding Dura-Ace hubs.  They are deep enough for good aerodynamics, light enough for road racing and durable enough for everyday use (or years of race day use).

If you’ve never ridden Dura-Ace hubs, you’re in for a treat.  They are among the smoothest you’ll ride at any price and that is something you can feel and appreciate on every ride.  They are also reasonably quiet.  This year, Shimano has abandoned the 10-speed only freehub so now Shimano 8/9/10 speed and SRAM 10 speed cassettes are all compatible. 

The carbon rims are “mandrel wound”.  This manufacturing process produces a rim that feels different than most others.  It also produces a rim that seems to be very light although overall weight is slightly heavier than other carbon tubulars. After riding the wheels, though, the extra weight isn’t noticeable as the 50s spin up fast and hold speed very well.  They are also very stiff laterally which results in predictable and confident handling.  They track well on the flats under triathlon type conditions, without undue effect from cross winds, but they also descend with confidence.  Handling in corners is very good - so good in fact that I never really thought about it while riding the wheels. 

Being as stiff as they are, you might be concerned about comfort.  Well, the 50s have a very pleasing ride quality.  They are smooth while providing excellent feed back.  In fact, I find them more comfortable than Dura-Ace SL 7850 wheels.  How much of that increased comfort is due to different tires (Continental Sprinter Tubular 700x22 vs. Hutchinson Fusion 2 Road Tubeless 700x23) is unknown.

The braking surface is all you could really ask for on a carbon rim, resulting in uniform and predictable braking.  I used both SwissStop Yellow King pads and Zipp Carbon Pads (made by Kool-Stop) with good results. 

At $2300, the 50s are priced around the same as other wheels in this category.  For some reason, though, I just enjoy riding them a little more than most.  Moreover, I think they may be more durable than some others in this price range due to the outstanding quality and strength Shimano is known for.

I’ll leave all the wind tunnel discussions to others and just give you this opinion.  I’ve ridden a few carbon tubular wheels in the 50 - 60mm deep category including Zipp 404s, Mavic Cosmic Carbone Pros and Cane Creek’s Aros and while I liked all of them, I have just had more fun riding the Carbon 50s.

Mark

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