Campagnolo Zonda C17 vs Roval SLX 24 -- Rim Brake Wheelset Showdown


230 lbs puts a lot of stress on the bike and all of its parts, especially wheelsets.  Riding experience of a lighter cyclist, say 150 lbs, is going to be very different from a heavier one, so I always take reviews with a grain of salt.

Here is my review on two wheelsets -- 2019 Campagnolo Zonda C17 and 2019 Roval SLX24 with DT Swiss 350 hubs.  There is also a mention of Fulcrum Carbon Zero wheelset which my bike was originally equipped with.


Test Equipment:
Bike:              2015/16 Pinarello Dogma K8s
Group:           Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-speed
Saddle:           Specialized Romin Evo Pro 168mm
Handlebar:    Pinarello MOST Aluminum


Tire Set 1:     Continental 4 Seasons Grand Prix 28mm
Tire Set 2:     Vittoria Corsa Control G+ 28mm


Miles logged:
Fulcum Carbon Zero - 200 miles
2019 Campagnolo Zonda C17 - 1,100 miles
2019 Roval SLX24 - 200 miles


Overall Experience

Campagnolo Zondas are fast and smooth. It is easy to accelerate on them.  They climb really well.  However, they are a little bouncy, where they amplify bigger bumps and dips, which adds up into a strange "bobbing" feeling.

As a result, the saddle keeps delivering amplified hits and the ride feels hard.  This is especially noticeable during longer rides, such as centuries.  You definitely feel sore after mile 70-80.

These weehls don't accelerate as fast as Roval SLX 24s on moderate climbs.   However, they feel  a tiny bit smoother and well-controlled at moderate to steep downhills. 




Roval SLX 24s are fast.  While they were originally not as smooth as Zondas, they got better within 100 miles.  I am not sure whether it was a process of breaking it in, but there is a definite difference.

Unlike Zondas, these wheels don't bob; they delivering a smoother and faster overall ride.  These wheels climb better to the point you barely notice the climbs.




Fulcrum Racing Zero Disc Road carbon wheels came originally with this bike.






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