Wheels....

Shamal..!

In racing bike Technics, the frame and wheels are the paramount factors. Now that the fame was there, wheels would be the next challenge. My newly purchased full carbon Wilier Izoard from 2014 was equipped with FFWD 40 mm carbon wheels which had been a completely new experience for me. Being familiar with these fantastic wheels meanwhile made it clear that the phenomenon of carbon whiz is the ultimate wheel experience. In fact, the previous Tecnos restoration had originated from these wheels. Ever since the moment I owned them, I imagined the black red-white colored rims would also perfectly fit with my similarly colored old Tecnos one day, which in the end proved to be the case. I had meanwhile found a similar set in 60 mm with Shimano 11 speed hub, in great condition, to easily replace them on the Wilier. So carbon for sure ? Not yet. Upon starting my wheel quest I soon came across a very neat set of the famous Campagnolo Shamal wheels which' seller I immediately visited to see the fit. In terms of style, there surely was a match, but I finally waived the idea as plain black carbon would be more soothing to the already richly colored frame and the old 8 speed hub would surely have made things complicated as well.

8 speed only..

 So yes.. plain and sober black Carbon from now on. New Old Stock had my preference, but that proved not easy, and neither was plain and sober black itself. A great deal of the wheels available had white or colored decals which I had to avoid. Then I found a set of fairly new Reynolds wheels in my own area which confirmed my idea about the soothing effect of single black against the rich color outset of the frame. But I noted clearly visible traces of removed decals, so that was a no-go. Although not too abundantly available still, I did have the advantage of rim braked wheels being on their return, which made pricing attractive. The real interesting wheel-sets, next to new and without brake wear, were still far from cheap however, so it would again be a matter of time. And there was far more to look after meanwhile. But then suddenly the wheels came around. On Marketplace.

The backbone...

A set of new old stock Forza's in plain black.  Forza wheels were unknown to me and turned out to be exclusively manufactured for Ridley bikes. They looked great in the advertisement. A unique feature was the hub, as it was compatible with both Shimano & Campa 10 and 11 speed. The price was very interesting as well, so I decided to have a look. It was a 160km drive eastward to the town of Almelo where upon arrival I turned out to enter the home of cyclist Ms Janny Kleinjan. Well known for her 3 World Championships Time-rial for Masters and many other titles and victories. I was welcomed in the bike workshop overloaded with trophy cabinets and top-of-the-bill racing and time trial bikes. The wheels were 100% new, competition racing wheels, ultra-light with carbon brake rims, and a great combination with the frame as expected. We closed the deal and on my way back I knew I was well on my way now...