2023/05/18
I want to take the time to provide a comprehensive evaluation of my purchasing experience with Light Bicycle because they have consistently exceeded all expectations. Never before have I been so satisfied with an online purchase, the quality of advice I received, and the commitment of the LB team.
Being accustomed to solo gravel rides in the Paris region, I found myself riding in a group in Thailand with people who clearly had the means to afford high-quality gear. This exposed me to a variety of incredibly appealing carbon wheels, sparking my interest in the subject. Soon enough, I heard about LB on forums and Reddit. Once I got hooked, everything happened rapidly. It ended up costing me a LOT more than just a pair of wheels... since I soon changed about almost everything on the bike. But I learned a ton. ;)
On the website, I started asking questions about a wheel model that had caught my eye. Edwin responded to me and remained my main contact throughout the purchasing experience. Edwin explained that the wheels I had chosen might not be the most suitable for my bike, which can accommodate wheels with a width of 40+. Suddenly, the myriad of questions I had multiplied exponentially, but Edwin was extremely patient, always responding quickly to each and every one of them... And I literally bombarded him with questions!
Once I had settled on the WR45 Flyweight wheels in Hexa-Comb Matte finish, with a DT 240 hub, I placed my order. I was getting a pair of carbon wheels with a 25mm rim width, customized down to the smallest detail, at a lower price than comparable options I had seen elsewhere, many of which aren't even manufactured by the companies selling them, and offer far less customization. So, I was already thrilled.
The waiting period was made more bearable by the page that updates on the different stages of wheel construction. This is another clever feature on LB's already comprehensive and user-friendly website. Consequently, I found myself checking the site every morning, and each time the manufacturing progressed, I felt a spark of joy. Before the wheels were shipped, I received a series of hi-res photos that definitively confirmed that I was dealing with serious guys who are passionate about what they do.
Overall, I believe it took about a month between placing the order and receiving the wheels, but I live in Thailand, so that may have influenced the delivery time. Speaking of delivery, it all went smoothly. The wheels arrived well-packaged, with no additional taxes to pay, and I felt like a kid on Christmas, eagerly opening the box to unveil the treasure inside.
Not only are the wheels beautiful, but they have transformed my bike beyond my expectations. Well, I should mention that I ended up changing the handlebar, stem, saddle, etc... because what's the point of having ultralight wheels if the rest doesn't measure up ? The wheelset weighs 1443g, which is already 600g lighter than the wheels my bike, a 2019 Rose Backroad, originally had. Ultimately, the bike ended up shedding 1.5 kg.
On the road, the wheels are firm in the best sense of the term and fast. Actually, I can feel their firmness, but when combined with supple tires (Panaracer GK SS), the overall ride feels much smoother, probably due to a larger tire contact patch thanks to the wider rims. In short, it's a whole new pleasure that translates into increased speed. Improved grip, enhanced lightness, and responsiveness - I've gained on all fronts. And I have a rather objective measure to support my observations since I mainly ride on a 23 km circuit here in Bangkok. Therefore, I know the time it takes me to complete a lap and my average speed. It's simple: with the new wheels, I've gained an extra 4 km/h per lap with the new wheels, and not just because I've been riding more frequently since I got them!
In short, if you've read this far and are hesitating to take the plunge, go for it. You won't regret it. Just be aware that it's probably the beginning of an endless spiral, but the enjoyment you'll experience will ultimately be worth the cost, if not more.
Well done to the entire LB team, and thank you again for running such a high-quality business. You guys are extraordinary!
WR45 Flyweight Hook Hexa-Comb Matte Disc 24H
WR45 Flyweight Hook Hexa-Comb Matte Disc 24H
HUB DT SWISS 240 EXP
SPOKE Sapim CX Sprint-Rear drive side/ CX Ray-Other sides
NIPPLE Sapim Brass Black
