Review: November Rail 52 Carbon Clincher Wheelset

Carbon wheels were meant to get dusted up.

It's fitting that I had the opportunity to ride the Rail wheelset from November Bicycles in the actual month of November. While this month has not afforded some of the best riding, I believe it was actually perfect for wheel testing thanks to the frequently shifting winds and plethora of road obstacles (branches, gravel, nut-hoarding squirrels, etc.) to maneuver around. A big thank you to Mike at +November Bicycles for setting up the demo - I promise to have them back soon after the snow starts flying.

I first heard about November Bicycles from Bryan and became curious this time last year when I started seeing their Hot Cross Buns cyclocross build. That interest was piqued when photos of their new Rail 52 carbon clinchers started surfacing. After reading more about the company and knew I had to work with them if at all possible. Bottom line: they are a US-based small business who is working super-hard to build great products that are high-quality, yet affordable for the majority of racers and cycling enthusiasts alike. Low overhead means lower prices for consumers. I can get behind that.

Coming Soon: November Rail Wheelset Review and Other Fun Things

Well, I thought the reviews would be winding down for the season, but thanks to some quick shipping, a chilly neck, and some field-upgradable technology, that is not yet the case. Over the next three to four weeks I have some cool stuff to check out and review. Here is a quick rundown.

1. November Bicycles Rail 52 Wheelset

Carbon clincher wheels from November Bicycles made for the racer (or average guy wanting to go fast) who wants speed and performance, but cant afford to drop a few mortgage payments on a set of Zipps.

Update: Rail review posted 11/22 http://www.averagecyclist.com/2013/11/review-november-rail-52-wheelset.html

2. Competitive Cyclist Neck Warmer by Buff

The temps are really starting to drop, which means my number of outdoor rides will soon be decreasing. I do hope to ride at least a few times each month, so in an effort to keep every piece of me somewhat warm I went out and bought a neck warmer from +Competitive Cyclist. I've used bandanas (cowboy style - awesome looking, but impractical) in the past, but hope this official varietal keeps my neck and face protected from the wind and cold.

Learn more about the Competitive Cyclist Neck Warmer by Buff

3. 4iiii Cliiiimb App and System

photo courtesy of 4iiii.com

If you've read the blog for a while, you probably know that I have an affinity for both +4iiii Innovations Inc. and Strava. Well the two have finally taken the plunge, joining together in the forthcoming 4iiii Cliiiimb app and system that gives you real-time updates of your progress on Strava segments.

Review: Specialized Allez Race E5 Smartweld Road Frame

About a year ago, I bought my last carbon race bike. Not my latest carbon race bike — my LAST one. And I've since sold it in favor of an aluminum-framed model.

That sounds an awful lot like either retirement or a newly born carbon curmudgeon, doesn't it? In reality, it's neither. Carbon bikes are fantastic and so is racing. But with a couple of kids, bills to pay and no stockpile of rainy-day bike money (hey, the economy has been rough for a while, you know?), even the remote possibility of having to replace a broken carbon frame gives me a stomachache.

So earlier this spring I took the leap into high(er) end aluminum and ordered a Specialized Allez Race. (Disclosure: I race for a team sponsored by a local Specialized dealer. I got a good deal. Retail is $2,400.) I've had teammates in the past talk about "just going with a cheap frame and spending money on nice parts," but nobody actually went through with it. After mulling the idea for a while and getting ride reports from those who had been riding the Allez, I went for it.

I will not buy a carbon race bike again.