2024/08/01
I purchased AR 25 wheels with LB carbon spokes and LB hubs after doing a fair amount of research online, including on Reddit and Hambini. Other Chinese manufacturers, such as Lun, were much heavier at the same price point. I have had mixed luck with US/European manufacturers. The Zipp wheels I had were so flexy that they rubbed the rim brakes on my recumbent. I replaced those with Hunt wheels with carbon spokes and was very happy as they were stiff, light (1200gms), and held up nicely.
But finding myself in Thailand with a road bike, Hunt was less of an option due to import duties. I chose LB AR25 wheels because of their incredible weight (950gms for my set before rim tape), their internal width (24mm), and the stiff carbon spokes. I ride mostly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where some roads can be rough and all hills are steep. It is not uncommon to encounter 20% gradients, and every gram makes a difference when trying to keep up with stronger buddies. Aerodynamics are not a concern for me as I'm strong on flats, but the 28mm external width was a plus as I ride with 28mm tires and there is not much of a step off between the tire and the rim surface.
The 24mm internal width and shallow profile means that the tire rides like a 30mm tire. It is very cushy at 50 PSI (tubeless) and rides amazingly well. The wheels are very stiff despite their shallow depth. So far, I'm very, very pleased with them.
A big plus for LB is the customer service. Edwin went and personally checked on my order when there was a delay. He wrote back very quickly and just overall provided outstanding customer service. Customer service is important when you need it, and I needed it because UPS shipped my wheels (literally) around the world before they reached me. They first went to Hong Kong, then to the west coast of the US, Kentucky, and then to Germany before making their way to Thailand. In the process, the box was badly crushed and the rim was scratched. Edwin responded within minutes and we ran through a troubleshoot to make sure that they were safe to ride. If there were anything that I would change, I would recommend that LB work on the boxing. It was just wheels, a box, and a few pieces of very thin foam taped on the side of the hub. Shipping was about 6 weeks to Thailand, but Edwin was attentive. The wheels are so crazy light that I was worried that they might be fragile, but they have done well.
I have only put 450km on the wheels so far, but they are fast, light, and very comfortable. Everything I hoped for. If I had to do it again, I would buy these wheels again without hesitation. They are replacing Ultegra C36 wheels, which are less stiff and heavier.
Aesthetically, I really like the fact that they are plain carbon with no decals. They look great on the bike!
