by Andrew Wong

Created on: July 13, 2009

The American Classic Sprint 350 has been around for a while now. It is a tempting choice for any weight weenie on a budget; the wheels weigh a very respectable 1410 grams and for the price, you won't find anything else in the same weight category. The recently revamped graphics make a nice change from the previous years editions as well. The rims weigh 350 grams each, that's rotating weight, so they feel even lighter than the average sub 1400 gram wheelset.

But as we know, it isn't all about weight. These wheels are designed to keep climbers happy, and a shallow rim depth with relatively high spoke count keeps the ride comfort and compliance at a good level. The hubs have high flanges, which helps to reduce flex in the spokes, but the bearings are tiny. Sure they roll fast, but long life isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

So, enough of the technical side, what do these things ride like? Keith Bontrager once said, "Cheap, light, strong. Pick two". Does the Sprint 350 manage to get all three in one swoop?

I have ridden on the Sprint 350 for around 6000 km. In this time, I have compared them back to back with the heavier but more aero 420 wheelset and normal training wheels. The sprint 350, no doubt about it, is a great climbers wheel at an exceptional price. If you weigh less than 60 kilos, they might even make a good training wheelset. But it is unreasonable to expect incredible things out of lightweight race gear.

First of all, the wheels ride very nice. They are compliant over the rough stuff and they spin up really quickly; acceleration from the 350 gram rims is effortless, the light weight really shows on the climbs. You definitely lose speed compared to the aero 420 though, people who want a race wheelset and don't race on the hills every week would probably find the still very light but harsher 420 more suitable.

Corners, descents and sidewinds are handled with ease, helped by the shallow rim profile. They are actually quite stable for light wheels.

But, the 350 wheelset has its downsides as well. First off, the weight limit; 180pound riders need not apply. Secondly, they do flex a bit. They aren't designed for powerful sprinters, and under power they do have a bit of give, although not as much as the 420 which has a lower spoke count. Also, the hubsets don't have a good reputation for long life. Personally I had no problems, but many riders complain that the wheel bearings flog out and develop play quicker than some wheelsets, and I have seen freehubs collapse internally more than once. Again, this is a well priced light wheelset, you can't expect tank like reliability. Also, I dented the rear rim pretty easily after hitting a small rock, which I wouldn't have expected to do so much damage. Mavic Ksyriums, for example, would probably have withstood the force. Also, only use cassettes with a large alloy carrier, like dura ace. Otherwise, you'll wreck the alloy freehub, guaranteed.

At the end of the day, the conclusion is simple. For their intended purpose, these wheels are great value. An awesome, lightweight, comfy set of wheels great for hill climb races and even everyday wheels for a lightweight rider. Light and cheap, yes. Strong? No. Not yet. So far, Keith's advice remains true.

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