Shimano Dura Ace C35 Clincher Wheel Review

by Wade Wallace

A mid-depth carbon wheel isn't something I would normally consider purchasing. I've always been someone to use a shallow profile wheel (~25mm), or a ~60mm deep profile wheelset. I'm not what you'd call a "light" rider, so I never have problems with getting blown around in the wind and always considered a mid-depth wheel somewhat of a compromise. After riding these Dura Ace C35's, my tune has changed ...

A couple months back I reviewed the Shimano Dura Ace C50 carbon clinchers and loved the ride quality and their rock solid build. A great all-round wheel.

Shimano lent me some of their newly redesigned C35 wheels to try out that I reluctantly traded in the C50’s for. In previous generation of the Dura-ace 7000 series wheelsets, the C24’s were one rim design while the C’35, C50, and C75’s were essentially another. Now, the C35’s have been re-engineered to share similar design and carbon layup as the C24’s, only with a deeper rim depth. The C50’s and C70’s are now split into their own design categories.

If you’re familiar with my other wheel reviews, you’ll know that I prefer my carbon clinchers to have an aluminium braking surface. I’m still not 100% confident on full carbon clinchers and don’t feel they brake as well in the wet. I’ll admit, there is some bias.

Shimano Dura Ace 9000 series C35 wheelset.

FROM THE SPEC SHEET:

• D2 Rim design optimises aerodynamics and stability
• New hubs for 2013, optimised for 11-speed system, utilising OptBal Spoke System to provide balanced tension = more rigid & durable rear wheel overall
• Extra wide hub flange maximises lateral rigidity.
• High strength, lightweight titanium freehub body
• Shimano angular contact bearings and oversize A7075 Alloy Axles
• 16 spokes front, 21 spokes rear
• 10/11-speed compatible
• Weight (without QR & rim tape) F: 662g / R: 826g
• ERP: AUD $2299/pair

Extra wide hub flange, titanium freehub body, 2:1 balanced rear spoke design, oversize A7075 Alloy Axles, 16 spokes front, 21 spokes rear, externam spoke nipples.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE 9000 SERIES WHEELSET?

• Bladed spokes
• Improved aerodynamic rim shape and carbon layup similar to C24 rims
• 2:1 balanced spoke design on the rear wheel
• 10- and 11-speed compatible freehub
• Wider spoke flange on the hubs

The Ride

As I said, I was expecting a compromise with a mid-depth rim. Kinda aero, kinda not. I can handle myself in the crosswinds thank you very much…

Not so. From the moment these wheels began moving me I knew they were onto a good thing. Every time I ride these wheels, I notice them. I notice how well they brake. I notice how smoothly they roll. I notice how nicely they accelerate. They’re a true pleasure to ride.

For me, the outstanding ride characteristic of the C35’s are how comfortable they are while keeping performance qualities (braking, stiffness, handling).

I would have no reservations whatsoever about racing on these wheels and certainly wouldn’t be thinking, “if only I had my race wheels on…” I’d also be more than confident using these as a training wheel. But let’s face it, it’s always nice having a heavy set of wheels for training so you feel like you’re flying on race day.

Serviceability

For an everyday wheelset, I like that these C35’s have quick access to the spoke nipples in order to true the wheel without peeling off the tyre.

I’ve spoken with a couple bikeshop mechanics to get their views on any re-occurring problems and maintenance issues with these wheels, and everything has come out positive. The notable thing about Dura-Ace hubs is that they don’t use sealed bearings (apparently because they roll better this way). The hubs are easy to maintain, the cups never come loose from the cones, and mechanics will tell you that they’re a dream to work on. Dura-Ace hubs have always had an excellent reputation, and the only difference with these is that there’s a larger flange. It’s good to know they haven’t played with this formula.

What’s Included

The nice thing about these wheels is that they come with all the accessories you need to get up and running. Rim tape, valve extenders (with seals), valve stem stabiliser, truing keys, high quality skewers, cassette spacer (for 10 or 11spd) and wheel bags. The only thing you need is a cassette, tubes and tyres and you’re rolling.

Competitors

Other wheels in the approximate range as these Dura-Ace 9000 C35s include the Zipp 202 Firecrests (read our review here), Zipp 303 Firecrest clincher (or Zipp 30), the HED Jet 4 FR, Bontrager Aeolus D3 carbon clincher (read our review on the D3 tubulars here).

WRAP-UP

Serendipitous

Unexpectedly one of my favorite carbon clinchers wheelsets in its class that I've ridden, hands down. Comfort and performance all in one, without compromising anything. If you're light, you'll benefit from the stability of these 35mm rims in the crosswinds. No matter who you are, you'll enjoy their comfort. If you're looking at a wheel for road racing and training without the hassle and expense of owning two sets of wheels, I'd strongly consider the C35's. Weight (without QR & rim tape) F: 662g / R: 826g (CL). ERP: AUD $2299/pair

GOOD STUFF

Beautiful ride quality (stiffness, handling in the wind)
The build quality is superbe
A perfect balance between practicality and performance
Comes with all the accessories required to get you rolling (skewers, valve stems, bags, etc)
Good weight for a wheel in its category
10 and 11 speed compatible

BAD STUFF

Not inexpensive, but in line with competitors.

CTECH RATING

9.5

Performance

10.0

Presentation

8.0

Value for money

8.0

Quality

9.0

WANT IT

Disclosure: Shimano advertises with CyclingTips and we would like to thank them for supplying these wheels for review.

Andy Logan

I have recently purchased the C24 9000’s and love them, they are by far and away the nicest set of wheels I have ridden in a long time. I was considering going C35 but didnt bother in the end.

Every ride I have been on them so far, I have thought to myself at least once, god these wheels are smooth. I love them.
Notso Swift

These days it seems around 30-40mm is considered “standard” sort of profile

BTW what do the skewers weigh, the look cool but heavy
Luke Chippindall

Would it be a fair conclusion that the C35s are suited to the person who wants one wheelset for everything (hills / flats), whereas somebody who already had a set of climbing wheels (eg C24s) would be better getting C50s as their aero set ? The prices are remarkably similar. Did you find the C50s had significantly better aero performance ?
- Evan
  
  Exactly what I have done Luke! I initially had C24s (7900) for training/climbing, now also have C50s (9000) for racing and the occasional flatter/rolling training. The C50s are sensational, noticeably faster on the flats/rollers and partly with the 9000s being 23mm wide, are actually more comfortable to ride than the C24s. I also struggle to notice the extra weight of the C50s.
veloaficionado

“the cups never come loose from the cones” - what does that mean?

If the cups come loose in most hubs, you throw them away, or get some Loctite 641 to bodge them back together again
PatFitzy

Just belted my new 11spd - C24’s around at the Giro and they came through with flying colours. Bullet proof.
The Potato Man

Whoah, $2300 for a value for money, everyday wheelset. I’m really not cashed up enough for this sport.
- haitch
  
  It says right there in the review: not cheap but in line with the competition. Perhaps you can point out where it says you’re not allowed to ride your bike unless you’re using these?
  - The Potato Man
    
    Wheels are essentially consumables, just like chains and tyres, and will wear out after enough km. Use these everyday and you’ll get what, 20-25 000km out of them. That’s what, 2 years worth of everyday riding for your $2k.
    
    Also, at more or less 1500g, they aren’t exactly performance wheels either.
http://davidjohnstone.net/ David Johnstone

What I’d like to know is why are the clincher versions of the C35 and C50 are almost half the price of the tubular versions (on Wiggle).
- Matt DeMaere
  
  I get the impression Shimano just sets arbitrary pricing. Tubular? The pros are riding them, so an extra $1k please. Take us seriously! heh
- haitch
  
  The tubular has a full carbon rim, not the hybrid carbon/aluminium of the clincher. Probably a bit harder to make, or maybe they just feel they can get away with it!
  - Notso Swift
    
    The reasoning may be Tubulars are a niche market, so people may pay more
    
    On the flip side everyone else is cheaper for Tubs because the extrusions are easier to make, so it seems like a marketing based decision based on price points more than cost of production principles
George

I love my c24 wheels and dont feel I’m on my training wheels when racing them.
Nick

Maybe you should have used them for your hot lap at the boulie……….
GregpR1

G’day Wade, what a timely review! i’m currently considering these wheels for a potential new toy! I was wondering given that you have reviewed both the C50 & now C35’s what would you think of a C50 rear & C35 front wheel as an all round wheelset? Or just stick to the C35 as all-rounder.

Lovin the website and “The Bike Lane” :)
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Personally, I’d stick with the C35 if you want an all-round wheel. I think they feel better than the C50’s, but it’s tough to say if they perform better. I’ll see if I can find some lab studies that show the difference in aerodynamics.
  - GregpR1
    
    Cheers Wade!
Sam

That Competitors list has quite a few I’m considering for my next wheel upgrade right there! I’ve to ask, how does C35 perform from an aero perspective compare to a 303 or D3?
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  It’s impossible to say by “feel” alone, and different wheels are more or less aerodynamic in different frames.
  
  But really, we’re not talking massive of differences between any of these high-end wheels. I wouldn’t make your choice on aerodynamic charts alone. There are so many variables. Local support, price, maintenance, etc are bigger factors in my eyes. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
chup

how does the c35 compare with American Classic 420 Aero 3?
- Notso Swift
  
  Completely different market
  
  AC420 are closer to the Reynolds Solitude I have on my wet bike mid height Aluminium extrusion with much cheaper hubs (I think AC do their own Reynolds use KT on this level)
  
  They are great value to weight and both are good enough wheel sets to use for racing and training but they are the sort of thing you blow out after 5 years and replace, while these you would rebuild.
Ian

Thanks Wade, very handy review. I’ve been a very happy C24 user for 4 years and have been seriously considering the C35’s. Just wondering why you only show AU RRP for pricing. On planet earth ( not the planet inhabited by AU distributors) these wheels are $1,307 + whatever import duty you may/may not end up paying. That’s from Wiggle, who advertise on CT. Not a criticism in any way, just a question.
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Thanks Ian.
  
  It’s a good question about pricing. First off, this is only an estimated price, not recommended retail pricing. I’m not 100% sure why Shimano never gives a RRP, but I’m guessing it’s because of the complications associated with selling OEM and aftermarket parts (perhaps it all depends how the bikeshop gets it). I don’t know - maybe you can get these wheels from your LBS for $1300 if they swapped them off a bike where they came as OEM.
  
  Also, Shimano Australia kindly provided me with the wheels for review. It would be very inconsiderate of me for me to direct you to somewhere else and promoting their pricing. Just the same as if Wiggle supplied me with a product, and I promoted it somewhere else who has a better price.
eatmorelard

Whenever the epic rides come around, the 7900 C24s always seem to come out to play. Not that I save them just for the epics, but they are always the go to wheelset if they aren’t already on the bike. Smooth and bombproof. I can only imagine the C35s would be just as spectacular and even more so in the 9000 suit.
- echidna_sg
  
  I’ve seen a couple of pairs of C24’s fold in half in relatively minor crashes - hardly “bombproof”… still a good allround wheel though!
alexvalentine

Enve 3.4 would be another wheelset to add to the competitors list.
Peter T

Wade -did you put these wheels on your Tarmac SLS4 or did you keep your Rovals on? Would you consider these suitable for the Tarmac (expert)?
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Yeah, used them on my Tarmac. They’re brilliant for what I do.