Race wheel rental
As I learned from writing the Zipp catalog, the technology that goes into modern race wheels is amazing… and the prices reflect that. But now you can rent a $2000 wheelset for 100 bucks from Echappe Equipment. Well, insurance is $40, a cassette is another $10, and shipping is based on FedEx rates. Carbon-specific brake pads add $52 and you probably need ‘em if you don’t already have carbon wheels, which is probably the case since that’s what you’re renting. So it’s more like you’re getting a $2000+ wheelset for $200+ for the first day, plus another $25 per day after that.
Stilll, it’s a compelling option for a lot of folks, especially semi-serious age group triathletes who base their seasons (lives?) around a couple of race days. And if I’d rented some tubulars, I wouldn’t have pinch flatted a third of the way into the Heartbreak Hill GP that I dragged my bike across the country for (see Cat 3 results)
Echappe Equipment http://www.racewheelrental.com
November 5th, 2008 at 2:52 pmHey-
Thanks for posting about our services on your blog.
The pricing is set up as aggressively as we can make it for a $2000 wheelset. Remember, we’re also renting you two $100 tires (tubies are always $100 if they’re any good) and giving you the Ti skewers (a $60 value). And remember, if you bought the wheelset at your LBS (which you should- forget the internet-only companies that sell you last season’s blemishes) and you have them set it up (gluing tubies, set-ups, etc) you’re looking at closer to $2300. And there’s no crash insurance.
So, yeah, we totally know that the first day is your biggest hurdle, but for $25 each additional day (and thats for your most expensive wheelset you can get with us. We also have awesome wheels that start at $50, $10 each add’l day) and you’re immediately looking at a great per/day value. And what better way than to test out some wheels before you lay out $2000 than to race them?
Next season we’re looking at using Vittoria EVO-CX Corsas, Bontrangers and Conti Competitions. We’ll also be using Conti kevlar tires on the track or Dugasts depending on the track. For ‘cross we’ve got Challege Grifos mounted on most of the rentals and have a few Fangos for sale, too.
Thanks for spreading the word. If you’re in New England this ‘cross season swing by the tent we have at all the Verge races and check out what we have available. And if you guys have something in mind for next year that you really want to try, please let us know so we can have it in stock and ready to rent.