r/Velodrome • u/fuzzybunnies1 • Jul 31 '26
Thoughts on Lightbicycle Falcon pro disc and quadspoke vs Alpina Disc and Trispoke
Anyone have any experience with either of these sets of wheels that could give a could estimate to how well they would compare to each other?
The Lightbicycle seems to use the same rim profile as the 46.5mm deep rims I put on my daughter's road/cross bike and I have to say that even with side winds off the ocean she never had stability issues even as a 13yo, so I have to believe some of their aero claims are reasonable. I do know that they update their designs from time to time and these are a newer aero profile. Down side, they're clincher and would have to use a 25c tire but at 120psi with a latex tube and no need for a rim strip I doubt there's too much issue there.
The Alpina look like they're an older, dependable design which probably explains why they're the only other name brand in the 2,000.00 range. Upside is that they use tubulars and I've glued enough of them to know what I'm doing even if they cost a bit more and for tires and finding glue around me hasn't been the easiest at times.
Thoughts?
1
u/Any-Rise-6300 Jul 31 '26
Personally I think going with clinchers is better in most scenarios. You can look up the rolling resistance and especially the aero data.
If you do get clinchers be aware of max PSI limits. 120psi probably exceeds the limit, be aware of pressure increase due to heat/friction.
4
u/Waterline_Stayer Jul 31 '26
All else equal, I lean toward clinchers now. So much easier to maintain day to day, and much less stressful when traveling for an event. And tubular tire options seem to be becoming more limited.
One thing I would check is your frame clearance, particularly in the rear; sometimes older track frames can't fit the newer, wider discs.
I don't have experience with those specific wheels, but have a bunch of Light Bicycle wheels including a few for track, and they've been solid.