Gear Review: Campagnolo Bullet 80

I have been searching this year for a set of aero race wheels for my triathlon bike.  Last year, I rented a set of Reynolds for my 140.6 to try to make the effort a little easier. I wasn't concerned about speed as much as effort.  That is still semi-true this season, but I am now getting to the point where I am becoming competitive at shorter distances.  Rather than continue to rent, I looked for something that I could call my own.  

First, I went through the tubular vs. clincher debate. There was a lot of research on this and enough for a separate post on that debate.  I decided on clinchers for simplicity because that's what I currently use.  Then back to the wide world of the Internet to research wheels.  Again, debates over carbon, alloy, hubs, spoke count, depth, v-shaped versus toroidal.  I felt like I was back in physics class at times.  For every two people, there were three opinions on the best wheel.  

In the end, I selected the Campagnolo Bullet 80.  The decision was based on a number of factors with cost being the final arbiter.  The Bullet 80s are carbon/alloy hybrids, featuring an alloy rim/braking surface suitable for clinchers and a deep carbon section. They feature Campy's G3 spoke construction on the rear wheel.  Campagnolo, or Campy, is a household name in Europe and a very reputable manufacturer of high-end components.  I don't see much of it at local US bike shops compared to Shimano and SRAM but I do see Campy all over the place in pro cycling and overseas.  

While the hybrid option might not be as light as all-carbon options, I went with these wheels because of convenience.  I do not have to change brake pads or worry about heating/splitting or other issues with all carbon wheels.  Since the rim is essentially an alloy rim, it functions like any other training wheel I have and thus makes swapping out very simple.  

Surprisingly, they are very light compared to my other wheel sets, even though they weigh in around 1900 grams as a set.  I don't have a fancy scale so I'll have to take the manufacturer's word.  In my unscientific test of rear wheel A in one hand and Bullet 80 in the other, the Bullet felt lighter by a good margin.  This is good for me because I am a light frame rider and I really feel weight on the bike, especially climbing. 

The wheels arrived with nice wheel bags and Campagnolo sends quick release skewers and valve extenders with the shipment.  Unfortunately, the extenders were internal fittings and I did not have any tubes with removable cores, so I had to go get them.  And then I had to Google a video of how to take the valve apart to attach said extenders.  Thank you GCN.  

  The wheels after being unpacked. 

Now, on to how they ride.  They felt smooth and responsive in my short rides with them so far.  I haven't noticed much difference in overall speed but did begin to notice some ease of effort in headwinds during my last ride.  I can't take speed at face value since I am still acclimating to Florida's climate and my "engine" is affected by more than just aerodynamics now.  For once, I didn't feel like I was pulling a giant train behind me.  In cross-winds, the 80mm profile does take some getting used to and can get pretty twitchy in direct crosswinds.  I had to hold on tight a few times when crossing exposed causeways with direct perpendicular crosswinds.  

When accelerating from a stop, they spin up nicely but do feel a little more compliant than the stiff trainers I have.  The standard steel bearings spin nicely and once at speed they maintain speed while coasting.  I have moderately supple tires on them, Vittoria Rubino Pro III.  They aren't the fastest tire but they provide a good middle ground between battle armor and racing tire.  

    That's me obeying a traffic signal.   Probably the best photo of them on the bike so far. 

I did not get the Ultra version of the Bullet which is lighter and has more hub options.  My wheel set has the standard bearing (equivalent to their Record group set). I find that it spins very fast and for a long time on the bike stand and it just as noisy as the expensive hubs.  I've come to judge hubs by the sound they make.  It is completely irrelevant to how they perform but if they sound like expensive hubs then ok by me.  

Overall, I am happy with the wheelset and the price.  I purchased them from Europe directly.  Just note that if you order from Europe, there will be import fees that are paid on arrival, not in the price or shipping cost, so just factor that in.  Uncle Sam wants his money.  Expect an update if anything changes after racing with them at USAT Nationals.