FIRST OUTING

I would just like to wish Thomas R a speedy recovery, it sounds like it was a pretty nasty accident.I got the chance to ride the FP-60s for the first time today, and despite my own efforts being distinctly average the wheels performed very well on their first run. Leaving the house I thought I might need to tweak the gearing a little after the change of hub but everything worked smoothly. Incidentally the bike I am testing on is a Wilier Alpe d'Huez with Campagnolo Chorus chainset.The ride took me out and about the undulations of the Surrey Hills, the weather was pretty good today with clear skies and temperature of 4 ℃. Recently I have been riding Campagnolo Neutrons and Mavic Ksyriums so my first impressions are through comparison with these. The wheels felt nice and rigid climbing out of town and the weight is comparable to the Mavics. Once I got out onto the open roads I got the wheels up to a decent speed. They went really well on the first stretch of smooth flat tarmac and there did seem to be an improvement in the stability of the front end. One other thing I noticed immediately is the noise these types of wheels make. It's only a little thing but it's really satisfying to hear the hum of the wheels as you pick up speed, something you don't get with conventional rims.Not long after had I picked up speed the wheels got their second test, braking for some changing lights. I had to put in a fair squeeze to slow the bike, but this was to be expected from the new rims and the braking improved considerably during the ride. Just to note, the guidance for the wheels does not recommend Campag's own brake block as they contain an abrasive which can damage the rims.The rest of the ride passed without any surprises and there were no teething problems at all with the new kit. Understandably I didn't go all out on the downhills but the wheels handled well and they felt laterally more rigid than my other wheels when riding out of the saddle.I wasn't at my best today, but I enjoyed the ride all the same because of the new wheels.