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ouch - I feel your pain. I've had some Zed wheels, and went through the same valuation process as you: great reviews, UK wheel-builder, affordable....
But as you, when they came: although they were true, the spokes didn't feel tight enough. Put this down to me not knowing anything about wheel-building. Rode them about 300 miles and found the brake tracks to rub on the pads (rim brakes) front and rear on efforts. Then a hand full of spoke totally unwound in the rear wheel and one in the front snapped.
To be fair - Zed got back to me quickly and even offered to send me some loaner wheels, However by that time, I'd lost all confidence (in Zed) and bought a spoke tension gauge, followed a youtube tutorial and trued and tensioned the wheels myself. 5000 miles later, they're still bang on, no flex, no unwinding/snapped spokes.
Looks like the same problem to me... massively under-tensioned and no QA department. When I asked what tension they should be... he wouldn't disclose, saying it was better that I sent them back.
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Elbenjino
@user150909
Decided to try Zed Wheels after reading some online reviews and liking the idea of trying something new. Went for the top spec 50m versions with Berd Spokes.
Unfortunately they were not true at all when arrived and had way too much flex in them.
Zed Bike wheels then went from being the friendliest outfit to deal with to being really difficult. Hard to get a hold of and refusing to hear of any fault despite confirmation being provided by very reputable bike shop.
Wheels were sent back. Zed denied any fault and sent them back. Bike shop again confirmed that same faults were there and said they were unsafe to ride.
Almost a 8 months later and nothing has been resolved. All kinds of silliness and still £1,500 out of pocket. Currently taking legal action.
I was excited to try a boutique UK wheel firm but in hind sight wish I had just stuck to one of the big brands with better customer service and more accountable approach. Lesson learned.