I called HED at lunchtime: they've worked with Hope on the hubs (they've been working with them for about 17 years apparently) and not only are they drilled 18/24, which isn't normally available, but Hope beefed up the flanges and moved the spoke holes in so they could be drilled radially. So as you'd expect no problem with warranties, they are definitely warrantied but the changes Hope have made should mean no issues.
I explained I'd like the Hope/Ardennes combination but didn't really fancy the very basic spokes, so they offered me the special hubs plus the rims unlaced for a bit of money off, so I went for it.
So, hubs and rims on the way, cx-rays to be ordered. Using cx-rays will knock 60g off the back wheel and 40g off the front, so about 100g in total, which will take the wheel weights down to about 650g front and just over 800g rear.
I could have saved c. 20-28g off the front by going for a scandium rim, but they gave me a very firm steer that they're not worth it - the weight of the rims fluctuates slightly and it can save as little as 20g for an extra £50, and I've also read they wear faster, so I've gone for alu front and back.
I did deliberate a lot about Hope v. Chris King, but a product that's cheaper, made with British riding conditions in mind and doesn't sound like an air raid siren (the CK noise is impressive, but I prefer the slightly more delicate sound of the Hopes) swung me round to the Pro 3s.
Plus my concern for the balance of payments and all that, obviously.
I called HED at lunchtime: they've worked with Hope on the hubs (they've been working with them for about 17 years apparently) and not only are they drilled 18/24, which isn't normally available, but Hope beefed up the flanges and moved the spoke holes in so they could be drilled radially. So as you'd expect no problem with warranties, they are definitely warrantied but the changes Hope have made should mean no issues.
I explained I'd like the Hope/Ardennes combination but didn't really fancy the very basic spokes, so they offered me the special hubs plus the rims unlaced for a bit of money off, so I went for it.
So, hubs and rims on the way, cx-rays to be ordered. Using cx-rays will knock 60g off the back wheel and 40g off the front, so about 100g in total, which will take the wheel weights down to about 650g front and just over 800g rear.
I could have saved c. 20-28g off the front by going for a scandium rim, but they gave me a very firm steer that they're not worth it - the weight of the rims fluctuates slightly and it can save as little as 20g for an extra £50, and I've also read they wear faster, so I've gone for alu front and back.
I did deliberate a lot about Hope v. Chris King, but a product that's cheaper, made with British riding conditions in mind and doesn't sound like an air raid siren (the CK noise is impressive, but I prefer the slightly more delicate sound of the Hopes) swung me round to the Pro 3s.
Plus my concern for the balance of payments and all that, obviously.
;)