Testing the Espresso wheels

I put this fixie together last weekend to test these gorgeous chrome Espresso wheels and cycled it along the promenade between Lancing and Worthing yesterday . I have to say I am very impressed with the quality of these. Firstly the chroming is excellent and have a deep and even shine. The spoke tensioning is also very good and although I have only covered about 20 miles on these since fitting them they have remained completely true with good tension across the spokes. From an aesthetic point they have a different lacing on the front from the back wheel which looks really good. They run very smoothly and look as though they will last well. I will be using these over the year and will keep you up to date on how they do.

Having run a set of nologo wheels I would say the espresso's offer  step up in quality and this is reflected in the higher price. They are both flip flop hubs allowing you to run your bike as a true fixie of as a single speed with a free hub. A set of nologo's are around £100 with the tyres and tubes, but the espresso's cost £130 for the wheels and nearer £160 once you have attached tyres and tubes. 

So are they worth the extra £60? 

Well firstly I would have to say that the nologo wheels are extremely good value and if you are completing a first project they are ideal, and they do come in a mind boggling array of colour combinations as well as sturdy sealed bearing hubs. But on the test I did with a set I did notice that the front wheel went slightly off true after 50 miles. 

However, the espresso wheels scream quality and although only available in White, aqua and chrome they are well made and seemingly very strong. Both are about the same weight but in my opinion the espresso wheels are worth the slightly higher price tag. You also have the option on having braking surfaces or no braking surfaces on the rear wheels so have more control over the build. These are great wheels and look fantastic. With a 3 speed rear wheel and the introduction of a 'coaster brake' rear wheel it is clear that espresso are looking at the introduction of technology and passed the basic fixie concept. This is a company to watch.

For more information on espresso or nologo visit:

http://www.espressowheels.com

or

http://www.nolobi.com