I’ve been using carbon deep dish wheels over the last 5-6 years. Recently I’ve tested a new set of aluminum Campy Shamal tubular wheels. Man I can’t believe how much road vibration I felt vs my carbon wheels. I tested both sets of wheels on my Colnago Strada scandium frame with Campy record gruppo, Star carbon fork and Reynolds Ouzo Pro 31.8 carbon handlebars. I rode the same course of almost 50 miles with the carbon set being first followed by the aluminum wheels.
Findings:
Carbon wheels mute a ton of road vibrations that the aluminum one can’t.
Aluminum wheels are harsher feeling on mild to moderate crappy roads.
Tire pressure didn’t help with softening the ride quality on the aluminum wheels.
Don’t ride carbon wheels if you are thinking of changing wheels. You’ll never go back to aluminum wheels. Lighter, better ride quality but more expensive is the only downside. I’ve hung the shamals in the garage.