2nd set of wheels for a 09 Tricross

[ACS]

I have and 09 Tricross and thinking about purchasing a second set of wheels. At present I have the standard 32-spoke Alesa wheels fitted with 700x28 Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase Tyres. However, next year I would like to do some Audax events including a 200 km and maybe the Snow Roads 300 km.
Would there be any real advantage in splashing out on another set of lighter wheels and faster tyres? If so, in the considered opinion of the great and good, what product(s) should I be considering?
I do not consider myself to be the lightest of riders (about 85kg) and can average about 14 mph.

 

[accountantpete]

I started off the year above 13stone and use Campag Zonda's without any problem so I don't think that the weight will be an issue.

Ideally you want a light pair with a strong rim to enable greater tension in the spokes and a good hub. It really does make a big difference in that hills are easier to climb and you can maintain a higher pace with the same effort.

If I was doing a 200km trip I would be looking at getting a pair of 32h Swiss DT 1.2's and DT Swiss 240s Road hubs - trouble is they will set you back £600 or so!

 

[GrahamG]

To be honest, if the current wheels are working for you (staying true and soaking up the winter roads abuse) then I wouldn't bother. Audax rides are not a race and given the need for self-sufficiency carrying clothes/food/tools etc. for a 200, you'll not notice that much of a difference once the bike is 'ride ready' IMO. Fair enough if you want some 'summer' wheels for racing or riding up mountains, but probably not worth it unless your wheels are giving you problems and you'd prefer some handbuilts. Your Bontrager tyres probably aren't worth changing until summer either as I think they're about as light and grippy as a puncture resistant tyre gets - I love mine and tend to leave them on all year.

 

[ACS]

AP and GG sound advice as ever. Many thanks to you both

 

[I am Spartacus]

Ideally you want a light pair with a strong rim to enable greater tension in the spokes and a good hub. It really does make a big difference in that hills are easier to climb and you can maintain a higher pace with the same effort.

on a porker like a Tricross??

 

[jimboalee]

Riding 200 Audax and then a 300 requires dedication, determination and a WHOLE new bike.

 

[ACS]

Riding 200 Audax and then a 300 requires dedication, determination and a WHOLE new bike.

A whole new bike?

I've got a grand................

 

[amaferanga]

32 hole Open Pros on 105/Ultegra hubs built with DT double butted spokes. Cheap-ish, light-ish, strong and look decent (not as good as some low-spoke factory wheels though ) with the added benefit over factory wheels that replacement spokes only cost 50p.

The Tricross is heavy compared to a proper road bike so its not really worth going ultra-light IMO.

If you've got a grand to spare then have you considered a Planet X SL or Ribble Gran Fondo instead?

 

[PpPete]

Open Pros - yes, 105/Ultegra hubs - yes, DT double butted spokes

replacement spokes only cost 50p
where ?

My LBS wanted 95p each - I knocked them down to 59p each because that was the cheapest I could find online at the time, but still massively overpriced compared with ACI Alpina at 19p or 20p each

 

[HJ]

A whole new bike?

I've got a grand................

If you are look for a Tri bike or a Cross bike, try the Tri Centre talk to Hugh and he will sort you out with a proper bike. He can even give you a bike fitting so make sure you get the right size. Not like that doggy bunch in Brunsfield.

Oh and come for a cup o' tea afterwards, yer ken where we live.

 

[XjayV]

I too am thinking about buying a second set of tyres for my 2010 Tricross Sport. I am just wondering whether a good set of wheels (£250ish) would make a difference to my 30 mile daily commute? I currently have the standard specialized wheelset on it with some marathon + tyres (the tyres are amazing = no punctures so far but they must be heavy) It is my first year with the bike and I intend on changing the tyres at the least in the summer to some good slicks. Punture proof tyre suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have seen some good deals for wheelsets on Merlincycles. I was thinking the Easton EA70 but don't really know much about wheels. Could anybody give me a little advice please.

I don't want to spend the money if it isn't going to make a difference!

Thanks in advance and sorry for hijacking the thread, just felt it was the most appropriate thread rather than starting a new one.

XjayV

 

[potsy]

What size M+ are they? You'll be looking at nearly a kilo each for those if they are 35mm's.
You can either change to some proper slicks and that will improve the speed, but means you'll puncture more.
No point putting lightweight wheels on with M+ imo.

They are a great commuting tyre though.