RecordAceFromNew
Swinging Member
- Location
- West London
The Sirrus' wheel spec says it has Alex S500 rims, Spesh All Condition 700x28c tyres and 14G spokes.
The rims are probably only for oem use since they are not on Alex's list of products. However looking at what they have, their "flat bar" rims DA16 and DC19 weigh about 540g, compared to quality light road rims at just over 400g. The tyres on the other hand weigh 330g, while many quality road tyres are not more than 220g. 32 14G stainless steel spokes will weigh over 200g per wheel, while a set of top quality double butted spokes not only make stronger and more durable wheels, they will weigh 50g less. Finally, typical standard 700c tubes for 28c is likely to weigh around 150g, while it is not hard to source 100g tubes.
Adding that all up, for the sake of discussion, a set of Excellight rims handbuilt with Sapim CX Ray spokes shod with Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres and Vittoria Ultralite tubes will cut the weight of each wheel by around 350g, reducing rotational inertia by nearly a third, and I think you will find improving the responsiveness of the bike quite noticeably. However you probably won't see any change from £500 all in.
On the other hand, factory wheels can be just as light for less. E.g. these are probably the best value ones at present with good user reviews, making it possible for £350 all in.
I think you are unlikely to find wheels as light as these on bikes costing less than £2000. Imho money spent on drivetrain/controls has the least impact, and if you are happy with the frame, get better wheels.
The rims are probably only for oem use since they are not on Alex's list of products. However looking at what they have, their "flat bar" rims DA16 and DC19 weigh about 540g, compared to quality light road rims at just over 400g. The tyres on the other hand weigh 330g, while many quality road tyres are not more than 220g. 32 14G stainless steel spokes will weigh over 200g per wheel, while a set of top quality double butted spokes not only make stronger and more durable wheels, they will weigh 50g less. Finally, typical standard 700c tubes for 28c is likely to weigh around 150g, while it is not hard to source 100g tubes.
Adding that all up, for the sake of discussion, a set of Excellight rims handbuilt with Sapim CX Ray spokes shod with Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres and Vittoria Ultralite tubes will cut the weight of each wheel by around 350g, reducing rotational inertia by nearly a third, and I think you will find improving the responsiveness of the bike quite noticeably. However you probably won't see any change from £500 all in.
On the other hand, factory wheels can be just as light for less. E.g. these are probably the best value ones at present with good user reviews, making it possible for £350 all in.
I think you are unlikely to find wheels as light as these on bikes costing less than £2000. Imho money spent on drivetrain/controls has the least impact, and if you are happy with the frame, get better wheels.
