Shimano R500, opinions

[jefmcg]

background:
I was knocked off my bike yesterday, but the woman who hit me made a genuine, understandable mistake which she totally took responsibility for and willing admitted fault to the police. The only components that need replacing are the rear mech hanger and my rear wheel. The rear wheel only because it's too old to be worth re-truing.

While not wanting to leave myself out of pocket, I also don't want to take advantage of the driver who will presumably pay for everything herself as it's currently less than £150, and presumably below her excess. I want to reward her straightforwardness in the same manner

The cycle shop suggested Shimano R500 as an equivalent to the OEM on my Giant Avail. I was going to go for that, but now I am wondering if I should upgrade. I want to buy from the shop, as they did a safety check for me and will provide an invoice that I can present to her.

actual question:
I ride a reasonable amount - last year 8000km, this year will be somewhat less - but I'm by no means fast (average around 20kph over a long ride). Is there really any advantage in getting better wheels than the R500? My suspicion is that I will not notice the difference.

 

[Kies]

You are right it won't make much difference unless you spend a lot more. My neighbour "upgraded" his starter bike with RS500's and i recently upgraded my Giant Defy with Shimano RS10's .... They are actually better than my stock wheels.
Go for the Shimano 500's imo

 

[400bhp]

Generally, the main advantages (assuming a lighter more expensive wheel) you'll find are:

- less tiring on hilly/lumpy rides
- more forgiving on our UK roads (the R501's are pretty stiff)
-hubs which require less maintenance (open bearings on the R501 which do need re-greasing but is fairly easy to do)
-better braking surfaces.

 

[gbb]

R500s on my old, all weather commuter and In my case...one word, bombproof.

 

[line71]

You could try Mavic Aksiums as a 'budget' alternative,not actually sure what difference you would notice but the look a whole lot nicer than the Shimano 500s which i have on my bike,i cant wait to get them off particulary due to the ugly spoke laceing on the rear wheel

 

[jay clock]

ugly spoke lacing? now there's a first world problem I had not considered!

 

[Cuchilo]

I put some Giant P-SL1's on my Defy and noticed the difference . Ive got some S-R2's spare if you want to get back on the road for now .

 

[jagman.2003]

I upgraded from stock wheels (Alex rims) to R500's a couple of years ago. They are not the lightest but good for the money. Seem to spin up pretty well all things considered. I would happily use them on a commuter again.

 

[JoeyB]

I recently put R500's on my single speed commuter....can't fault them at all.

I got them for a bargain price of £50 brand new too which was nice.

 

[jefmcg]

Thanks guys. I'm sure I'll be happy with it.

This is my nearly-everything bike, but rock solid is a good start for me.

 

[MrWill]

R501s are turd really.
I had them and they are so flexy I couldn't believe it at first.
Put any power down and you sort of twist the wheel a bit.
Lean or rock the bike a bit and the rims would flex and touch the brakes.
My rear one went out of true quickly, for no real reason.

Nice and cheap, so good for a commuter but that is about it.

Replaced them with Fulcrum 5's which are quite good. Fulcrum 7 should be good also.

 

[jefmcg]

oops. Bike back with R500s fitted.

Let's see if I'm capable of putting that much power in

(thanks for the responses everyone)

 

[MrWill]

I'd have them and use them for free happily though!
And I really miss the peace of mind as to not giving a toss if I write them off as they are cheap to replace.
Or could lock my bike up somewhere and not be as worried.

 

[Tyke]

I ride R500`s No problems and can take a lot of rough roads and stay true. I hardly got a wobble and was able to stop safely with a front blow out, although I was going in a straight line at the time.
I would buy again.

 

[JoeyB]

My R500's have WH 501 labels on the hubs, does that mean they are actually 501's?