What difference would better wheels make?

[DooDah]

I see a lot of posts on here about which wheels to upgrade to. Seriously to a novice/intermediate cyclist, what difference would they make?. I have a Boardman Race 2012 with Mavic CXP22's. The upgrade costs seem huge. Would it not be better to buy a much higher spec. (all round) bike in the future, than to spend 200 pounds plus on a set of wheels?

I don't know the answers to these questions, so any advice appreciated.

 

[Nearly there]

Tyres make a bit of difference but what's a few grams here n there on wheel weight,getting fitter is a bigger advantage over expensive wheels you still have to pedal up them their hills

 

[smokeysmoo]

The placebo effect will surpass any real benefit IMO.

When most people talk about wheel upgrades they really mean they want what they perceive to be better wheels than they have.

The reality is they won't gain any perceivable advantage, unless of course their old wheels are FUBAR or they spend some serious moolah.

+1 for tyres though

 

[Hip Priest]

I'm sure there are benefits to more expensive wheels, in terms of a mix of strength, speed and comfort. The thing is, if you're a beginner or a bit of a chubbster (like me), bigger benefits come from building fitness and losing body weight.

I hear too many cyclists obsessing about expensive top-end kit, when they're not top-end riders, so won't really derive benefit from it.

 

[biggs682]

my mind tells me a fitter and lighter rider can be more beneficial than a wheel upgrade , not sure if thats true though

 

[Nearly there]

You can drop the weight of a wheel set going to the toilet before a ride

 

[DooDah]

Thanks guys, that has put that one to rest . So on to tyres then. Mine are Vittoria Zaffiro. Are these any good, or once worn out, what would you recommend? I tend to only cycle in dry conditions, so I don't need winter tyres.

 

[Nearly there]

conti 4000's and Michelin pro 4 are popular choices

 

[ianrauk]

Thanks guys, that has put that one to rest . So on to tyres then. Mine are Vittoria Zaffiro. Are these any good, or once worn out, what would you recommend? I tend to only cycle in dry conditions, so I don't need winter tyres.

I would recommend the next Vittorias up from the Zaffiro's. The Rubinos. Excellent long lasting tyres.

 

[musa]

I use conti gators hardshell. Not had an issue in ages

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

While on a 2-day 185 miles ride with some fast downhills (<=45mph) I physically felt my wheels flexing on some fast/hard cornering.
Can't remember the make but they came with the bike (Giant SCR3).

A month after that ride I replaced them with Fulcrum Racing 7's transferring my Michelin
Krylion Carbon tyres.
The difference was VERY different, even on the basic commute the cornering was so much steadier and more secure.

So, depending on the quality and ride with your existing wheels, upgrading can make a big difference.

 

[ayceejay]

It is no mystery that wheels and saddles are the areas where manufacturers cut the price. Saddles are a personal thing and my LBS thinks that they should not be included in the price but a disposable one put on for display purposes, then the buyer gets to choose. From my experience wheels can transform the performance and feel of a bike, new tyres similarly but less, they can also add bling but can encourage fetishism. I put $600 wheels (inc. tyres) on a $700 Masi and more than doubled its value to me.
Your OP that offers buying a higher spec bike as an alternative will also comply with my first sentence.

 

[malcermie]

I see a lot of posts on here about which wheels to upgrade to. Seriously to a novice/intermediate cyclist, what difference would they make?. I have a Boardman Race 2012 with Mavic CXP22's. The upgrade costs seem huge. Would it not be better to buy a much higher spec. (all round) bike in the future, than to spend 200 pounds plus on a set of wheels?

I don't know the answers to these questions, so any advice appreciated.

Cost of new wheel set +£150.... Cost of losing 1Kg of weight -£2......no brainer!!

 

[Eribiste]

....plus of course, if the weight reduction is partly because of cycling miles, you'll be fitter and faster too!

 

[CopperCyclist]

Easy. Spend a grand on REALLY good wheels, and you'll notice the difference after about a month.

That's assuming that like me, you wouldn't then be able to eat for said month, and would drop a few kilos.