Wheel recommendation

[ChrisKH]

I'm looking for an upgraded wheel set to replace what come with my Spesh Allez. Any recommendations please? Apart from saddle this would seem the most likely place to start.

Budget is open, but let's bear in mind the bike is not a Pinarello and they must support my weight without too much flex (84kg approx / 13.5 stone).

 

[ChrisKH]

Mavic Aksium 2010's are looking good for the price. I've got a 15% off voucher for Evans which will take them down to £136.

Any others I should be looking at?

 

[ianrauk]

Just got some Easton ea50sl's from Wiggle.
Light and bombproof. Got a great review in Cycling+
Look nice too.

 

[andyfromotley]

I hear a lot of good things about the aksiums but have no experience.

My father in law bought a superb pair of wheel about 18 month ago, i think they are xero 1 ? They had rave reviews, were as light as wheels that cost more than double and went for about £200.

I'll have a google later.

 

[andyfromotley]

Here the review from 2 years ago
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/wheel-sets/product/xr-1-8941
http://www.dooleys-cycles.co.uk/ProductInfo.asp?ProductID=195
here are some for sale, i'm sure a bit of dogging would get em cheaper

http://www.dooleys-cycles.co.uk/ProductInfo.asp?ProductID=195

andy

 

[Tollers]

Just got some Easton ea50sl's from Wiggle.
Light and bombproof. Got a great review in Cycling+
Look nice too.

+1 Ian's bike looks cool!

 

[topcat1]

Askiums are great wheels chris, light enough for racing and strong enough for commuting i've got a set on my commuter

You could also go for handbuilts

like these which i use as winter wheels.
Parker have an handbuilds on their site but you can always talk to your lbs.

If you're looking for lighter wheels you'll have to pay more
reynolds
fulcrum
mavic.

 

[adscrim]

Merlin cycles has fulcrum racing 5's for £165 or 7's for £120

 

[accountantpete]

If you want a noticeable improvement then Campag's - Zonda and above are the way to go.They are mostly pretty robust, reasonably light and you get to understand what difference a quality pair of factory wheels can make.

Mavics seem a little variable in quality.

Get a lightly used pair off eBay for £200 would be my advice.

 

[Wocce Racer]

It depends on what sort of riding you will be doing. If you are just leisure riding get a pair built up (or of the peg) of 32 spoke cross over three. I have riden with so many riders on factory built racing type wheels who moan that their ride is so uncomfortable.

Also, if you are not racing or sportiving, if a spoke does break any bike shop will be able to provide a spare, which, some riders have found, is not the case with (for better want of a phrase) racing type wheels.

 

[ChrisKH]

Thanks guys; lots to consider. Those who know me, will realise it's for leisure riding with occasional long runs. Would like to do some Sportives but the kids prevent that (in a nice way).

 

[MacB]

In which case I'd definitely go for the handbuilts, £350 could get you Mavic Open Pro rims on Hope Pro III hubs(the road version). Also gives you a chance to chose some blingy coloured hubs, could even get the spoke nipples to match If it's to include commuting then I'd also aim for a front dynamo.

 

[ChrisKH]

In which case I'd definitely go for the handbuilts, £350 could get you Mavic Open Pro rims on Hope Pro III hubs(the road version). Also gives you a chance to chose some blingy coloured hubs, could even get the spoke nipples to match If it's to include commuting then I'd also aim for a front dynamo.

Probably a bit beyond my budget, but I'll make some enquiries. Thanks.

 

[ChrisKH]

Just got some Easton ea50sl's from Wiggle.
Light and bombproof. Got a great review in Cycling+
Look nice too.

These look very nice. Had any problems fitting tyres? I read somewhere they were a problem with some tyres.

I presume the wheels come without skewers as well?

 

[beancounter]

These look very nice. Had any problems fitting tyres? I read somewhere they were a problem with some tyres.

I have EA50's with Michelin Pro Race tyres - no problems there.

They replaced some Fulcrum 5's which I personally couldn't get tyres on at all - obviously others will have had no problems.

bc