Wheels - where do I begin?

[Usehernamegood]

The logic is, the less weight you're carrying, the quicker you'll be.

 

[Justinslow]

Here we go again.

Lots of advice will follow without a single question about your objectives.

Basically, wheel upgrades are wasteful extravagances which are always justified with pseudo-scientific reasons.

But if you don't believe me, read some of the most recent discussions on the topic.

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/wheels-upgrade.172274/
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/what-upgrade.179728/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/wheel-upgrade.177144/post-3641658

Who cares, the OP asked about wheels as he wants to buy some!

FOR GODS SAKE LET US TALK ABOUT AND THEN BUY SOME WHEELS IF WE WANT TO!

 

[potsy]

Are you 100% sure that you are not suddenly nipping up 20% gradients like a whippet on speed?

Fairly sure

 

[Justinslow]

Thanks for your responses. I'm not a heavy rider, weighing in at 70kg. I want something a lot lighter (and nicer looking) than the standard Axis Classic the bike comes with. Budget below £200, I don't mind paying that little bit extra as I'm cycling around 80 miles a week and think a decent set of wheels will be worth it.

These could be just what you're after (although other wheels are available) I'm biased as I've just bought some!
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/elite-30-wheelset-2024.htm
I've got a review thread running here
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/superstar-elite-30-ultra-wheelset.178881/

 

[Usehernamegood]

These could be just what you're after (although other wheels are available) I'm biased as I've just bought some!
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/elite-30-wheelset-2024.htm
I've got a review thread running here
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/superstar-elite-30-ultra-wheelset.178881/

Cool, will check 'em out now!

 

[MikeW-71]

Going from bog-standard lowest-end wheels (such as usually found on sub £1k bikes) to something better will be a noticeable difference. Even something on the lines of Fulcrum 7 or Fulcrum 5 would be enough.

I then went from my Giant P-SL1 wheels (equivalent roughly to Fulcrum 7) to some Campag Zondas. The bike is now 250 grams lighter, but the actual difference on the road is much smaller than before. It seems that's the start of diminishing returns, so I won't be going above that level.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Going from bog-standard lowest-end wheels (such as usually found on sub £1k bikes) to something better will be a noticeable difference. Even something on the lines of Fulcrum 7 or Fulcrum 5 would be enough.

I then went from my Giant P-SL1 wheels (equivalent roughly to Fulcrum 7) to some Campag Zondas. The bike is now 250 grams lighter, but the actual difference on the road is much smaller than before. It seems that's the start of diminishing returns, so I won't be going above that level.

Really? What will you notice?

 

[MikeW-71]

Easier to accelerate them, particularly because they are stiffer than the boggo wheels. They will go up shallow gradients easier/faster. The outright weight saving won't help until the gradient is very steep.

 

[Rob3rt]

Really? What will you notice?

A reduction in your wheels being shite..

 

[fossyant]

Lots of factors to consider.

Budget
Intended use - commuting/weekend/leisure/lomng rides/hills/your weight

Commuting is a different requirement - you want something that's as robust as possible but not stupidly expensive as they will wear out - I go through the rims in 18 months.

 

[Arjimlad]

When I changed from the original wheels on my Defy 2 to a pair of wheels with Mavic CXP33 rims and Shimano 105 hubs, looking at Strava informed me that my time on my usual 10 mile commute, and in particular my times up hills, improved slightly. This without me putting in any more effort than usual on the daily ride to work. These wheels were less harsh/firm than the new Shimano RS11 wheels I have since put on as replacements.

 

[Sittingduck]

Lol, I love these wheel threads

My thoughts are to avoid Shimano, Mavic can cause issues with freehubs and Campag seem to be popular but look plain wrong on a Shimano specced bike. I favour Fulcrums, of late. Racing Quattros but if you're a lightweight and want lighter wheels with a lower profile I would look at Racing 5's or 3's.

 

[Rob3rt]

Lol, I love these wheel threads

My thoughts are to avoid Shimano, Mavic can cause issues with freehubs and Campag seem to be popular but look plain wrong on a Shimano specced bike. I favour Fulcrums, of late. Racing Quattros but if you're a lightweight and want lighter wheels with a lower profile I would look at Racing 5's or 3's.

By "love" do you mean "despair at"?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

When I changed from the original wheels on my Defy 2 to a pair of wheels with Mavic CXP33 rims and Shimano 105 hubs, looking at Strava informed me that my time on my usual 10 mile commute, and in particular my times up hills, improved slightly. This without me putting in any more effort than usual on the daily ride to work. These wheels were less harsh/firm than the new Shimano RS11 wheels I have since put on as replacements.

You are deluding yourself. Do you really want to claim that by replacing one set of wheels with an average number of spokes and a profile depth of 20mm, with another set of wheels with an average number of spokes and a profile depth of 20mm, you improved your time up hills? A Strava reading is not a scientific experiment. .

But you go on and claim that you can feel the difference in "harshness" between an average set of wheels and another average set of wheels. Do you realize that the compliance of a wheel (how much it gives way under load) is less than the thickness of a sheet of printer paper? For you to discern between 80gsm and 90gsm printer paper as you ride over it is pretty remarkable. To put it differently, If I make you ride over a line of coins, you'll thus be able to shout out whether they are facing up heads or tails as you ride.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

@Usehernamegood

Let's try and help you sensibly.

What problem are you trying to solve?