Wheels

[Chrisc]

I keep reading that the best upgrade for your bike is to fit new wheels.
My bike came with Ambrosio ws23's on miche hubs and my question is, will I see a difference swapping them for Campag Scirroco's as they seem to be well regarded and currently only £160 a set.

 

[Will1985]

Tyres before wheels.

I don't think there is much of a (rotational) weight saving by moving to Sciroccos so there isn't much benefit.

 

[Noodley]

I moved from Ambrosio standard wheels on my Bianchi to Xeros last year and there was a big difference in (rotational) weight...which was very noticeable on the road.

I'm not sure what the weights of the two wheels you mention are are so it would depend on how big a difference there is.

 

[Chrisc]

Tyres before wheels, the ones I got with it are Vittoria Zaffiro's, is the benefit in the weight with tyres as well or rolling resistance?

Right so it's down to weight then. Need to weigh 'em and compare.

Cheers!

Edit. See that Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres are just shy of 8oz a set lighter. Fair saving on rotational weight then for not a lot of dosh!

 

[accountantpete]

Wheels before tyres! A tyre can't correct any deficiencies in the wheel.

Yes,weight is a factor but so is the stiffness of the rim and spokes and the efficiency of the hub.

I've never ridden the Scirroco's but they will be a marked improvement in the 3 above areas.

 

[Chrisc]

Bought the tyres now, am gonna do a bit more research into wheels and just ride these ambrosio's this year. Scirocco's look a good wheel for the money but my lbs does a wheel building service so I think I may let them build me a set.

 

[accountantpete]

Bought the tyres now, am gonna do a bit more research into wheels and just ride these ambrosio's this year. Scirocco's look a good wheel for the money but my lbs does a wheel building service so I think I may let them build me a set.

Sensible approach as wheel upgrading is addictive and expensive.

I'd personally be wary about getting a pair built unless it is by an experienced wheel builder and even then I still don't rate them compared to factory built products.

 

[Chrisc]

Sensible approach as wheel upgrading is addictive and expensive.

I'd personally be wary about getting a pair built unless it is by an experienced wheel builder and even then I still don't rate them compared to factory built products.

I'll have a look at what my lbs can do and if I go with campy Scirocco's I don't think I'll go far wrong. I love that spoke pattern which is far and away the best reason I can think of for buying them...

 

[Watt-O]

I have Fulcrum 1's and Schwalbe Utremo's on my commute - great combo!

 

[Chrisc]

New tarty tyres are on! Now to try 'em out.

 

[gaz]

New tarty tyres are on! Now to try 'em out.

Vittoria Rubino's?

 

[Chrisc]

Vittoria Rubino's?

Yep.

 

[gaz]

A nice tyre, run the white ones my self.

 

[Chrisc]

A nice tyre, run the white ones my self.

Let's see how they feel compared to the Zaffiro's it came with. Certainly flexible in the sidewall, went on using thumbs, dead easy.

EDIT: First impressions. Silky smooth ride and fast. Result!

 

[Chris James]

....my lbs does a wheel building service so I think I may let them build me a set.

Which one? I asked a while ago in TryCycling and they didn't seem interested, despite their flyers bragging about building wheels for Olympians!