Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

Is it worth upgrading stock wheels?

by BryanZW
Tue, Nov 03, 2015 04:59
5

Hi, I bought a second hand bike recently - 4 years old but hardly used. I can't afford to upgrade to a new bike any time soon. I ride once a week 30-50km training and probably more frequently in the summer months. Currently, Im running DTR Swiss r1800 which weigh 1.8kg ~.

Is it worth investing in a new pair of decent wheels, e.g. Zondas or any affordable ones - will there be a significant difference to the ride and performance? Saying that, I know that personal fitness makes the largest difference!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

5 comments

Avatar
Nixster | 9 years ago
3 likes

Depends what you mean by 'performance' and 'significant'

Will they make you go measurably faster?  No, not really. 1800g is not that heavy and saving 300g on wheels by spending £400 to £500 when you're strapped for cash doesn't seem like a rational investment. 

Doubling or tripling your weekly time spent riding however would significantly improve your performance. So spending £60 on better tyres and the rest on childcare/warmer kit/presents for the wife or whatever would get you to be able to do that would be a much better use of funds.

We're not rational creatures of course...

Avatar
dunnoh | 9 years ago
1 like

New wheels are ace.   In my experience Campag Khamsin are bombproof but weigh a ton - great for winter riding and cobbles.   Fulcrum 5's are still my favorite ride but the bearings are utter rubbish and wear out so quickly  (no idea why as they are made in the same place as Campag wheels).  My current wheels are Mavic Ksyrium Elite's.   They are a tad harsh for commuting but they were amazing on the Etape, really lightweight and ace at speed.    I think they are the only wheels I will get again once they have worn out.
  

Avatar
Batchy replied to dunnoh | 9 years ago
0 likes

dunnoh wrote:

New wheels are ace.   In my experience Campag Khamsin are bombproof but weigh a ton - great for winter riding and cobbles.   Fulcrum 5's are still my favorite ride but the bearings are utter rubbish and wear out so quickly  (no idea why as they are made in the same place as Campag wheels).  My current wheels are Mavic Ksyrium Elite's.   They are a tad harsh for commuting but they were amazing on the Etape, really lightweight and ace at speed.    I think they are the only wheels I will get again once they have worn out.
  

Yep, me too regarding the Mavic Kysium Elites. These are the bench mark wheels for upgrading to. They weigh in at around 1500g are unbelievably strong and go like s--t off a shovel uphill or down.

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
2 likes

There will not be significant gains in performance or ride quality. Marginal gains at best. The cheapest performance improvement is in tyres. Just ride more and you will get much faster than any parts you fit

Avatar
CGT | 9 years ago
2 likes

Yes, it will improve the performance. But why do you need to improve the performance? You're not racing. If you are riding for enjoyment then riding more will be the best thing you can do

Spend some money on breathable waterproof gear - you can get it cheap from Lidl, Aldi, Planet X or Decathalon.

You'll be able to get out more in winter if you get that and some lights.

Can get a decent set of gear for the amount new wheels would cost you, and if you go out twice a week then that's double the amount of riding.

If you're building fitness then riding on heavy wheels is better since it's harder. Plus, 1.8kg isn't THAT heavy.

Nicer wheels will make the bike a bit quicker and a bit nicer to ride, so might make you want to ride more....

 

Latest Comments