£350 for new wheels?

[endoman]

I've been riding my Focus Cayo for about 5 months now, around 150 miles a week avge. Looking to keep going through the winter and then do some more sportives and maybe some time trials next year.

I understand that a wheel upgrade is most beneficial, and to that end am looking at around £350 to spend on some new wheels. It's hilly round here, and I weigh around 80 kg now. Any suggestions please? I may be able to get Sram and Zipp at cost price if that helps. Cassette is 105.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I can't comment on specific wheelsets at that price (though Zipp have an excellent reputation). What I can say is that when paired with lightweight tyres and tubes (Michelin Pro-race 4 or similar), it's money well spent. It'll transform your ride.
Keep the old wheels, chuck some tough 25c tyres (like Krylions or Bonty hardcases) for winter work.

 

[endoman]

Cheers , already got some 25's and will keep the old wheels for winter.

 

[fatboysoontobeslim]

check out harry rowlands wheel builder i got some off him hand built for about £280 and pleased as punch with them, gogle him he has a website and is very helpful

 

[endoman]

Another thought is some chinese carbon ones off Ebay Any experiences?

 

[fossyant]

£350 will buy a cracking handbuilt set. Ultegra hubs and open Pro/CXP33 or even DT Swiss rims. Or off the peg - Ksyrium Elites if you look about.

Good race tyres make a huge difference in ride (massive)

 

[endoman]

Ta, the hand built option seems the least risky. Will ask at the club,
Etape any tyre suggestions? get some race tyres for sportives and etape next year, and I might even venture into some time trials ( gulp)

 

[PaulSecteur]

Merlin cycles is a good place for wheels.

I would be looking at Shimano RS80s or Mavic Ksyrium Elite

RS80 http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...o+RS80+Carbon+Laminate+Wheels+-+Pair_2529.htm

Mavic http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...eels/Mavic+Ksyrium+Elite+2011+-+Pair_1677.htm

 

[jay clock]

Agreed, Merlin a good place.

In terms of ideas, I can strongly recommend Easton. I have three pairs (don't ask!) of which the cheaper ones are the now superseded Circuits. These became the EA50 and this is the current version http://www.wiggle.co.uk/easton-ea50-aero-clincher-rear-wheel/ - a pair will cost you £288 from Wiggle. (They are doing various discount codes so may be better than that). Mine really are rock solid and I am 88kg. I also have a pair of EA90 Aero wheels I will be selling. £500 new - about two years old but little used. Am going to sell in the spring, unless anyone is interested now. (They have been replaced by a pair of Dura Ace wheels from Merlin with £550 off RRP!.

 

[PaulSecteur]

These seem about the cheapest I have seen them...

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPSHRS80CA/shimano_rs80_c24_carbon_wheelset_(pair)

 

[endoman]

Decided to splurge birthday cash / present on some Fulcrum racing 5's for training. Will use original rear on the turbo and for the worst of the weather and get a new cassette for the new wheels. Then come the spring some hand builts for sportives / etape.
Will report back on how the fulcrum's perform.