As a cycling community most of us tend to focus on frames and the drivetrain components. So much so that bike brands have more or less moved to provide similar specs for the various price bands. The wheels and tyres however are pretty much stock and entry level grades except for the top range.
As a moving contraption, once you are in particular gear combination, the wheels and tyres make all the difference. Yet it is the part that most of us leave unchanged except for a discerning few.
As a moving contraption, once you are in particular gear combination, the wheels and tyres make all the difference. Yet it is the part that most of us leave unchanged except for a discerning few.
- Invest in a decent set of wheels. There are lot of bargains out there ranging from Fulcrum to the Mavics. Even a £204 Mavic Aksium from Merlin is a big jump from the stock wheels.
- Consider hand-built especially if you are on the heavier side. Wheel builders specify the components and they are nearly always top range stuff. You can also specify the build components. Starts from £300
- For tyres, look for TPI of least 150. These are light, about 225grams, have reduced rolling resistance and typically comes with puncture protection kevlar strip or similar. Vittorio Rubino Pro is a great tyre that currently is on offer at £16. Don't get stuck on tyres that sell on puncture protection alone. Its the ride and the effort to propel that is key. Unless you are into racing, 25c tyre pumped to 100psi will give you decent rides.
- Don't flog your stock tyres and wheels yet. Keep it to compare with your new wheels and tyres as well as an emergency spare, and when the time comes to flog your bike for the next upgrade.