New wheels?

[Markymark]

I have this bike and I love it.

However, would upgrading the wheels give me a noticeable benefit? Budget of maybe £500 - £700? Or is is wasted on this bike and would be better trading up instead which I'd rather not?

 

[Onyer]

If you spend that much on new wheels you will probably notice a benefit. You can always then transfer them to a new bike as and when you get one - And you will! You will probably notice the difference on a new, lighter bike as well.

 

[Liam 68]

from what I've read upgrading the wheels (& tyres) makes a massive difference. Most bikes under 2k come with pretty normal wheels - it's a good way of saving money for manufactorers as most people are looking at the groupset, frame material & judging the bike by that... I've just bought a new bike for 1.8k & the first thing I'll update are the wheels...

 

[Fab Foodie]

Yes, but change tyres as well. Bonty hard case are ok, but they don't compare to the best of Conti, Michelin or Schwalbe. Good tyres are expensive, so factor them in your decision.

A good starting point is to weigh your current front wheel without tyre and skewer to see how others compare.

 

[Markymark]

Is it just about weight or do more things come into play?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Is it just about weight or do more things come into play?

Other things do come into play, aerodynamics, stiffness, comfort, strength, but weight is a major factor as rotating mass counts for more than static mass.
As with many things bike-wise it depends what you are looking for in 'better'.
Acceleration or climbing requires a combination of light weight and wheel stiffness but this may be at the expense of comfort.
Aerodynamics might be at the expense of weight, thus a deep section aero wheel would not be beneficial if you live in a very hilly area, but maybe great over flatlands and long straight roads.
You might be happy to sacrifice acceleration for comfort for long distances.

Talking to a good wheelbuilder is a start rather than just going on reviews. They have a lot of experience and will take your weight and usage into account.
Harry Roland
DCR Wheels
Pete Mathews
... and many more ....

Then you get to choose rim, spoke and hubs to suit, the prices are usually competitive and hand-builts are very repairable.

 

[Markymark]

.

Other things do come into play, aerodynamics, stiffness, comfort, strength, but weight is a major factor as rotating mass counts for more than static mass.
As with many things bike-wise it depends what you are looking for in 'better'.
Acceleration or climbing requires a combination of light weight and wheel stiffness but this may be at the expense of comfort.
Aerodynamics might be at the expense of weight, thus a deep section aero wheel would not be beneficial if you live in a very hilly area, but maybe great over flatlands and long straight roads.
You might be happy to sacrifice acceleration for comfort for long distances.

Talking to a good wheelbuilder is a start rather than just going on reviews. They have a lot of experience and will take your weight and usage into account.
Harry Roland
DCR Wheels
Pete Mathews
... and many more ....

Then you get to choose rim, spoke and hubs to suit, the prices are usually competitive and hand-builts are very repairable.

Thank yiu for such a detailed response.

 

[400bhp]

Whats the reason for upgrading? How many miles do you do and over what type of terrain?

 

[Markymark]

Whats the reason for upgrading? How many miles do you do and over what type of terrain?

It's growing. Probably around 1,000 miles by the end of '14 but would imagine it's 1,500 '15 (on top of the 2K commuting on my hybrid).

Best distances are 50-70 miles though I like the odd 100. Mostly in Essex so little hilly but not overly.

Reason to upgrade is to get a bit faster. Happy to spend a bit of dosh.

 

[400bhp]

So, 1500 a year?

In all honesty, factoring in what fab foodie says (which is all true)the difference you will find is less fatigue. You wont notice a discernable speed difference.

I would think about the weight of the frame beforw upgrading for an expensive wheelset. If the frame is relatively heavy then you are always going to have that against you.

 

[Markymark]

So, 1500 a year?

In all honesty, factoring in what fab foodie says (which is all true)the difference you will find is less fatigue. You wont notice a discernable speed difference.

I would think about the weight of the frame beforw upgrading for an expensive wheelset. If the frame is relatively heavy then you are always going to have that against you.

Thta's what I'm worried about but I don't want a new bike really.