Upgrading Wheels

[Voyley]

Hello Everyone,

I have been cycling for just under a year and have cranked up 1300 miles, lost a stone in weight, done a couple of sportives and absolutely love it.

I have reached the point where I want to upgrade from the stock Giant Wheels on my 2014 Defy 1 as during a recent wash/service, i noticed how light the frame was and how heavy the wheels when they were removed.
I wanted some advice on what to look for, I'm happy to save up for a few months to get a decent set but there are so many brands out there I dont know where to start.

I weigh in at 180 pounds and am planning on dropping this down to 170 but dont want to go much lower, and am going to be doing lots of miles over poorly maintained roads. The miles include two (big climbing) sportives and 40 mile round trip commutes to work.

I want to get my averages up and clearly weight is important but I want to upgrade to some solid, dependable, lightweight wheels that wont break the bank - not much to ask I know (LOL) but any advice is much appreciated.

Many Thanks Guys

 

[bpsmith]

I have a 2014 Defy 1 also. Can you confirm that you have the faster Black/Red as the Blue one will slow you down before you start!

I upgraded my wheels to Campagnolo Zonda's with Conti GP4000S tyres last month. Transformed the bike in fairness and were just under £250 on Wiggle. Can heartily recommend. There's a thread on them if you do a quick search.

 

[vickster]

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/campagnolo-zonda-clincher-wheelset.154613/

 

[vickster]

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/campagnolo-zonda-clincher-wheelset.154613/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-are-best-wheels-from-this-list.159962/
or http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-are-best-wheels-from-this-list.159962/

 

[Cyclist33]

Well, of all the data you have given us you've missed out the only one that really matters - what is your budget?

"that won't break the bank" is a totally subjective concept. For me it would be £200, for someone else, a grand.

 

[cityfan247]

The zonda's get good reviews and seem to offer very good value for money.

i would be interested in them myself. I am looking for a wheelset offering a good balance between weight and strength & durability.

I am 6' 4" and 17 stone +. What is the rider weight limit on the Zondas? If they would not suitable for me does anyone have any other wheelset suggestions around that price? I currently run Mavic Open pros with 32 spokes front and back and prior to that had Mavic CPX 22 ( i think they were also 32 spokes certainly the rear was). I see the Zondas have considerably less. Had no issues with either set in terms of damage/truing etc of but would like something a little lighter if possible.

 

[Voyley]

I have a 2014 Defy 1 also. Can you confirm that you have the faster Black/Red as the Blue one will slow you down before you start!

I upgraded my wheels to Campagnolo Zonda's with Conti GP4000S tyres last month. Transformed the bike in fairness and were just under £250 on Wiggle. Can heartily recommend. There's a thread on them if you do a quick search.

Thanks for the reply I had to go black and red it's a beautiful bike and clearly faster ha ha.

When you say transform what do
You mean exactly?

 

[Voyley]

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/campagnolo-zonda-clincher-wheelset.154613/
or http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-are-best-wheels-from-this-list.159962/

Thanks Vickster really helpful

 

[Voyley]

Well, of all the data you have given us you've missed out the only one that really matters - what is your budget?

"that won't break the bank" is a totally subjective concept. For me it would be £200, for someone else, a grand.

That's a good question I think a max of £500 but that's going to take a few months to save up when all of the sportives I'm doing will have passed. So I suppose it's a question of whether spending 200-250 now would result in wheels that would make a difference to the speed, weight, handling and climbing of the bike. Or wait and spend more.

 

[Cyclist33]

Wait and spend more - Campag Neutron Ultra.

 

[jowwy]

The zonda's get good reviews and seem to offer very good value for money.

i would be interested in them myself. I am looking for a wheelset offering a good balance between weight and strength & durability.

I am 6' 4" and 17 stone +. What is the rider weight limit on the Zondas? If they would not suitable for me does anyone have any other wheelset suggestions around that price? I currently run Mavic Open pros with 32 spokes front and back and prior to that had Mavic CPX 22 ( i think they were also 32 spokes certainly the rear was). I see the Zondas have considerably less. Had no issues with either set in terms of damage/truing etc of but would like something a little lighter if possible.

Rider weight is 110kgs on a set of zondas

 

[cityfan247]

interesting jowwy. I would be right on the limit as it is.... maybe an incentive to lose a few lbs. But the Zondas are a possibility for me.

 

[jowwy]

interesting jowwy. I would be right on the limit as it is.... maybe an incentive to lose a few lbs. But the Zondas are a possibility for me.

Im just under the limit, but if they break, they break

 

[cityfan247]

What other alternatives should be considered?

 

[boydj]

Personally, I'd look for a local wheelbuilder with a good reputation and go have a chat about your requirements. I had a pair of wheels built locally with Hope Hubs, Archetype rims and quality spokes for a good deal less than your budget. There's nothing quite like having hand-built wheels built to your own requirements, complete with the benefit of having the builder close by for servicing and repairs.