Upgrading Wheels

[Voyley]

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.

This is part of the problem, the fact that there are so many options. I think if in doubt on the weight thing, go and have a chat in the LBS. The problem I have though is the desire to learn and do things myself and research on the internet often stops me going
to the local shop which I think could be a good and a bad thing sometimes.

 

[bpsmith]

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?

Difficult to truly describe tbh. I changed to the Zonda's, some GP4000S tyres and put a 105 11-28 cassette on all at the same time. Previous casette was Tiara 12-30.

Since the upgrades, the bike feels very different. It just feels a lot more spritely and picks up a lot quicker. It also feels significantly smoother when riding casually or when pushing the pace. Just feels amazing now, when was just good before in comparison. Gear changes are also a lot smoother, but that's down to the cassette I would imagine. Overall the bike is definitely quicker and easier on the climbing too.

It was definitely worth the spend upgrading. No question about it. I notice that you may be able to spend a bit more. I would heartily recommend looking at the slightly more expensive Campag wheels on the basis of my Zonda's. If you are able to spend another couple of hundred then the wheels are said to be even better in fairness.

 

[Voyley]

Difficult to truly describe tbh. I changed to the Zonda's, some GP4000S tyres and put a 105 11-28 cassette on all at the same time. Previous casette was Tiara 12-30.

Since the upgrades, the bike feels very different. It just feels a lot more spritely and picks up a lot quicker. It also feels significantly smoother when riding casually or when pushing the pace. Just feels amazing now, when was just good before in comparison. Gear changes are also a lot smoother, but that's down to the cassette I would imagine. Overall the bike is definitely quicker and easier on the climbing too.

It was definitely worth the spend upgrading. No question about it. I notice that you may be able to spend a bit more. I would heartily recommend looking at the slightly more expensive Campag wheels on the basis of my Zonda's. If you are able to spend another couple of hundred then the wheels are said to be even better in fairness.

Thanks for the reply, sounds exactly what I'm looking for to be honest, I suppose its down to how far to go in terms of cost for the relative improvements in performance.

 

[Elybazza61]

Zondas are very good and there are usually good deals around(although Shimano seem to be out of stock a lot)but I think if I was looking now I'd be going the hand-built route.

 

[Flying Dodo]

Often, what's not mentioned in any review of wheels, is how noisy the wheel is. I can't stand having a noisy freehub when I'm coasting (yes, I know the answer to that one ).

 

[bpsmith]

In that case the Zonda's would not be for you. It is louder than the stock Giant freehub in fairness. Personally, I prefer it louder as alerts people to your presence more if following the trails. Don't often do that, but if casually out with family then it does help a lot.

 

[vickster]

Ooh I love the clicking on the fulcrum 5s

 

[bpsmith]

I would imagine its similar to the Zonda's. It's a rather nice different type of noise. Almost sounds faster!

 

[StuAff]

Zonda freehub is much quieter than an F5 one.....

 

[Voyley]

Do the wheels come
With free hubs when you buy them? Maybe a stupid question but wanted to ask

 

[Flying Dodo]

Do the wheels come
With free hubs when you buy them? Maybe a stupid question but wanted to ask

Yes, the free hubs are included.

 

[Voyley]

Cheers FD going
To save some money and do
A lot of research and go
From there

 

[Soltydog]

This is part of the problem, the fact that there are so many options. I think if in doubt on the weight thing, go and have a chat in the LBS. The problem I have though is the desire to learn and do things myself and research on the internet often stops me going
to the local shop which I think could be a good and a bad thing sometimes.

Last time I bought a pair of wheels for the road bike I went to a few 'LBS' in Hull & funnily enough they only recommended wheels that they had in stock which wasnt much in the £100-£200 range
If your LBS has a good selection then you may get better advice than I did, although I ended up buying FSA RD60s from one & they have served me well.

 

[Deleted member 22722]

I'd recommend saving up a little more and getting a pair of Dura Ace 9000 C24's. I stuck a pair of these on my Defy 1 a few months ago with a new set of Conti GP4000s tyres and they transformed my ride. Averages have increased, hills have become more manageable, even got a few KOMs on Strava!

I'm not a light person (100kg) and one of the reasons I went for these over other wheels is that there is no weight limits. They are built well and remain as true as the day I bought them.

Probably the single best upgrade i've bought for my bike.

 

[Voyley]

Last time I bought a pair of wheels for the road bike I went to a few 'LBS' in Hull & funnily enough they only recommended wheels that they had in stock which wasnt much in the £100-£200 range
If your LBS has a good selection then you may get better advice than I did, although I ended up buying FSA RD60s from one & they have served me well.

I know its luck of the draw sometimes but glad you got what you wanted in the end!