Wheel upgrade. Will the difference really justify the price?

[palinurus]

Not 100% accurate measure but my TT time instantly came down by 30secs despite having just came back from the Alps

Most years my club would organize a week-long trip to ride mountains. At the next evening 10 after the trip some of those who'd been were flying, often taking minutes off their times during the season so far.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I'd go for better tyres, as previously said. If you are riding the ones that came with the bike they will be pretty mundane affairs, a pair of Pro Race, GP 4000s or Veloflex will make far more difference that any wheel.

 

[Dec66]

Really? Would you care to elaborate?
I'm actually still running the tyres which came with it.

I think that before you shell out over 600 notes on a wheel upgrade to get a better 'feel', it might be worth researching your tyre choice.

Pop over here:

http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

It's very informative, and might save you a lot of money. And if you change the tyres, and still decide you need a wheel upgrade... You always have spare tyres.

 

[vickster]

I'd go for better tyres, as previously said. If you are riding the ones that came with the bike they will be pretty mundane affairs, a pair of Pro Race, GP 4000s or Veloflex will make far more difference that any wheel.

Apparently...

• Tyre: Schwalbe Ultremo ZX Kevlar 23x622

 

[gmw492]

I opted for Continental Grand Prix 25c on my Sciroccos as I was told the same to get a decent tyre,happy with both,

 

[Tin Pot]

Recently I toyed with the idea of buying a new bike. After listening to advice from here and friends I've decide to change the set up of my current bike to suit me better rather than buy a new one.
I'm currently looking at buying these
The bike I have is this one
I ride it at weekends and do between 40-60 miles averaging 15-17mph. I've also started doing a few sportives and have one coming up fairly soon. I don't race or anything like that, it's purely for leisure.
I'm also looking at running 25mm tyres as I find them more comfortable.
I'm still running the stock wheels on it and wonder will the difference be enought to justify the outlay?

Decide for yourself.
http://www.cyclingpowerlab.com/AeroWheelBuyersGuide.aspx

Personally speaking, there is no useful cost/benefit analysis.

I want faster, and justify wheels thusly;

My current wheels are old miche reflex and taking a lot of wear on my commutes. They wear Gatorskins.

Scirocco 35s have a bit (unmeasured) of aero, don't cost the earth, are lighter than my current wheels, and handle well in the wind plus I need a spare set if the current ones fail.

I will shod these with Conti GP IIs or Rubino Pros based on:
http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

I am also hoping to buy Campag Bullet 80s or Superleggera 60/100s. Because I think they look cool.

 

[dr snuggles]

I have heard so many people say they would upgrade wheels of circa 2K bikes immediately but from what I'm hearing here there really is no benefit other than making the bike look better!
Definitely given me some food for thought and maybe my money will be better spent elsewhere.
They are nice looking wheels though.
Thanks to everyone who contributed.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

ok maybe we will see the Peleton in the TDF on Axis 1.0 wheels then ,mine do roll better than my previous though ,when spun they spun far longer than the stock wheels which stopped like they had a slow brake on it so I presume you see that on the road,if you don't then hey my mistake,

When they pay the pro teams enough, then you probably will see them in a peleton.

 

[boydj]

Don't believe anyone that says you will feel or measure a difference. Ask them to describe how they timed the difference and under what conditions, complete with controls and the like and you will get a bunch of blustering answers. They will give you nonsense terms such as "roll better" (absolutely meaningless), "spin up faster" (ask for empirical data), "stiffer", "lighter" blah blah blah. It is all BS. Anyone who makes a recommendation makes it based purely on wheels they have bought and now have to post-rationalize. Since there are 10 zillion brands out there, you will get 10 zillion different opinions if this thread carries on long enough. Like the stock wheels that are supplied with a Vectra Corse, the wheels you have are just fine. Go for a ride with friends, smell the roses, drink a beer and take pictures. It is not about the wheels.

While this is mostly true and there is a big placebo effect when buying new wheels, it is the case that sometimes the basic wheels that come with some new bikes are pretty low quality. The wheels on my Focus were like that - you could feel the rim joint every time you braked and they were very heavy. I got some hand-builts for <£400 and I think it was money well-spent.