There seems to be such a big choice and I'm a little lost tbh.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fulcrum-racing-3-clincher-wheelset/ these seem to get good reviews
The Campag Zondas are highly rated and in budget on wiggle.
Firstly I'll admit that I'm a novice when it comes to wheels so please accept my ignorance.
Apart from weight what are the advantages of upgrading wheels and why are hand built wheels better?
There usually aren't any advantages to be had. Even the best wheels don't make you faster (by more than a few seconds over large distances at high, solo speed). It is a question of pimping. What is the first thing an 18-year old does when he gets a nice little second-hand car for his birthday? Have it serviced? No, he fits 18 inch mag wheels and an ugly steering cover. The same goes for bikes.Firstly I'll admit that I'm a novice when it comes to wheels so please accept my ignorance.
Apart from weight what are the advantages of upgrading wheels and why are hand built wheels better?
A reduction in weight will help your riding, especially up hills. But whether this is a reality or a placebo effect I can't say. I know that they help me! Another advantage of hand built wheels to those reasons mentioned above is that they are not so harsh - so good for longer rides where comfort is paramount. I looked at Mavic Ksyrium Elite S, but decided on hand builts from DC Hunt, based in Lewes. The rims were a little wider giving a smoother ride. A little bit more expensive than the Mavics but worth it as the components can be replaced when they wear out. Also same weight as the MavicsFirstly I'll admit that I'm a novice when it comes to wheels so please accept my ignorance.
Apart from weight what are the advantages of upgrading wheels and why are hand built wheels better?
There usually aren't any advantages to be had. Even the best wheels don't make you faster (by more than a few seconds over large distances at high, solo speed). It is a question of pimping. What is the first thing an 18-year old does when he gets a nice little second-hand car for his birthday? Have it serviced? No, he fits 18 inch mag wheels and an ugly steering cover. The same goes for bikes.
Agreed, but most people don't replace broken wheels, they replace good wheels. I used to be in the wheel building business until recently and I've made good money from replacing wheels where there's nothing wrong with the originals. I even used to play a little game and tell people with money burning in their pockets to rather invest it in a pension fund. I still got the sale without fail. They would always post-rationalize the purchase.It's not just a question of pimping. Most new bikes are built to a certain price point & often wheels are the weakest point of a bike. Probably not much of an issue for smaller/lighter riders, but 'larger' riders like myself will have a much more reliable ride with 'upgraded' wheels. 2 of my bikes have handbuilt wheels & are still true & never had a broken spoke, unlike the factory wheels that came on the bikes. The difference between good off the shelf wheels & handbuilts might be minimal though??
Weight is weight and reducing weight does make climbing easier, but not cruising. However, a wheel is light and cutting significant weight from there is a very, very expensive exercise. Most cyclists will admit that they are perhaps 1 or two kgs overweight but want to save 100g on the wheels.A reduction in weight will help your riding, especially up hills. But whether this is a reality or a placebo effect I can't say. I know that they help me! Another advantage of hand built wheels to those reasons mentioned above is that they are not so harsh - so good for longer rides where comfort is paramount. I looked at Mavic Ksyrium Elite S, but decided on hand builts from DC Hunt, based in Lewes. The rims were a little wider giving a smoother ride. A little bit more expensive than the Mavics but worth it as the components can be replaced when they wear out. Also same weight as the Mavics