Wheels - where do I begin?

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The process of changing and upgrading wheels may be simple to some but to me - not so simple.

I bought a Specialized Allez which I love, it's a great all rounder bike but pretty basic. I've been looking at wheels as I promised myself an upgrade but where do I begin?

Sizing/ material etc.

Can any of you lovely fellow cyclists help me out with a bit of advice or suggestions/ recommendations?

Thanks very much!
 

cd365

Guru
Location
Coventry, uk
Campagnolo Zonda
 

vickster

Legendary Member
How much do you want to spend. I am quite happy with Fulcrum 5s which cost me under £175

Get good tyres too (a whole new can of worms)

Sizing, you need 700c for a roadbike, best get the same size as on your current bike as you know there is enough clearance for them
 

Justinslow

Lovely jubbly
Location
Suffolk
The process of changing and upgrading wheels may be simple to some but to me - not so simple.

I bought a Specialized Allez which I love, it's a great all rounder bike but pretty basic. I've been looking at wheels as I promised myself an upgrade but where do I begin?

Sizing/ material etc.

Can any of you lovely fellow cyclists help me out with a bit of advice or suggestions/ recommendations?

Thanks very much!
Budget is a good place to start, weight would be my next factor, then rim depth (how aero they are or whether you require a deep or shallow rim and the quality of the hubs. Obviously if you are a heavy rider you need to ascertain whether the wheelset can handle your weight - spoke count comes in to this. Finally - looks, do you like them, once you've searched through lots of wheels you should have a short list of possible options including having some handbuilt for you (if you have the funds).
 
OP
OP
Usehernamegood
Thanks for your responses. I'm not a heavy rider, weighing in at 70kg. I want something a lot lighter (and nicer looking) than the standard Axis Classic the bike comes with. Budget below £200, I don't mind paying that little bit extra as I'm cycling around 80 miles a week and think a decent set of wheels will be worth it.
 
OP
OP
Usehernamegood
http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bicycle...ck/white-clincher-wheelset-2014/10841518.html
or
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...gclid=CP6X_Lfh0MUCFeHJtAodSw8Akw&gclsrc=aw.ds

Don't forget to budget another £50 odd for good new tyres :smile: (and a few quid for tubes)

Does your Allez have a carbon fork? If not budget for one of those at some point too :smile: I don't know if Specialized sell the funny Zertz ones separately
Best advice I've had!
 
Location
Loch side.
OP
OP
Usehernamegood
Here we go again.

Lots of advice will follow without a single question about your objectives.

Basically, wheel upgrades are wasteful extravagances which are always justified with pseudo-scientific reasons.

But if you don't believe me, read some of the most recent discussions on the topic.

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/wheels-upgrade.172274/
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/what-upgrade.179728/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/wheel-upgrade.177144/post-3641658
I don't believe you.
 
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potsy

Rambler
Location
My Armchair
I've 'upgraded' wheels twice on my bikes

First one was because the stock wheels were making some alarming noises so Specialized agreed to replace them with some Shimano RS10's.

Second time as I wanted something a bit better than the stock ones on my Caad so went for Shimano Ultegras.

Can I tell the difference? Not really but they do look better :okay:
 

SpokeyDokey

67, & my GP says I will officially be old at 70!
Moderator
I've 'upgraded' wheels twice on my bikes

First one was because the stock wheels were making some alarming noises so Specialized agreed to replace them with some Shimano RS10's.

Second time as I wanted something a bit better than the stock ones on my Caad so went for Shimano Ultegras.

Can I tell the difference? Not really but they do look better :okay:

Are you 100% sure that you are not suddenly nipping up 20% gradients like a whippet on speed?
 
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