Which Wheels as next upgrade?

[Slower than you]

It's been a long time since posting. Ive still got my 2018 roubaix 105 which im happy with (although not tried anything else). Ive had a bike fit while back changing stem, handlebars etc but its been a long time since changing anything else. Im considering a renewal and shop recommended instead of changing bike frame, as next upgrade to change my standard wheels which will make a huge difference. Roval rapide c38 or alpimist clx II. I have max 32mm. It's a big investment and wondering thoughts and recommendations on these or others... I enjoy a good ride but no pro... just enjoying being out.
Thanks

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Bike shop is bound to say expensive wheels make a huge difference!

If you just enjoy "being out" then stick with what you have.

Imo.

 

[Slower than you]

after all these years do feel like a change without a complete expensive bike change so wondering thoughts on that. Id like to improve my timing and to give it a renewal so thought this might do it?

 

[raleighnut]

Roval make some good wheels, I've got a pair of 'Classique Pave' on my 653 TT bike

 

[PaulSB]

I don't know Roval wheels so won't comment on those. In my view good wheels significantly improve the quality and enjoyment of the ride and are the best upgrade one can make. Whether this is true on an eight year old bike could be questioned.

SpokeyDokey's point about sticking with what you have is a good one. I enjoy "just being out" but I want to do it on a good pair of carbon wheels.

 

[raleighnut]

I don't know Roval wheels so won't comment on those. In my view good wheels significantly improve the quality and enjoyment of the ride and are the best upgrade one can make. Whether this is true on an eight year old bike could be questioned.

SpokeyDokey's point about sticking with what you have is a good one. I enjoy "just being out" but I want to do it on a good pair of carbon wheels.

Roval are part of Specialzed.

 

[Punkawallah]

The boys at GCN consider a tyre upgrade the simplest way to improve ride quality and a wheel upgrade the most effective. The ‘old codger’ (sorry, Al) at my FLBS concurs.

 

[richardfm]

The boys at GCN consider a tyre upgrade the simplest way to improve ride quality and a wheel upgrade the most effective. The ‘old codger’ (sorry, Al) at my FLBS concurs.

I impressed a friend and improved ride quality by pumping her tyres up 😀

 

[EckyH]

The boys at GCN consider a tyre upgrade the simplest way to improve ride quality and a wheel upgrade the most effective. The ‘old codger’ (sorry, Al) at my FLBS concurs.

The GCN guys probably learned from your 'old codger'. And that's one thing they did right.
I also concur: better tyres for the intended use can make a significant difference. An additional upgrade could be switching from standard butyl tubes to TPU tubes.

There's nothing wrong to have a second wheel set for a bike.
If there is an issue with one wheel, just put in the second one and the time to fix the issue with the first wheel doesn't affect the time to ride the bike. Of course the issue should be fixed before the second wheel has an issue, too.

change my standard wheels which will make a huge difference.

Which kind of difference would you like?
Lighter wheels? If the lower weight is mostly from the rims, then it would make your bike a tad more lively.
Better aerodynamics due to deeper rims? It can make your ride a tad easier in head wind situations but with very deep rims it can be more difficult in side wind situations.
Better looking wheels? Nothing beats glistening silver spokes in the sun.

E.