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.

 

[esoxlucius]

Nothing beats glistening silver spokes in the sun.

It's pretty pointless putting them on your bike in the UK then! ☔🌨️⛈️

 

[fossyant]

Without breaking the bank, I'd maybe look at some hand built wheels, pop on decent tyres, good bar tape and a lightweight saddle (but still comfy).

 

[T4tomo]

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

some equivalents of eh Roval Rapid 38 on sale at
https://zedbikewheels.com/
for £599 which would be a smarter investment.

 

[Slower than you]

Thanks all, some good thinking here. Ive previously upgraded the seat, stem and handlebars to fit me years ago.

Have bikes changed so much that it would make a big difference To upgrade?

with all this, I know im the slow engine. Not looking to compete or anything like that. but am looking to change it up a bit.

Think the bike still looks smart, but when riding for so long, dont know what the differences really would be So asking here for views.

Would say wheels from zed be a good choice over say second hand known brands?

otherwise thinking tyres Michelin Pro 5 as an all rounder but more rolling and less thick than my current tyres...

Thanks again

 

[davidphilips]

Your bike looks great as do your DT swiss wheels, lower rolling resistance tyres would help at higher speeds but that bike wheels and tyre setup is as good as many used on fast club runs, saddle looks set far back and forward slopping, could it have moved since the bike fit? if it suits you great, consider useing the bike the way it is and only upgrade tyres and wheels when due replacement.

 

[EckyH]

with all this, I know im the slow engine. Not looking to compete or anything like that. but am looking to change it up a bit.

'Faster wheels' can help to ride faster or to reach the same speed with less effort.
The question is: How much?

For aerodynamics the usual cited ratio is 80% of the drag is caused by the rider and 20% by the bike. But I don't know which position of the rider and which kind of rider is the base for that. Wheels are an important part, but they are not the whole bicycle. Let's assume that they are responsible for roughly half the bike's drag.
According to your handlebar height in relation to your saddle height on your photo I assume that your riding position is more upright and "professional speed" probably is more or less twice as fast as your speed. Therefore the aerodynamic advantage of an optimised high end wheel set is very little in my opinion.

The situation for faster acceleration or better climbing due to the reduced weight of lighter wheels is similar.

Imho there wouldn't be a huge objective benefit of a new wheel set for your bike. The DT Swiss 470db rims are good and relatively light rims - I use them in wheel sets here, too.

Michelin Pro 5 as an all rounder

That seems to be a real and noticeable upgrade.
Fortunately there is a comparison functionality on BRR: https://www.bicyclerollingresistanc.../michelin-pro-5-28-vs-schwalbe-durano-dd-2020
In my experience Michelin tyres are relatively supple and riding with them is fairly comfortable.
If you want to use the tyres with inner tubes, then I suggest to try out TPU inner tubes.
Next if: If your frame and fork have enough tyre clearance, then I'd use wider tyres like 32mm with a tad less pressure. That adds comfort and reduces the rolling resistance a bit.

That's for the measurable part of the "new wheel set" story.

The other part is the psychological one: A new wheel set is more perceivable than just another piece of black rubber on the rim. (*) It might change the look of the bike and can nudge even more the thought "Yes, I'd like to ride that bike. Now." So it could increase your enjoyment on the bike through the certitude that you've changed something on the bike, it got something new. I can comprehend that. And as I wrote before, a second wheel set can be helpful in more than one situation.

E.

(*) The Michelin Pro 5 TLR is also available with the "classic" colour scheme, not just black. That would the make the new new tyre very visible on your black bike.