Which Wheels as next upgrade?

[Slower than you]

I thought id update as an interesting find. After getting the bike during covid I decided to take the plunge.

My question was would wheels actually make a difference on my 2018 bike.

I saw that carbon wheels range from low hundreds to thousands. I didn't have a need for the high end range but wondered if I should spend the money.

Previous setup: DT Swiss alloy r470 wheelset with Schwalbe Durano Plus tyres 28mm, running inner tubes.

New setup: Hunt 50 carbon wheelset (bought on sale) fitted with Continental GP5000 tyres 30mm, (could've fitted 32mm) running standard inner tubes. I like for like replaced the discs, installed a new cassette, adjusted the callipers, cleaned and used fresh chain lube and cleaned pedals, and used recommended pressure from silca.

Im a hobbyist who enjoys cycling, but by no means anything to write home about having had many injuries over the years.

wanted to share that, I did find a noticeable difference, the bike felt more responsive, rolled better and interestingly, almost 3kph faster than on the same route, effort and conditions as a ride last week.

On a separate ride, I did push it on Friday alot. For much more effort on my last set up, it was only 2.1kph slower.

(Only kept an eye on cadence and not speed as I always do). I spent below £900 in total. It's alot of money but cheaper than a new bike and more higher end equipment.

It's only one ride, but, the aim was, give the bike a new feeling, and while I did quite a lot of research and delayed for years, im pleased with the result.

 

[Jameshow]

Do you know the weight difference? Might be 500gms in the rims/tyres which will make a difference.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Being marginally faster does not make for a happier rider. Why not spend the money on a nice cycling holiday or tour instead?

 

[Ian H]

I thought id update as an interesting find. After getting the bike during covid I decided to take the plunge.

My question was would wheels actually make a difference on my 2018 bike.

I saw that carbon wheels range from low hundreds to thousands. I didn't have a need for the high end range but wondered if I should spend the money.

Previous setup: DT Swiss alloy r470 wheelset with Schwalbe Durano Plus tyres 28mm, running inner tubes.

New setup: Hunt 50 carbon wheelset (bought on sale) fitted with Continental GP5000 tyres 30mm, (could've fitted 32mm) running standard inner tubes. I like for like replaced the discs, installed a new cassette, adjusted the callipers, cleaned and used fresh chain lube and cleaned pedals, and used recommended pressure from silca.

Im a hobbyist who enjoys cycling, but by no means anything to write home about having had many injuries over the years.

wanted to share that, I did find a noticeable difference, the bike felt more responsive, rolled better and interestingly, almost 3kph faster than on the same route, effort and conditions as a ride last week.

On a separate ride, I did push it on Friday alot. For much more effort on my last set up, it was only 2.1kph slower.

(Only kept an eye on cadence and not speed as I always do). I spent below £900 in total. It's alot of money but cheaper than a new bike and more higher end equipment.

It's only one ride, but, the aim was, give the bike a new feeling, and while I did quite a lot of research and delayed for years, im pleased with the result.

Just about all of your improvement will be due to the change of tyres.

 

[derrick]

If it makes you feel good do it.The feel good factor makes a difference.

 

[wafter]

Cool - the outright speed is probably down to a combination of the deeper, more aero rims and lower rolling resistance of the tyres (which is probably significant as GP5000s are well-regarded as high-end racing rubber, the Duranos more tough dailies).

The responsiveness will be from the lower inertia of the lighter rims.

Glad you seem happy with the outcome

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Stick the old duranos on the new wheels and do the circuit again in same conditions.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Surprised you haven't gone tubeless, or installed latex tubes, for lower rolling resistance.

If you're capable of holding ~18mph+, the wheel and tyre upgrade ought to make a real world different, enjoy!

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Cool - the outright speed is probably down to a combination of the deeper, more aero rims and lower rolling resistance of the tyres (which is probably significant as GP5000s are well-regarded as high-end racing rubber, the Duranos more tough dailies).

The responsiveness will be from the lower inertia of the lighter rims.

Glad you seem happy with the outcome

I think it is pretty generally accepted now that aerodynamics are the biggest factor in increased speed and the Hunt over the old DT's will be a significant improvement. Lower RR, as you say, will also play a part. As will the potential for the deeper rim being a stiffer wheel allowing for better power transfer.

One thing people overlook is that, in my experience at least, a stiffer and deeper carbon rim with the right tire and pressure seems to be a better ride feel and comfort over an old alloy rim with a narrow tire. Generally I find them just a bit more pleasant to ride.