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Is it worth upgrading stock wheels?

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  • November 3, 2015 at 4:59 am #25012
    BryanZW

    Hi, I bought a second hand bike recently – 4 years old but hardly used. I can’t afford to upgrade to a new bike any time soon. I ride once a week 30-50km training and probably more frequently in the summer months. Currently, Im running DTR Swiss r1800 which weigh 1.8kg ~.

    Is it worth investing in a new pair of decent wheels, e.g. Zondas or any affordable ones – will there be a significant difference to the ride and performance? Saying that, I know that personal fitness makes the largest difference!

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  • November 4, 2015 at 3:28 pm #862633
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    Nixster

    Depends what you mean by

    Depends what you mean by ‘performance’ and ‘significant’

    Will they make you go measurably faster?  No, not really. 1800g is not that heavy and saving 300g on wheels by spending £400 to £500 when you’re strapped for cash doesn’t seem like a rational investment. 

    Doubling or tripling your weekly time spent riding however would significantly improve your performance. So spending £60 on better tyres and the rest on childcare/warmer kit/presents for the wife or whatever would get you to be able to do that would be a much better use of funds.

    We’re not rational creatures of course…

    November 4, 2015 at 9:21 am #862631
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    Batchy
    dunnoh wrote:
    New wheels are ace.   In my experience Campag Khamsin are bombproof but weigh a ton – great for winter riding and cobbles.   Fulcrum 5’s are still my favorite ride but the bearings are utter rubbish and wear out so quickly  (no idea why as they are made in the same place as Campag wheels).  My current wheels are Mavic Ksyrium Elite’s.   They are a tad harsh for commuting but they were amazing on the Etape, really lightweight and ace at speed.    I think they are the only wheels I will get again once they have worn out.
      

    Yep, me too regarding the Mavic Kysium Elites. These are the bench mark wheels for upgrading to. They weigh in at around 1500g are unbelievably strong and go like s–t off a shovel uphill or down.

    November 3, 2015 at 9:23 pm #862629
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    dunnoh

    New wheels are ace.   In my

    New wheels are ace.   In my experience Campag Khamsin are bombproof but weigh a ton – great for winter riding and cobbles.   Fulcrum 5’s are still my favorite ride but the bearings are utter rubbish and wear out so quickly  (no idea why as they are made in the same place as Campag wheels).  My current wheels are Mavic Ksyrium Elite’s.   They are a tad harsh for commuting but they were amazing on the Etape, really lightweight and ace at speed.    I think they are the only wheels I will get again once they have worn out.
      

    November 3, 2015 at 9:06 pm #862627
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    CXR94Di2

    There will not be significant
    There will not be significant gains in performance or ride quality. Marginal gains at best. The cheapest performance improvement is in tyres. Just ride more and you will get much faster than any parts you fit

    November 3, 2015 at 8:51 pm #862625
    0
    CGT

    Yes, it will improve the

    Yes, it will improve the performance. But why do you need to improve the performance? You’re not racing. If you are riding for enjoyment then riding more will be the best thing you can do

    Spend some money on breathable waterproof gear – you can get it cheap from Lidl, Aldi, Planet X or Decathalon.

    You’ll be able to get out more in winter if you get that and some lights.

    Can get a decent set of gear for the amount new wheels would cost you, and if you go out twice a week then that’s double the amount of riding.

    If you’re building fitness then riding on heavy wheels is better since it’s harder. Plus, 1.8kg isn’t THAT heavy.

    Nicer wheels will make the bike a bit quicker and a bit nicer to ride, so might make you want to ride more….

     

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