[Cammckellar]

Hi! I have a giant defy 4 which I think is the 2014 model and cost about £600 at the time. I’m a purely recreational rider who likes taking part in sprint and standard distance tris. 
My average speed on the bike tends to be around 26-28 km/h for distances that tend to be no more than 40k.I’ve had clip in pedals and decent tyres for a couple of years. 
 

I haven’t upgraded the wheels yet which I’m thinking is the next thing to do? 
 
I’d say my budget for wheels would be about £250-£300 for a pair. Is this a worthy investment on a relatively entry level bike? 
 

Any recommendations on a decent wheel set would be appreciated. I’ve got an 8speed shimano cassette, would prefer to remain clincher and have rim breaks! 
 

thank you in advance 

Topic

[Anonymous]

Won’t make much difference to
Won’t make much difference to you, unless you just want to treat yourself- would be much more effective getting fitter at the kind of speed you mention.

Look at a turbo like someone else mentioned – usually I lose a lot of my fitness over winter, but this year I’ve come out and am posting better speeds after using an Elite Direto with Rouvy for the last few months (although I find I get a stiff neck and shoulders for the first few rides on the British roads after the smooth experience indoors, lol). For reference I’m going about 10% faster than this time last year.

Also better to save up and get a better bike in a year or two (when prices have come down)

[David9694]

You probably want to spend

You probably want to spend £400-500 on new wheels to make a worthwhile upgrade on what I assume are Giant/OEM wheels. 

[check12]

Rock n roll gold chain lube

Rock n roll gold chain lube

conti gp 5000 23mm front, 23 or 25 back (at a decent pressure eg 75 front 80 back if you go 23/23 or 75/75 if you go 23/25)

The speed you are going aero isn’t really coming in to the equation too much, comes in at 18+ But aero helmet vented if you get hot and tight jersey wont hurt 

or if you don’t have a turbo get one and do some intervals, that will probably make you faster than the above 

[flobble]

The biggest initial gain

The biggest initial gain (assuming non-drafting tri) will come from clip-on aerobars to give you a less upright position.

Then less flappy clothing. Then probably an aero helmet, and only then wheels, tyres and latex inner tubes. And a clean, well lubricated drive train (almost free!).

As Welsh boy says, weight is largely irrelevant, especially on flattish courses used in triathlon.

[Welsh boy]

All modern research suggests

All modern research suggests that wheel weight doesn’t make any significant difference but if you listen to most riders a better pair of wheels makes your bike feel nicer to ride.  Within your budget are the Mavic Aksium wheels (https://www.merlincycles.com/mavic-aksium-one-clincher-road-wheelset-75460.html) available if you shop around for about £160.  Another £50 will get you a pair of reasonable tyres (https://www.merlincycles.com/continental-grand-sport-race-folding-road-tyre-90012.html).  Spend the rest on some new gear and brake cables and some new handlebar tape and you should feel a difference in your ride.

Others may disagree with me but I have 2 pairs of those wheels and tyres and am perfectly happy with the way they ride.

[Author]

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