Flexible gravel/road bike – 38c to 25c – Will I really notice the difference?

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  • #29055
    mrtickleron

    I have a gravel/tourer bike that was built for me last year as a new commuter (having used my old hardtail for the preceeding 20 years!).

    The spec is: Light Blue Darwin frame -https://www.thelightblue.co.uk/Sport/FMLBDD1K/Darwin-Frame-Set

    Wheels – 29″ Halo Vapours – https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=WHHAV9SK – with a dynamo on the front to power lights

    Tubeless Schwalbe 38c G-One tyres

    Shimano S106 hydro disc brakes

    Compact 11 cassette with twin chainrings

     

    I love the bike as I can pretty much take it anywhere without worrying about it. However, I’ve started to do some sportives, the longest of which was 80 miles and I’m considering whether I could improve my setup with a second set of more road-specific wheels which I’d switch out for sportives or other long road rides.

    Within my budget this tubeless setup is available:

    Wheels – https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=WHHAWDF7K

    Tyres – Probably Schwalbe Pro-One 25 Discs and cassette to match the existing

    The question is – am I going to see much difference by switching the wheels, tyres and the loss of dynamo etc? It’s not an insignificant amount of money and I want to be sure I’ll be glad to have spent it.

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  • #929337
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    Russell Orgazoid

    You will be faster but will

    You will be faster but will notice the reduction in comfort more.  

    But you won’t be 5mph faster everywhere like the marketing would have you believe. 

    I would try a big ride with your present set up and make your descision based on that experience.

Viewing 16 replies (of 16 total)
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