General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wheel upgrade question... Rss Feed  
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2009-11-08 4:06 PM

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Subject: Wheel upgrade question...
When I had my bike built a few years ago, I spent the budget on frame and groupset (Look CF & Ultegra) but had to cut back on the rest because of budget...  Having made some good progress with my riding I'm thinking about upgrading the wheels as the next step, but I am getting really confused by all the different options available - alu, CF, aero styles etc etc.... Right now I have Bontrager Race Lites and have a 9 sp cassette.

I am interested in finding out which type of wheels I should be looking for? I am 180lbs, want something to ride for training, racing and ideally longer 'social' rides as well. I thought it was about light weight but have also been told to look for an aero wheel for benefits in general use?

Can anyone educate me or point me to a reference site where I can learn more about the type of wheels best suited for my needs please. The more I read, the more confusing it all gets...

Thanks


2009-11-08 5:03 PM
in reply to: #2503717

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
What's wrong with the ones you have and what do you wish to get out of a new/different set?
2009-11-10 5:13 PM
in reply to: #2503717

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
Here's a post you could look at for starters:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1099

In summary, the most aero wheels can potentially save a minute in an hour bike leg compared to a basic spoked wheel like say a Mavic Open pro.  Whether that minute is worth it or not is an individual question.  And if you have the Aero Bontrager Race Lites, you probably will gain way less than a minute by changing.

I'd note that if you go with wheels that are designed to race very fast, they will be expensive and you probably won't want to ride them every day.

one final note - getting an Aero helmet can also save a large chunk of time over an hour bike leg.  Not a whole minute probably, but could be over thirty seconds.  And with the ventilation in the latest aero helmets, there's not much of a tradeoff as long as you stay in the aero position for the vast majority of your bike leg.
2009-11-10 6:10 PM
in reply to: #2507723

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
edwardgtalbot - 2009-11-10 6:13 PM

In summary, the most aero wheels can potentially save a minute in an hour bike leg compared to a basic spoked wheel like say a Mavic Open pro.  Whether that minute is worth it or not is an individual question.  And if you have the Aero Bontrager Race Lites, you probably will gain way less than a minute by changing.


You and your logic... I was ready to put down some serious money on a sweet set of wheels (Sram S60) and now you talked some sense into me. Now I won't stmulate the economy. See what you've done... Cry
2009-11-10 6:44 PM
in reply to: #2507809

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
Well, remember what I said about an aero helmet - a hundred bucks or so to take off a decent chunk of time.  You can still do your part to stimulate the economy!

Now if you can just talk me down from getting a P3 because I can't get low enough on most bikes and the P3 I tried fit perfectly. . .well, we can counter the stimulus all by ourselves!
2009-11-10 6:58 PM
in reply to: #2507849

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
According to 'Maslow's hierarchy of needs' a good triathlon bike forms the very basis of our survival. Go ahead and get the bike.



2009-11-10 7:07 PM
in reply to: #2507867

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
ROFLMAO

My wife is a clinical social worker - I wonder if she'll buy the Maslow's hierarchy of needs argument.  Smart money says. . .not a chance Tongue out
2009-11-10 11:41 PM
in reply to: #2503717

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
If you are trying to stay within a budget, check out Neuvation wheels.  I bought a set 2 yrs ago at a great price and have been very impressed.  You can find lots of good comments about them on this website and many others. 
2009-11-13 2:28 AM
in reply to: #2503717

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Subject: RE: Wheel upgrade question...
been to the LBS to look at a few options. I have 'old' Race Lite's (5 yrs old) and no aero bits on them. Looked at various different options and materials and was quite taken by the all-round usability of something like the steel Dura Ace wheels or the aero options of 40mm rims from different manufacturers. Not sure what wil suit me best so will wait a while and look for something near spring me thinks...
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