General Discussion Triathlon Talk » "Good" set of road bike wheels? Rss Feed  
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2016-07-14 8:20 PM

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Expert
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Pfafftown, NC
Subject: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
First, I'm guessing the tires that came on my road bike are not the best. I bought it to ride with the occasional group and to mix up my normal riding by riding the roadie once a week. I'd like to put some more comfortable riding tires on it, but I have no idea what I'm looking for. Also, I would like to explore putting a good set of all-around wheels on it. The reviews I read on my bike say the wheels are one of the weak points on the bike. Any suggestions that wouldn't break the bank? I would sell the take offs to offset the costs.

Thanks for your help.


2016-07-14 9:20 PM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
Listing what you currently have may help others offer suggestions.
2016-07-15 7:02 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
what bike do you have?
are you looking for comfort or speed or combination?
what tires do you have now brand, model, size?
2016-07-15 7:38 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
2016-07-15 8:13 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
You may need to be a bit more specific... what exactly are you looking for, aero dynamics, weight (which really only matters if you have longer and steeper climbs... short steep, a deep wheel will be perfect, and long gradual same thing). Also, what is the budget? There's decent wheels from a few $100's to outstanding wheels for a few $1000's... "breaking the bank" varies from person to person...
2016-07-15 8:28 AM
in reply to: audiojan

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Pfafftown, NC
Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
Definitely less than $1K. I'd like to get out for much less (net-net).

Looking to replace the tires and wheels that came on my Specialized Expert SL-4. Wheels are Fulcrum Racing S-Four. Tires are ???....says something like "Gripton" on them.

FLO 30's are the first thing I thought of. I have FLO 60/90 on my P2......and a Disc (I paid $675 for the 60/90 combo).

If I could get a comfortable ride and not give up too much in performance.......by switching to 25mm (bigger?) tires....and riding the rims I have, I'd love to do that. I have no aspirations of ever doing any road racing. I'd just like to have my best chance of keeping up (training group) and being comfortable doing so.

I really appreciate the input.


2016-07-15 9:16 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
If the wheels are round and true with bearings that spin well, I would get a nice tire with supple rubber (anything with a good Crr should feel pretty comfortable) and if comfort is important, then go wider (25mm or every wider if the frame will take them). You can also try latex tubes as many claim that they feel a difference with latex over butyl. Finally, you can run lower pressures and add more comfort (depends on your starting point of course).

Unless you are planning to race on your road bike, I wouldn't bother upgrading the wheels unless they are worn out - and then I would go with something bombproof as opposed to something fast.

Shane
2016-07-15 10:02 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?

Originally posted by nc452010 Definitely less than $1K. I'd like to get out for much less (net-net). Looking to replace the tires and wheels that came on my Specialized Expert SL-4. Wheels are Fulcrum Racing S-Four. Tires are ???....says something like "Gripton" on them. FLO 30's are the first thing I thought of. I have FLO 60/90 on my P2......and a Disc (I paid $675 for the 60/90 combo). If I could get a comfortable ride and not give up too much in performance.......by switching to 25mm (bigger?) tires....and riding the rims I have, I'd love to do that. I have no aspirations of ever doing any road racing. I'd just like to have my best chance of keeping up (training group) and being comfortable doing so. I really appreciate the input.
FYI, there's a set of FLO 30 on eBay right now with a Powertap hub. I was so close to picking them up then my wife said we can buy a boat!

2016-07-15 11:12 AM
in reply to: Donto

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?

Originally posted by Donto

I was so close to picking them up then my wife said we can buy a boat!

The first of the two happiest days in a boat owners life!

2016-07-15 12:44 PM
in reply to: gsmacleod

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?

Originally posted by gsmacleod If the wheels are round and true with bearings that spin well, I would get a nice tire with supple rubber (anything with a good Crr should feel pretty comfortable) and if comfort is important, then go wider (25mm or every wider if the frame will take them). You can also try latex tubes as many claim that they feel a difference with latex over butyl. Finally, you can run lower pressures and add more comfort (depends on your starting point of course). Unless you are planning to race on your road bike, I wouldn't bother upgrading the wheels unless they are worn out - and then I would go with something bombproof as opposed to something fast. Shane

This.  Your wheels are likely fine for your purposes and buying new ones is a waste of money for what you are looking to achieve.  I would even suggest trying the lower air pressure (assuming you are running them higher now) before worrying about the tires if comfort is your main aim.  After that, choose wider and lower Crr for additional comfort and some improved speed at the same efforts.

2016-07-15 2:07 PM
in reply to: JohnnyKay

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Master
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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
Mavic Aksiums are a good and durable everyday wheel. Here's a pair on Ebay, you might find cheaper on craigslist etc.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mavic-Aksium-Elite-Road-Wheelset-w-700-x-25...


2016-07-15 3:03 PM
in reply to: nc452010

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Pro
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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
FLO 30's are good wheels and reasonably priced. You can find HED Ardennes for less than $1000, pretty much bomb proof wheels that just lasts for a long time.

You're not give up much at all with 25's, but you may actually gain some over 23's. A larger contact surface does allow for better torque transfer (and larger contact for descending), plus by adding a bit of comfort, you may conserve your energy which means you can ride faster longer.

I have 25mm tubulars on all my road bikes and 23 mm tubulars for my tri bike race wheels.
2016-07-15 10:39 PM
in reply to: nc452010


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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
Zipp 101's are bomb proof and a 25mm tire fits great. Only draw back is that they're heavy. As far as tire, general consensus among most roadies for a great all around is Conti GP5000 25mm.
2016-07-16 3:17 AM
in reply to: JohnnyKay

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Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?

Originally posted by JohnnyKay

Originally posted by gsmacleod If the wheels are round and true with bearings that spin well, I would get a nice tire with supple rubber (anything with a good Crr should feel pretty comfortable) and if comfort is important, then go wider (25mm or every wider if the frame will take them). You can also try latex tubes as many claim that they feel a difference with latex over butyl. Finally, you can run lower pressures and add more comfort (depends on your starting point of course). Unless you are planning to race on your road bike, I wouldn't bother upgrading the wheels unless they are worn out - and then I would go with something bombproof as opposed to something fast. Shane

This.  Your wheels are likely fine for your purposes and buying new ones is a waste of money for what you are looking to achieve.  I would even suggest trying the lower air pressure (assuming you are running them higher now) before worrying about the tires if comfort is your main aim.  After that, choose wider and lower Crr for additional comfort and some improved speed at the same efforts.

x3.  If you don't plan to race your road bike then there really is no need to spend a lot of money on wheels.  A review might say that the stock wheels are a downside simply because they are not ideal for competitive racing but are indeed ideal for training in that they are heavy but durable.

I prefer cheap training wheels for all my bikes because they tend to be durable in the sense that they have more spokes and a beefier build.  All wheels are susceptible to damage if you hit a big enough pot hole or crash in the wrong way...so I prefer to train on a wheel that can be replaced for minimal cost.

The only reason I would consider replacing a stock training wheel set is if it's 19 mm wide and you really wanted to go for something that's closer to 25 mm wide so you can run wider tires and lower pressure like mentioned above.  FLO30's would be an excellent choice as they are wide, actually very aero, and reasonably priced.  Haven't looked recently but it's hard to find 25 mm wide training rims under $350.

2016-07-16 7:33 AM
in reply to: nc452010


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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
I agree with the others who've said you probably don't need new wheels. I love my Continental GP 4000IIs. 25mm, I have about 3000 miles on them without so much as a nick and I've ridden though lots of road crap. They're fast and comfortable. Not cheap, but I think they're a good value for the quality they are and the mileage you can put on them. They cost way less if you order them from overseas: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/tyres
2016-07-16 2:03 PM
in reply to: MikeD1

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Expert
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Pfafftown, NC
Subject: RE: "Good" set of road bike wheels?
I appreciate the advice, guys. I don't want to spend money, needlessly. I can always switch my 60/90's over to the road bike, if I need to do that (special occasion).

I think I'll get some 25mm tires and see how it goes.


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