Wheels v groupset question

jswba

I'm in the market for a new all-year ride and have had my eye on the Kinesis Racelight T. I've seen two options: the regular set up with 105 and the regular wheels (here: http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/product.php?id=40) or full Tiagra with Mavics (Aksiums IIRC) for roughly the same price.

I've been through the archives here, and know that most people agree that wheels are the best upgrade, pound-for-pound, but I was wondering what the consensus is on this choice? The bike will be used up hill and down dale but not competitively, so durability comes above weight for me!

Cheers everyone. Happy Valentines!

HungryCol

I'd go for the 105 group standard wheels and save £100 for the aksium upgrade later on.

mr-ed

The bike I use for winter/ training riding, started off with a full Tiagra group and basic wheels. I've put Aksium on it and change the deralliurs, cassette, chain rings and chain to a mix 105 and ultergra. Tbh I'm not going to say I notice that much of a differance, the weight is marginal however it all looks much better quality. The deralliurs appear more refined and less chunky. I'd get the bike with Tiagra and the Aksium and as the Tiagra wears out then upgrade to 105, which will probally be the cheeper option.

jswba

HungryCol wrote:

I'd go for the 105 group standard wheels and save £100 for the aksium upgrade later on.

Thanks. I had a hunch that 105 would be a better bet. Mind you, I could just save up for a bit longer and go for both!

jswba

mr-ed wrote:

The bike I use for winter/ training riding, started off with a full Tiagra group and basic wheels. I've put Aksium on it and change the deralliurs, cassette, chain rings and chain to a mix 105 and ultergra. Tbh I'm not going to say I notice that much of a differance, the weight is marginal however it all looks much better quality. The deralliurs appear more refined and less chunky. I'd get the bike with Tiagra and the Aksium and as the Tiagra wears out then upgrade to 105, which will probally be the cheeper option.

AAGH! Now I'm confused again! lol

gkerr4

i can't find the prices - if what you are saying is that the 105 bike is £100 cheaper than the tiagra one - then go for the 105 as Aksiums can be had for around £100 anyway!

HungryCol

Aksiums are cheaper than a 105 gruppo upgrade. Upgrading wheel is easier than upgrading a groupset.

jswba

gkerr4 wrote:

i can't find the prices - if what you are saying is that the 105 bike is £100 cheaper than the tiagra one - then go for the 105 as Aksiums can be had for around £100 anyway!

The tiagra was around 950 (with carbon fork) and from memory the 105 setup is around the same (although I think there's about 100 quid premium on the carbon fork, pushing it over the grand mark).

mr-ed

If you want both:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/details.a ... BBXRIB0660

saving of £400.

Unless of course you've tried the racelight and feel happy on it.

jswba

mr-ed wrote:

If you want both:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/details.a ... BBXRIB0660

saving of £400.

Unless of course you've tried the racelight and feel happy on it.

Good call. I'm going on a test ride soon. Was considering the Ribble but am also wanting to support my LBS!

gkerr4

ooh yes - go for the ribble - supporting your LBS is very admirable, but a £400 saving!!!

I would say that the frames are failry comparable as well - both just generic taiwan built alu frames - wouldn't surprise me if the geometries are similar too.

jswba

gkerr4 wrote:

ooh yes - go for the ribble - supporting your LBS is very admirable, but a £400 saving!!!

Yup, that's what I'm thinking. I suppose there are much worse things than a day trip to Preston!

tenor

Yep, two days in Preston.
Go for the 105, but then save up a bit more as there are better wheels to be had for only a little more.