Wheels and tyres

warren7

Hi, sorry if there have been loads of posts like this but i would really appreciate the advice. I ride a Giant SCR 4 with the Alex DA22 rims, and ive heard a lot about the wheels can really make a difference to the bike, so im not sure if to upgrade the wheels to Fulcrum Racing 5 or just put some new thinner tyres on my alex rims, perhaps the Michelin Lithion? Would new wheels really make that much difference?
Thanks for your help!

topdude

Hi, if you are not having problems with breaking spokes or rims going out of true then save your money and fit some good tyres (Conti 4000S seem popular). This will give you the biggest improvement for the money.

Mettan

warren7 wrote:

Hi, sorry if there have been loads of posts like this but i would really appreciate the advice. I ride a Giant SCR 4 with the Alex DA22 rims, and ive heard a lot about the wheels can really make a difference to the bike, so im not sure if to upgrade the wheels to Fulcrum Racing 5 or just put some new thinner tyres on my alex rims, perhaps the Michelin Lithion? Would new wheels really make that much difference?
Thanks for your help!

I started off on a budget roadie and upgraded the wheels and tyres, and yes the upgrade made the bike a little lighter and roll better (not a huge wow factor but certainly noticeable) - a couple of options:

RS20's
Mavic Akasiums
Fulcrum 7's or 5's

Pro Race 2's or 3's
Conti 4000's
Vittoria Rubino Pros

Worth getting better tyres than the Lithions imho. I ended up with R550's and Rubino Pros - very low spoke count on the R550's, adequate hub etc Roll well imho.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

After reading here at the BR forums about Jedi Sports last night, I had a quick look through their stock and found a good price for the Fulcrum Racing 5...

165.90 Euros or £133 (based on 0.8 Euro to the pound)!

http://www.jedi-sports.de/js-shop/produ ... -2009.html

JWSurrey

With 2009 season kit about to launch, I'd hope to see some good deals on 2008 kit.
I believe, from the comic, that Fulcrum may be upgrading this season's range for tubeless tyres. (as will Campag.).
Wheel upgrades are the usually suggested upgrade path for most roadies.
I can't comment on your current hoops, however the Fulcrum and Campag. wheels are very stiff.

doktorsteve

I'd like to second the idea that changing the tyres will make the biggest difference. My Vitttoria Rubino Pros were a big step up from the Kendas.

I bought some handbuilt wheels (open pro/105) and they are somewhat less firm/stiff than the DA22s.

If you are looking for bling then buy new wheels. If you are looking for an improvement in the ride quality then as topdude says just change the tyres.

phreak

How do you guys learn all this stuff about tyres and stuff? All these brand names sound alien to me.

doktorsteve

Try Wiggle. I think they were on a special offer or something at the time. I wanted blue-out of stock-, I ordered yellow and black arrived! Anyhow they work ok.

simon_e

phreak wrote:

How do you guys learn all this stuff about tyres and stuff? All these brand names sound alien to me.

By spending far too much time on thse forums and avidly reading cycling magazine tests.

warren7, don't get too anxious about your wheels. If they're working OK stick with them and invest in good tyres for now. I think we're all too swayed by the idea that a hardware upgrade is the solution when really it's the rider that needs upgrading. Guilty on that front myself

Tyres to try:
Bontrager Hardcase for puncture-resistance.
All-rounders: Vittoria Rubino Pro, Michelin Krylion Carbon (the Lithion are a bit cheaper but supposed to be OK).
Conti GP4000S, Michelin Pro 3 or Schwalbe Ultremo for light weight and speed (you could even add lighter inner tubes to save a bit extra).