Wheels a worthy upgrade for my Bianchi?

jon208

Hi,

I bought a Bianchi Via Nirone alu/carbon last year and love it. After a year's riding I've been starting to think about upgrades, the Campagnolo Veloce groupset works fine so I've no desire to change that.

I know that on bikes costing around the £700-800 mark the wheels can be the component which is the point of compromise. I haven't got a problem with the wheels that came with it (Ambrosio rims, Bianchi hubs) they've stayed true and I don't get any flex when climbing out of the saddle.

The question is, would I feel any real real world difference by upgrading to a fancier wheel set? Faster acceleration etc?

Campag Zondas seem to get good reviews and I'd probably go for a set of those but this is more of a "What benefits will I see" rather than a "What wheel should I buy" thread, don't worry - I'll search the archives to find the answer to the second question

Thanks in advance

Jon

Anonymous

You'll ride faster.

Not least because of the placebo effect but also because they will usually be lighter, more aerodynamic and have smoother hubs.

Then, depending on the wheels, they will also be stiffer and/or more comfortable.

Basically they are the biggest upgrade you can make to your bike (Except for a carbon fibre bottle cage of course).

Try a set of demo wheels and you'll see.

markos1963

Don't forget to factor in decent tyre/tubes as well or you'll miss the benefits of a lighter wheel.

jon208

I'll ride faster you say?

I'll have some of that.

Now, where did I leave my credit card.........

dombo6

You absolutely will notice a difference. My 1500 quid Lemond had 150 quid Bontrager Race wheels, that seem to be fitted to Trek bikes up to nearly £2000. Changed them to Easton Ea90 SLX and the difference was massive. Saved nearly a whole pound (400gms in new money) in rotating weight. Bike still weighs around 18.5 lbs but accelerates and climbs much better and generally feels more lively.

Wappygixer

I've just changed wheels and lost 150-200 grams per wheels and its made a huge difference to how I climb.
Zondas do look nice but I'm always put off factory wheel sets.To many issues if you wear a rim out or snap a spoke.Any bike shop will have a normal spoke to get you home but how many stock the spokes from the latest factory wheels?