"Expensive" wheels on a modest bike

skyblue337

Hi all,

long time lurker, first post. I'm pondering putting some Easton EA90SLs on my 2006 Allez Elite (E5 frameset, Shimano 105 9sp gruppo) but I'm wondering if it's worth putting such good wheels on a pretty modest bike. Currently it's rolling on Mavic Aksiums. My thinking is that wheels offer one of the biggest upgrades, the Eastons would save 0.5kg and would be worthy wheels on a much more expensive machine when I eventually upgrade. It seems like even 2K+ bikes come with fairly modest wheels these days.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Smokin Joe

Yes, it would be worth it. Marry them up to some quality tyres and it will make a bigger difference than any other upgrade you'd use.

Mettan

Yep, definately worth it - sounds like a very nice upgrade that - wheels and tyres, and you'll be sorted for Sportives etc this, next year.

simon johnson

Hello Skyblue,

I'm going to get the EA90 SLX's this week (hopefully tomorrow if they've arrived at the shop). I think the difference between the two is about 150g and the ceramic bearings?

Anyhow, I'll try to give a brief review when I've put a few miles on them. I'm changing from Ksyrium SSC SL by the way.

Where are you thinking of buying from? And at what price?

Simon.

skyblue337

Thanks for the replies.

I did the Great Notts Sportive last week so I treated myself to some Vittoria Open Paves which definitely improved things from the Spesh Mondo Pros it came with.

I found the EA90s at £380 from TotalCycling which seemed like a pretty good price based on what other e-tailers were offering. The other advantage is I fancy building up a cross bike in the autumn and the Aksiums would be ideal to put on that.