Which wheel upgrade?

noodleman

Hi guys. I'm pretty new to this road bike lark having decided to add a Bianchi Via Nirone to my growing collection in the garage. I appreciate my bike is more of an entry level machine, but have made a few upgrades (seat, stem and tyres). I cant help the niggling feeling that my wheels (Ambrosio ws 23's) are a bit on the heavy side, even compared to my MTB.
Which wheels would you recommend for lots of hill climbing, so lightweight is what im after but also be able to cope with potholes without causing me to worry to much. Thanks.

Mettan

Depends on budget ?? -

You could go for Handbuilts ? - or, if (mid/high -priced) budget allows, some Shamal Ultras. Cheaper than the Shamals, the RS80's have got light-rims and are well-made.

What budget ?

noodleman

Suppose about £350.00 would be the maximum. Would be willing to go second hand also.

robdaykin

Without wanting to sound crass, I might be able to offer you a bargain...

I've got a pair of Ritchey WCS wheels (Shimano hub) going spare. Never used (supplied with Boardman Carbon Road and swapped over by the shop before delivery). When I rode the demo bike before ordering mine, these wheels seemed good, and coped with canalpath, cobbles, and potholes round York ok on a shortish thrash. Being of a larger build the shop suggested I go for something heavier for the sort of roads we have round here ,and the riding I do.

Manufacturer link is http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=99007



Yours for £250 + p&p if you're interested.

Rob

noodleman

Sounds good Rob, but excuse my ignorance as i like i said i'm new to road biking. I'm running campag gearing so what would be involved in getting these to fit my bike? Cheers.

robdaykin

Not a chance of working with a Campag rig as far as I know.
I did have a quick look at the Bianchi site before I posted and I thought it said the Via Nirone ran Shimano Sora running kit. Oh well, c'est la vie. Those wheels are available in Campag hub, but I have no idea where you might get them in this country.

noodleman

No, campag which was more expensive but means i can't buy your wheels by the looks of it. Thanks a lot for the offer though.

ACMadone

Can you just swap the free hub on them like you can on many other wheels?

robdaykin

presumably, but I don't know how expensive, or how much hassle that is. Probably not worth it for noodleman


Rob

pickled

I'm in a similar situation with the same bike.
I'm only assuming those wheels are a bit rubbish, but actually have no idea.
I'm saving up for a pair of Easton EA90's anyway...
Have you ever found the actual spec for the Ambosio's, i.e: published weights?

noodleman

pickled wrote:

I'm in a similar situation with the same bike.
I'm only assuming those wheels are a bit rubbish, but actually have no idea.
I'm saving up for a pair of Easton EA90's anyway...
Have you ever found the actual spec for the Ambosio's, i.e: published weights?

No mate, cant find the actual weights published, not through lack of trying. Just Think they are pretty heavy compared to my mtb wheels and from what other people say. They seem to be fairly robust but as my bike is a double and i have some long steep hills to climb i am looking to save some weight. How are you getting on with the bike Pickled?

CHRISNOIR

pickled wrote:

Have you ever found the actual spec for the Ambosio's, i.e: published weights?

I was looking for this previously and never found anything, anywhere on Ambrosio WS23 (I think they're called).

I've just ordered some Campagnolo Zonda's from here which are quite well regarded.

Anonymous

Ambrosio -

http://www.ambrosio.co.uk/ambrosio_rims_clincher.htm

If I was in the market for some aluminium clinchers I would get some of the wheels from this place. 1320g for £395 and well built with bestest spokes and strong rims too!!



http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk/

ant.rocket

I have a Via Nirone with Mirage. I found my Ambrosio wheels a bit on the heavy side on the climbs so I decided on a new set of Campai wheels. Was going to get a pair of Zondas but decided Sciroccos represented better value for money so I got a set of those.
Been running them for about 18 months now. Big improvement over the standard wheels on climbs and every where else really. No probems on our pothole ridden roads so far either. My mate has Neutrons on his bike. They been reliable as well and if you are looking for something lighter they may be an option.

pickled

noodleman wrote:

How are you getting on with the bike Pickled?

I love it! Mine is the Veloce version. I'm having a little trouble with a numb bottom after 30 miles or so, so I need to tweak something on the setup somewhere just not sure where... Maybe the seat?
Other than that it's very comfy.

Also, @ NapoleonD

Thanks for the links. I'd seen the official website, but there's no mention of the WS23's on there.
Presumably because they're made specially for Bianchi?
Hadn't thought of going the route of handbuilts like that. I've got until next spring to ponder...

Anonymous

pickled wrote:

noodleman wrote:

How are you getting on with the bike Pickled?

I love it! Mine is the Veloce version. I'm having a little trouble with a numb bottom after 30 miles or so, so I need to tweak something on the setup somewhere just not sure where... Maybe the seat?
Other than that it's very comfy.

Also, @ NapoleonD

Thanks for the links. I'd seen the official website, but there's no mention of the WS23's on there.
Presumably because they're made specially for Bianchi?
Hadn't thought of going the route of handbuilts like that. I've got until next spring to ponder...

Yeah, they will be generic low grade rims built to a (very low) cost...

Handbuilts (as long as done by someone good) are great! I have used Mavic Aksium and Ksyrium before and currently use Dura Ace carbon clinchers and some handbuilt Mavic Open Pro rims with Powertap rear hub / DT Swiss front hub. Handbuilts are grand!

pickled

Handbuilts are A grand!
It's not escaped my attention you can pay rather a lot...