wheel weight upgrade Q

Dr M

i've been thinking of upgrading my wheels for about 6 months now but not sure what to go for.

I've got RS-10's on which are about 1850g and some fairly bog standard conti GP tyres on as well.

Now i've never ridden any wheels lighter than these so not sure what to upgrade to.
I'm wondering really at what point upgrades become noticeable?

I'm considering all sorts at them moment - Planet x model B (1653g), Novatec Jetfly (1574) or even some easton EA90 SLX's which would be the lightest. (1400)

So would i notice much difference in just shaving off 200g going up to the PLanet -x, or should i be concentrating more on at the jetfly's / EA90's.

Are wheels a bit like frames in that its best to go for the best option you can afford?

If i go for the cheapest ones the Planet -x then that gives me spare money to spend on lighter tyres as well.

I live in the lakes and do quite long rides with lots of big hills (and i actually love hill climbing) and am quite a lightweight build so not too worried about damaging lightweight wheels.

Cheers

gkerr4

RS10's aren't bad wheels as standard - a lot of people with (sub£1000) new bikes would seek to upgrade to them! ( - which means you will get a few quid for them to put towards your upgrade!)

IMO - you won't notice a monkeys of difference with those wheels you are looking at - certainly not the planetX ones which are pretty cheap wheels, likewise the novotec (whatever they are!).

The eastons would make a decent upgrade at £1400 and are a renowned quality wheel.

I think you need to be looking closer to dura-ace level wheels or perhaps something like fulcrum1s (maybe 3's - cant rememebr the specs)

maddog 2

Overall weight isn't the be all and end all, as hub weight isn't felt as much as rim and tyre/tube weight, due to rotational effects.

In other words, a 1700g wheel can ride light, as long as the rim/tyre/tube are light, and it's built well.

nickwill

Upgrading to lighter wheels is usually regarded as the most cost effective upgrade you can make. As has been said, lighter rims are the key. Campag neutrons are a good bet and can be had for £350 or so.

Anonymous

Nickwill wrote:

Upgrading to lighter wheels is usually regarded as the most cost effective upgrade you can make. As has been said, lighter rims are the key. Campag neutrons are a good bet and can be had for £350 or so.

Cough cough, as can some slightly used Shimano Dura Ace Carbon clinchers...

batch78

Ooh you little monkey, why sell them three days too late!

Go for the best you can afford, unfortunately in the cost, weight, strength ratio I've got to err on the side of caution at 14st!

Also riding on Surreys broken roads a 32mm + tyre would'nt go amiss