Importance of wheel weight

mitchgixer6
mitchgixer6 Posts: 729
edited November 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi all,

Basic question is, how much would I notice a 300g difference is a set of wheels. Changing from my old RS10's to something either much lighter (1500g ish) with a shallow rim, or a deeper rim probably weighing 1700g ish?

The RS10's are about 1800g a set I think, so would I notice a huge difference going down to 1500g or maybe less?

Will be used on my road bike, mainly for training/cllub runs. But will also be racing APR's + TT's. Would love a deep section/lightweight wheelset, but my budget of £300 is stopping that!

Comments

  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    You'll notice it spins up to speed and responds to power inputs a bit faster. Check your tyre weights as well. Of course bearing quality is a factor too.

    My winter bike has Shimano WH-550s (1850g, equivalent of RS-20s now) but with 28mm Schwalbe Marathons it's night and day from my other bikes and is much slower.
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  • Depends how much you care about your TT...
    What's your best time over a 10 miler? If it's over 24 minutes, you will not be competitive, with or without deep section... Yes, you might shave a few seconds, but you will still be way off the top of the Leaderboard, so I would go for something that improves your ride quality on a daily basis... incidentally it will shave some seconds off your time too.
    left the forum March 2023
  • ju5t1n
    ju5t1n Posts: 2,028

    The RS10's are about 1800g a set I think, so would I notice a huge difference going down to 1500g or maybe less?

    Yes...

    I recently did something similar and swapped the Most Wildcat wheels (1895g/pair) that came with my Pinarello for Campag Zondas (1555g/pair), and it's like riding a different bike
  • TMR
    TMR Posts: 3,986
    As no-one else has said it; wheel weight is not as important as your weight :wink:

    If you've been dodging the salad or have a little 'cake retention', then get that sorted out first before splashing the cash on light wheels.
  • Depends.

    Most TT and tri people will tell you that weight matters for naught - aero is all.

    And if you're doing fast, solo TT type efforts on fairly flat terrain, then they're probably right - go as aero as possible and don't worry about the weight.

    However, for all other types of riding, it will be much more fun with light wheels. They spin up faster, you accelerate quicker, they're more nimble, etc. etc.

    In an ideal world, go for a bit of both, Zipp 303's or Mavic carbon Ultimates.
  • Thanks guys for all the input. My pb is currently a 23:50 so just under the 24 Paolo!

    I have been working on my weight and have lost a stone over the last 10 months. Currently hovering about 75kgs I think it can lose some more. I did notice a big difference on the hills after I lost that weight.

    Just had to buy 2 new tyres for the car, so the wheel upgrade will probably have to wait until next year now. Tempted to go for some lightish 50mm carbons which should do me for most races next year until I can afford a proper tt bike. Then I might look at swapping them for something a bit deeper.

    Don't think I will ever challenge the scorers in my local tt's. But would love to get into the 22's next season. :lol:
  • EKIMIKE
    EKIMIKE Posts: 2,232
    For flat/flatish TT's forget weight. Aerodynamics wins over weight. (However there are a few things which have a greater aerodynamic effect than wheels: Position; then clothing)

    In my experience wheelset weight is insignificant - i've gone faster on Khamsin's with heavy tires than Ksyrium Elite's and Ultremo's. Not very scientific i know but put it this way, one of the best testers i know says he even wouldn't bother with an aero frame again - he says get some aero wheels if anything. He rides pig heavy Zipp 808 carbon/alu clinchers. Again, only anecdotal but seems to suggest weight isn't so important if you time trial.
  • lef
    lef Posts: 728
    first upgrade would be tubes, then tyres then wheels. It is surprising how much quicker a set of good tubes feels compared to rubbish ones, and likewise good tyres. But yes 300g would be very noticeable. much more responsive if kicking or climbing.
  • Yeah, was speaking to some guys in the club tonight who have a lot of tt experience. They say weight isn't as important in tt's. Once you get up to speed then it's all about holding it, so having light wheels won't really make a difference for this. As you mentioned lef light wheels only really help climbing or kicking and quick changes in speed.

    Confident now that a set of light 50mm should see me through tt's/APR's/crits this year. Hopefully I can afford a tt bike with more specifically aero wheels at a later date. Just need to wait for the sales now!

    Cheers guys.
    Michael
  • i can tell an appreciable difference even with 50g of rotating weight (at the rims) between my three wheel sets.

    and don't overlook the importance of the hubs and spokes for your tt wheels. highly recommend the saipem spokes. and would stay away from really light micro hubs (like american classic or tune) to drop weight, as can end up with serious wheel flex, which negates the benefit of the light wheel!