What wheel be, wheel be

gimmesomeroom

Hi there. I read the term 'Winter Wheels' on here a lot, and I've gotta be honest with you, what does it mean? Cheapo ones that you wont be bothered if they break? Heavy ones to stop you riding stupidly fast in the dodgy weather? Loads of spokes so that you're not walking home in the rain in case one snaps?? While I'm at it, the same for 'Training Wheels'. I'm confused!?

FrancisScotland

Normally, it's just a set of wheels that you don't mind getting worn, dirty and beaten up in winter conditions.
Training wheels are when you've got a good set of racing wheels which you want to keep in good condition so you have another set which you do most of your riding on to keep the race wheels running smooth etc.

orangepip

obviously if you don't race then there is a reduced need for them. There is obviously a whole load of crap on the roads over winter months with increased rain. gritting to prevent ice & frost and other detritus that "can" speed up wear on a pair of wheels. If you have a set that you really like and want to buy some cheaper ones to run in these conditions then go for it.

Otherwise I think following a good cleaning schedule is probably enough maintenance for most wheels over a couple of winters

racingcondor

You pretty much nailed it OP.

For me it's Shimano hubs (better seals than almost everyone else so the freehub shouldn't explode) and Open Pro's with lots of spokes. For others it's wheels like Fulcrum 7's which are tough and cheap enough not to worry about.

I'm pretty sure that training wheels and winter wheels are the same thing for most. All it means is not the 1,100g £3,000 carbon dream wheels that might not survive that pothole you couldn't avoid.

Bozman

You don't mind hearing/feeling the grit grinding in to your £100 Fulcrum 7 rims but you draw the line at your £600 Mavic Ksyrium SLs being shafted over the winter months.