What wheel? Up to £400 all-rounder’s

Chris MB
Chris MB Posts: 15
edited March 2013 in Road buying advice
I am soooooooooo sorry to post yet another ‘what wheel’ thread but having trawled through countless posts and various web sites I still don’t have a clue what would be right for me.

I am looking to up upgrade the wheels on my Madone 3.1. Basically I have a little cash to burn on my bike (rather than my family for once!) and think that wheels are a good place to invest. I have between £250 and £400 to spend which brings in loads of options. I currently ride all year around, most weekends between 70-100k and a few commutes to work each week which is 30k each way. I also enter a number of sportives across the year. I can’t see myself ever racing! I am 5:11 and weigh a little under 80kg

Durability is high on my list but this seems to come at the expense of weight and performance? Also, and I know I will get shot down for this, from a purely aesthetical point of view I really like the deeper rim look but this only really seems to kick in on wheels out of my budget?

Every time I think I have settled on a wheel I read something to put me off. Appreciate this is a highly objective area but would really appreciated your input.

Was going to put in a few that I have looked at closely but, reading other posts, this seems to stop recommendations and start arguments! Just looking for direction.

Thanks

Chris

Comments

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    Something like these tick all your boxes

    http://paolocoppo.drupalgardens.com/med ... ail/16/311

    They don't have to be blue, although I do like them in blue...
    left the forum March 2023
  • Chris MB
    Chris MB Posts: 15
    Thanks, will check out the link
  • iPip
    iPip Posts: 90
    I know this comes up all the time, but I'll be interested to see which way you go. Most answers on here end up with custom build recommendations, but I've still got my eye on some RS80 C24s, which get good reviews and come in around 1500g.
    Regards
    Pip

    Cube Agree GTC Pro
    Boardman Hybrid Comp
    Voodoo Bantu
  • moscowflyer
    moscowflyer Posts: 540
    Something like these tick all your boxes

    http://paolocoppo.drupalgardens.com/med ... ail/16/311

    They don't have to be blue, although I do like them in blue...

    I like these in blue too :)

    Seriously, speak to Ugo. If you're anywhere near SW London then you've got the bonus of being able to go and see him. You'll get a good deal for that sort of outlay.
  • pkripper
    pkripper Posts: 652
    iPip wrote:
    I know this comes up all the time, but I'll be interested to see which way you go. Most answers on here end up with custom build recommendations, but I've still got my eye on some RS80 C24s, which get good reviews and come in around 1500g.

    I weighed my set at over 1600g
  • moscowflyer
    moscowflyer Posts: 540
    Surely weight isn't the be all and end all though? You could have a 1500g set of wheels that ride like crap.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    Surely weight isn't the be all and end all though? You could have a 1500g set of wheels that ride like crap.

    You can have a 900 grams set....
    left the forum March 2023
  • iPip
    iPip Posts: 90
    pkripper wrote:
    iPip wrote:
    I know this comes up all the time, but I'll be interested to see which way you go. Most answers on here end up with custom build recommendations, but I've still got my eye on some RS80 C24s, which get good reviews and come in around 1500g.

    I weighed my set at over 1600g
    Weighed as delivered? How do they get away with that?

    I know weight isn't everything, but it's near the top of my list and the RS80s get good reviews. I'm not a brand snob though, if there's something out there for the £320 the Shims are available for, I'll have a look.

    I'm in no rush, but hoping to have them for the Hero Ride.
    Regards
    Pip

    Cube Agree GTC Pro
    Boardman Hybrid Comp
    Voodoo Bantu
  • It looks like ugo is already on board. Look no further. I have no personal experience with his builds but a keen hand build like the one suggested is the way to go. Pick the right amount of spokes and you're off. in your weight class i'd say 28/28. The 3.1 is a mighty one, and deserves upgrading like this.

    Just remember to show us your final setup.
  • pkripper
    pkripper Posts: 652
    iPip wrote:
    pkripper wrote:
    iPip wrote:
    I know this comes up all the time, but I'll be interested to see which way you go. Most answers on here end up with custom build recommendations, but I've still got my eye on some RS80 C24s, which get good reviews and come in around 1500g.

    I weighed my set at over 1600g
    Weighed as delivered? How do they get away with that?

    I know weight isn't everything, but it's near the top of my list and the RS80s get good reviews. I'm not a brand snob though, if there's something out there for the £320 the Shims are available for, I'll have a look.

    I'm in no rush, but hoping to have them for the Hero Ride.


    Yup, weighed minty fresh out the box with no qrs, cassette or tyres. I have to switch them out today so can reweigh again, they're a few rides old, but less than a month old if you want to know the results? Nice wheels though, feel pretty lively.
  • iPip
    iPip Posts: 90
    I know 100g is never going to be the deciding factor (for me), but I'll be interested to see what your re-weigh is. Maybe Shimano have 'special' scales?
    Regards
    Pip

    Cube Agree GTC Pro
    Boardman Hybrid Comp
    Voodoo Bantu
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    When the majority of the customers are so shallow that only look at the weight figure, it is no surprise that manufacturers lie on weight.
    Italian and French manufacturers top the list of weight cheaters and the Japanese had to adapt to make a sale... :lol:

    Others really try go under the 1500 grams figure without cheating and as a result their wheels Fall apart...
    left the forum March 2023
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    If you want to have wheels that will last and perform well handbuilt is the only way to go because you can have them rerimmed easily when the rims wear out. Those ones Ugo has shown you are better than any Shimano, Mavic, Campag etc that you would get for the same money. Hubs come in all colours. Its a no brainer.
    Pegoretti
    Colnago
    Cervelo
    Campagnolo
  • Chris MB
    Chris MB Posts: 15
    Hi all,

    Away for the weekend so apologies for the slow reply but a big thanks for the posts.

    I know this makes me look like an idiot but I shy away from the handmade stuff because I simply haven’t got a clue what it’s all about? I love my cycling but get lost when people start getting technical. I guess going with factory wheels just seems more straight forward. I confess this in the hope that others, and I am sure (I hope!) there must be others, learn a little bit at the same time.

    Thanks again for your patient replies.

    Chris
  • smidsy
    smidsy Posts: 5,273
    @Chris MB - so you fully understand the factory process and componenst used in their wheels then?... No I did not think so.

    Speak to a wheel builder and explain your requirements. The wheel builder knows what's what so you do not have to.
    Yellow is the new Black.
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Chris MB wrote:
    Hi all,

    Away for the weekend so apologies for the slow reply but a big thanks for the posts.

    I know this makes me look like an idiot but I shy away from the handmade stuff because I simply haven’t got a clue what it’s all about? I love my cycling but get lost when people start getting technical. I guess going with factory wheels just seems more straight forward. I confess this in the hope that others, and I am sure (I hope!) there must be others, learn a little bit at the same time.

    Thanks again for your patient replies.

    Chris

    It's like buying fruit and veg or meat from a green grocers or butchers rather than the supermarket! I.E you get good advice from someone who knows what they are talking about and has a vested interest in selling a suitable product at a good price.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    Chris MB wrote:
    Hi all,

    Away for the weekend so apologies for the slow reply but a big thanks for the posts.

    I know this makes me look like an idiot but I shy away from the handmade stuff because I simply haven’t got a clue what it’s all about? I love my cycling but get lost when people start getting technical. I guess going with factory wheels just seems more straight forward. I confess this in the hope that others, and I am sure (I hope!) there must be others, learn a little bit at the same time.

    Thanks again for your patient replies.

    Chris

    It's like buying fruit and veg or meat from a green grocers or butchers rather than the supermarket! I.E you get good advice from someone who knows what they are talking about and has a vested interest in selling a suitable product at a good price.

    That's a nice definition... Reminds me I should get a butcher apron... I have a good selection of knives, if that helps... :lol:
    left the forum March 2023
  • Wirral_paul
    Wirral_paul Posts: 2,476
    Cant wait for my new wheels to arrive later this week - courtesy of our resident expert wheelbuilder ^^^. I've gone for Archetype rims, DT comp spokes, and Novatech hubs. 32 rear and 28 front for me - but heavier than the OP. All black too - including the spokes.

    Edit - just received my tracking number - they're on their way!! :D:D
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Chris MB wrote:
    Hi all,

    Away for the weekend so apologies for the slow reply but a big thanks for the posts.

    I know this makes me look like an idiot but I shy away from the handmade stuff because I simply haven’t got a clue what it’s all about? I love my cycling but get lost when people start getting technical. I guess going with factory wheels just seems more straight forward. I confess this in the hope that others, and I am sure (I hope!) there must be others, learn a little bit at the same time.

    Thanks again for your patient replies.

    Chris

    It's like buying fruit and veg or meat from a green grocers or butchers rather than the supermarket! I.E you get good advice from someone who knows what they are talking about and has a vested interest in selling a suitable product at a good price.

    That's a nice definition... Reminds me I should get a butcher apron... I have a good selection of knives, if that helps... :lol:

    Maybe not the most appropriate analogy but it is true! I would rather shop at specialist shop and get the best advice/price than take my chances with a generic wheel manufacturer. I have images of Edward Scissorhands building wheels now!