Upgrading PSL-1 Wheelset on Giant TCR

mjjbuk

Hi I'm looking to upgrade the Giant PSL-1 wheelset on my TCR Advanced. I'm looking at the DURA-ACE C35's as an all rounder wheel. The PSL-1's are around 1775g and the C35's are around 1500g. It's not a massive saving in weight - but any thoughts on if I'd notice much of a difference between the two sets as my first wheel upgrade? The C24's are also an option at around 1400g. Thanks

adambutterwick

My bike came with Mavic Aksiums (around 1800g, shallow rim) and I upgraded to some Planet X carbon tubulars (around 1300g, 50mm rim). Tbh I didn't notice much in the way of speed increase on the flats, the only aero effect I noticed was greater susceptibility to crosswinds. However the difference from a standing start and when powering up hills was much more dramatic; the pedals just feel like they have less resistance and I've been flying up hills with PBs on Strava. So I think you will notice the difference and my advice would be to go for the C24s, although it's entirely up to you. There's a tubeless option as well which is pretty cool.

mjjbuk

Thanks adambutterwick, really helpful. The C24's are cheaper too which is a bonus. I do like the look of the slightly deeper 35's though without going full aero...

mjjbuk

Is this what you bought adambutterwick? These are the clincher version though:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPP ... heels_650c

the_fuggler

The PSL-1s are pretty decent, but you should notice the difference with the C24s. I moved up to some Ksyrium Elites and they are better, but not massively so.

adambutterwick

It was actually these ones: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPP ... 0_wheelset

When I bought them though they were £399 with free tubs, the weight was quoted lower as well, think it was without skewers.

Yeah if you like the look of the c35s better by all means go for it, I find the better your bike looks the more motivated you are to ride it. The aero shaping is probably more sophisticated on the DAs too so you might notice more of a difference, depends how fast you ride I guess. I have noticed more speed when descending on the PXs.

mjjbuk

Thanks both... very helpful

bigpikle

P-SLR1 Aeros - just got some and very impressed. 1600g on my scales AND 50mm clincher. Stiff, fast wheels.

or what about the P-SLR non-aero at 1390g claimed weight and also look very nice. Velo Ecosse have them on offer as well

mjjbuk

Thanks Bigpikle. What's your thoughts on the heavier weight of the P-SLR 1 Aero V a lighter weight wheel? Love the look of the P-SLR 1 Aero - do they climb well too?

anto164

Just a question, not meaning to be rude... How heavy are you? I'm 11st5lb and my dura ace c24s flex a little bit. It's noticable when tanking it around corners. They are however fantastically comfortable and light when not gunning it.

mjjbuk

HI anto164 - I'm pretty much bang on 11stone (maybe just a smidge under on a lighter day)

bigpikle

mjjbuk wrote:

Thanks Bigpikle. What's your thoughts on the heavier weight of the P-SLR 1 Aero V a lighter weight wheel? Love the look of the P-SLR 1 Aero - do they climb well too?

well I swapped out the SLR1 Aeros for my Mavic Kysrium SLs a couple of days ago and they weigh about 100g more according to my scales. There is absolutely no noticeable difference except the Aeros feel NICER to ride. I rode a rolling 45 mile route yesterday and didnt notice any penalty on shorter steeper inclines or longer drags. The ride just felt better though and the Aeros are much stiffer feeling than the SLs with zero brake rub when out of the saddle hoofing up hills unlike the SLs. Hubs feel smoother and they really fly down descents.

What slightly surprised me was how much better the 50mm rims were in crosswinds than the SLs - which are notoriously UN-aero even for a box rim and get blown around all over the place. Being a classic alu rim with a fairing they also offer the same braking performance as the usual alu rims and at 1600g there really isnt much penalty at all.

I had plans to swap the SLs back on for some hilly events and when I go to the Pyrenees and Alps later in the year, as I THOUGHT the weight would be an issue, but I'm not even sure I'll bother know frankly :roll: If I had the 1390g SLRs though it might be a different question as if they come up to weight then it would be 200g difference which might be more noticeable on long mountain climbs. I suspect the Aeros are the same rim with the carbon fairing added which I also suspect stiffens them up slightly, but thats just a guess?

mjjbuk

Great review thanks Bigpikie. Decisions... decisions...