08 Specialized Allez Elite!!

cbr shadow

All road bikes I've had up to this point were 1970's hand-me-downs that were fine for riding, but I wanted something more modern. About a month ago I picked up a 2008 Specialized Allez Elite. This bike is great! I did a century 3 weeks ago with it and was very comfortable. I ride it to work every day (20mi round trip) and some evening/weekend rides. I'm training for another century ride coming up (July 28th).
The group I want to ride with stay in a pack that I was able to keep up with for about 40 miles, but they lost me a while later. They're all probably simliar or better riders than I am, but they also all have super light high-end bikes that probably help a bit too.

On to my question.. I'm considering upgrading my wheels to be lighter and help with acceleration and hills. The bike came with "Jalco Dynamics 270" wheels in front and rear. I'm told these are very heavy and should be the first
upgrade on this bike.. correct?

If I'm going to upgrade, what wheelset would you recommend? I'm on a budget so I'm not looking to spend $800+ on wheels, but I'd like there to be a significant improvement. Am I able to get by with $500 wheels? What would you go with if you were in my spot?

Thanks,
Ryan

cbr shadow

I should also mention that I'm 210 lbs (not fat) and looking to hover around 200. I assume some wheels would be "too light" for me.

wishitwasallflat

Get a set of handbuilts from a good builder

cbr shadow

I'm not sure where a builder would be in my area. Is there a reason why you would do that rather than buy Easton or Mavic wheels?

wishitwasallflat

Check out numerous previous threads on this - with handbuilt you can speak to a builder about you, your riding style., aims and weight etc and they can recommend a set just for you. They are easy to repair rebuild if needed - factory built wheels are not as readily repairable as they often use specific difficult to get spokes. No offence meant but even at 200lbs you are at the heavier end of the spectrum and handbuilts ime are much much more reliable.

Where are you based - if you fancy handbuilts post on here and someone may be able to recommend someone?

cbr shadow

I'm located in Chicago, IL.
What should a decent set of handbuilt's cost me?

mattv

Avoid Eastons. I have seen too many simply not be up to standard in the UK. Handbuilt is a good way to go, DT Swiss or Mavic open pro rims, ultegra hubs and DT competition spokes should be in your budget (if my currency conversion is correct). Just shy of £300 plus any labour.

cooper.michael1

As much as I agree with the hand built recommendations, i've not had a single issue with Mavic factory wheels in the last 10 years (I've weighed between 69kg and 80kg in that time). Mavic tend not to be the lightest, but they don't use go OTT with it by using aluminium nipples, or freehub bodies therefore they are durable.

Handbuilt - for £180-£200 you can get a decent set of hubs (miche/105) built with Mavic Open Sports (or for a bit extra the lighter Open Pro) http://www.parker-international.co.uk/c ... Built.html

Factory - Mavic Aksiums are solid, durable and roll well. I've used them for all manner of things over the last couple of years, and whilst they don't feel quite as lively as my more expensive Mavic's in a blind test you would be hard pushed to tell. For £200 you get a decent wheelset.

wishitwasallflat

This forum is predominantly UK based - I've always found this one -

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay. ... ike-Forums

to be almost exclusively US so maybe post on there and someone may know someone local to you.