Wheel upgrade...is it worth it?

LAXman
LAXman Posts: 9
edited August 2014 in Road beginners
I'm fairly new to biking. September of last year I bought a giant defy 2.... then in January I decided to enter my first triathlon. Its being held in September. So I have been training moderately hard. My question is.... is it worth upgrading the wheels on the bike. I don't mind spending a few dollars (<$1k), but is it really worth it?

Comments

  • t4tomo
    t4tomo Posts: 2,643
    Probably yes, but not a $1ks worth. Best upgrade is you getting fitter stronger better. However wheels (and tyres) are the main place that manufacturers skimp to get to a price point so you will feel some benefit from getting some better wheels.
    Bianchi Infinito CV
    Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Ultegra
    Brompton S Type
    Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd
    Gary Fisher Aquila '98
    Front half of a Viking Saratoga Tandem
  • simon_masterson
    simon_masterson Posts: 2,740
    Why do you want to upgrade them?

    And to what?

    If you're looking to improve/change the ride quality of your bike, wheels generally make the most noticeable difference. A good wheelset can make cycling much more enjoyable. They also make sense as an investment - you can move them between bikes.

    However, if your question is 'will they make me go faster?', the answer is 'not really'.
    Retro(ish) TT 2017-
    Fixed TT 2015-2016
  • LAXman
    LAXman Posts: 9
    Yes would love to go faster and I'm doing quite a bit of conditioning. However, for only about 8 months now.... After doing a lot of reading, doesn't seem like much if any gain in speed would be seen. But I thought I would ask around. I ride mostly flat road, very windy... I'm either into the wind or with it (live on the shore/coast). I use the bike a lot for commuting to my soccer, tennis, and just to ride. Typical ride times are 30 minutes to a little over 2 hours several times a weeks.

    thanks for the info.

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