New Wheels

cannondalerun
cannondalerun Posts: 34
edited March 2016 in Road buying advice
Hi

I have a Cannondale Synapse 106 with Shimano RS11 wheels, Shimano 105 5800, 11-32, 11-speed.

I bought this in June last year and managed to clock up 1500K by December, I have a target of 2800K this year, I may do a few Sportives but mainly I just go out on my own and do 50K, 75K, 100K rides. I am about 96K so carrying a bit of weight but expect to trim a few kilos when summer kicks in.

The Cannondale is a really comfortable ride but I was wondering what I would get out of investing in an upgrade on the wheelset as the bike cost me £1600.00 last year I couldn't justify spending too much but would go up to £900.00 if the benefits could be realised.

I have looked on Wiggle and read the reviews and post about wheels here but to be honest I find it all very confusing.

Shimano RS81 C35 Carbon Clincher Wheelset and the Shimano Dura Ace 9000 C35 caught my eye on Wiggle but that was only based on the reviews which are very favourable.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

J

Comments

  • dstev55
    dstev55 Posts: 742
    Depends what type of riding you do but the Shimano wheels are a bit old school compared to newer designs (narrower rims and v shaped profiles instead of u).

    At your weight I'd probably be looking at something with a weight limit over 100kg just to make sure you're not pushing their limits.

    Have a look at this guy:

    http://dcrwheels.co.uk/products/dcr-com ... rbon-rims/

    He was very helpful when I emailed him recently and only heard good things about his wheels.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Why the Shimano obsession?
    I would stick some Mavics or Fulcrums on personally.
    Get something you like aesthetically.
    Maybe use the opportunity to be able to change something like rim width or tyre type (tubeless?).
    Am not suggesting you do either of these things, but just be aware of the possibilities.

    Don't get too hung up on weight limits. As long as you are within them I would say get the wheels you like and enjoy them.

    A few pounds is not going to make much difference, but if your plan is to lose proper weight then thats going to help your riding a lot.

    You have to really want to be lighter though, not just 'like' to be IME.
    I would like to be a millionaire, but I have never got off my ar5e to do anything about it other than buy a lottery ticket.

    Don't expect too much from the wheels.
    They will look fantastic, ride/feel better, but take any performance improvements as a bonus rather than try to measure them.
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    dstev55 wrote:
    Depends what type of riding you do but the Shimano wheels are a bit old school compared to newer designs (narrower rims and v shaped profiles instead of u).

    At your weight I'd probably be looking at something with a weight limit over 100kg just to make sure you're not pushing their limits.

    Have a look at this guy:

    http://dcrwheels.co.uk/products/dcr-com ... rbon-rims/

    He was very helpful when I emailed him recently and only heard good things about his wheels.

    Thanks for then link, I did read, in these forums, that going bespoke is a good alternative - I will send them an email, did you end up ordering or was it just an enquiry ?
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    Carbonator wrote:
    Why the Shimano obsession?
    I would stick some Mavics or Fulcrums on personally.
    Get something you like aesthetically.
    Maybe use the opportunity to be able to change something like rim width or tyre type (tubeless?).
    Am not suggesting you do either of these things, but just be aware of the possibilities.

    Don't get too hung up on weight limits. As long as you are within them I would say get the wheels you like and enjoy them.

    A few pounds is not going to make much difference, but if your plan is to lose proper weight then thats going to help your riding a lot.

    You have to really want to be lighter though, not just 'like' to be IME.
    I would like to be a millionaire, but I have never got off my ar5e to do anything about it other than buy a lottery ticket.

    Don't expect too much from the wheels.
    They will look fantastic, ride/feel better, but take any performance improvements as a bonus rather than try to measure them.

    No particular allegiance to Shimano other than that's what I have now and they seem popular with the Wiggle community. I plan to loose at least 21lbs and I know I will see tremendous benefits, better ride is my main objective.
  • dstev55
    dstev55 Posts: 742
    CannondaleRun wrote:
    dstev55 wrote:
    Depends what type of riding you do but the Shimano wheels are a bit old school compared to newer designs (narrower rims and v shaped profiles instead of u).

    At your weight I'd probably be looking at something with a weight limit over 100kg just to make sure you're not pushing their limits.

    Have a look at this guy:

    http://dcrwheels.co.uk/products/dcr-com ... rbon-rims/

    He was very helpful when I emailed him recently and only heard good things about his wheels.

    Thanks for then link, I did read, in these forums, that going bespoke is a good alternative - I will send them an email, did you end up ordering or was it just an enquiry ?

    No but it may be something I do over the summer. He sent me so much detail I almost felt a bit guilty in not buying anything off him as you could tell it was a personal email response and not automated.
  • trek_dan
    trek_dan Posts: 1,366
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.
  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    trek_dan wrote:
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.


    Like this as a starter

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Handbuilt-H-P ... 68d8767015

    Well regarded and easily serviced hubs
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    trek_dan wrote:
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.

    Interesting, Strada are no longer recommending these wheels or are they - it is a bit confusing

    http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/product/h ... archetype/



    J
  • bristolpete
    bristolpete Posts: 2,255
    CannondaleRun wrote:
    trek_dan wrote:
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.

    Interesting, Strada are no longer recommending these wheels or are they - it is a bit confusing

    http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/product/h ... archetype/



    J

    Interesting that. Pay peanuts. I wonder what cost was to Strada wheels ? Not ideal and crazy to think that these were the 'go to' rims / build 2/3 years ago. Alright on a Mongoose Maurice on Brick lane I suppose.
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    bristolpete wrote:
    CannondaleRun wrote:
    trek_dan wrote:
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.

    Interesting, Strada are no longer recommending these wheels or are they - it is a bit confusing

    http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/product/h ... archetype/



    J

    Interesting that. Pay peanuts. I wonder what cost was to Strada wheels ? Not ideal and crazy to think that these were the 'go to' rims / build 2/3 years ago. Alright on a Mongoose Maurice on Brick lane I suppose.

    I think they are being honest and telling it as it is, however,it's not a recommendation for h-son, I wonder what they thought of their stance. maybe they took it on the chin and upped their game.
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,223
    CannondaleRun wrote:
    trek_dan wrote:
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.

    Interesting, Strada are no longer recommending these wheels or are they - it is a bit confusing

    http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/product/h ... archetype/ J

    I read it as they are saying that they are happy to build with them again as of December 2015.

    Strada says – December 2015 update – we have built a few pairs of H Plus Son Archetype rims during this autumn and the quality of these rims has improved. So although there are more rim options around now in terms of price and shape we are happy to build with these rims again.
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    ...or have a chat with "the cycle clinic". Malcolm has just built me some lovely H+ Son Archetypes (24/28) on DA9000 with Laser/Race. Less than 1700g, cost less than £500 and the hubs will last longer than I do.

    Wide rims give a smooth plush ride on 25s with good safe cornering, perfect for a big lad or a 65kg weakling like me.
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    Bobbinogs wrote:
    ...or have a chat with "the cycle clinic". Malcolm has just built me some lovely H+ Son Archetypes (24/28) on DA9000 with Laser/Race. Less than 1700g, cost less than £500 and the hubs will last longer than I do.

    Wide rims give a smooth plush ride on 25s with good safe cornering, perfect for a big lad or a 65kg weakling like me.

    Thanks , my heart is telling me splash out a bit but my head is telling me stick to £500.00 or less and see how it goes.
  • kleinstroker
    kleinstroker Posts: 2,133
    check the classifieds, same wheels as above for £430

    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=13061824
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    DJ58 wrote:
    CannondaleRun wrote:
    trek_dan wrote:
    H Son Plus Archetype handbuilts, 28 hole front and 32 rear. Best hubs you can afford. Sorted.

    Interesting, Strada are no longer recommending these wheels or are they - it is a bit confusing

    http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/product/h ... archetype/ J

    I read it as they are saying that they are happy to build with them again as of December 2015.

    Strada says – December 2015 update – we have built a few pairs of H Plus Son Archetype rims during this autumn and the quality of these rims has improved. So although there are more rim options around now in terms of price and shape we are happy to build with these rims again.

    I was leaning towards the H-Son but see the coating rubs off on the braking surface after about 600K, that would annoy the hell out of me.
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,815
    To be honest, once it has rubbed off they just look like any other rims with a silver brake track. There's just a short period when they look a bit scruffy as the coating wears off.

    If you only use them in the dry with clean brake pads the coating can last quite a while.
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    MrB123 wrote:
    To be honest, once it has rubbed off they just look like any other rims with a silver brake track. There's just a short period when they look a bit scruffy as the coating wears off.

    If you only use them in the dry with clean brake pads the coating can last quite a while.

    I have severe OCD , it would keep me awake at night :D

    J
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,815
    How about a set of these then?

    http://thecycleclinic.co.uk/collections ... 3-wheelset
  • bikes`n`guns
    bikes`n`guns Posts: 959
    I liked the C35 dura ace jobs, but ended up having hand built ones made.

    Wheelsmith race 30 with dura ace hubs. First ride was today and I couldn`t be any happier, they are fantastic. £660
    Trek,,,, too cool for school ,, apparently
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    Bikes`n`guns wrote:
    I liked the C35 dura ace jobs, but ended up having hand built ones made.

    Wheelsmith race 30 with dura ace hubs. First ride was today and I couldn`t be any happier, they are fantastic. £660

    Funny you should mention the Race 30 as they did catch my eye, I would be interested to know how you get on with them and what spoke spec you went with.

    What is the main difference you noticed from your previous set of wheels ?

    J
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    Update

    I called in at my dealer today to seek an opinion on what new wheels will give me.

    They sell most brands but recommend Mavic Ksyrium Pro, £599.00 complete with tyres and fitted and set up on the bike.

    Considering Wiggle price

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mavic-ksyrium-p ... -wheelset/

    I can't complain at the price and service, what are you thoughts on the Mavics?

    John
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,815
    Not sure a wheelbuilder would recommend 18 spokes for the front wheel for you, although the blurb suggests they're good for riders up to 120kg.

    If you're keen on Mavics you could consider the new Ksyrium Elites which are only slightly heavier but would save you a fair bit of cash as currently available at Merlin for 360 to 400 quid depending on hub colour.
    https://www.merlincycles.com/mavic-ksyr ... 84174.html
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    MrB123 wrote:
    Not sure a wheelbuilder would recommend 18 spokes for the front wheel for you, although the blurb suggests they're good for riders up to 120kg.

    If you're keen on Mavics you could consider the new Ksyrium Elites which are only slightly heavier but would save you a fair bit of cash as currently available at Merlin for 360 to 400 quid depending on hub colour.
    https://www.merlincycles.com/mavic-ksyr ... 84174.html

    Thanks, my dealer offered me a similar price on the Elites , fitted etc

    Question is would I know the difference for the extra £150.00
  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,815
    Think the weight difference is 75 grams so pretty unlikely you'll notice that!

    The main advantage I can see for the more expensive Mavic wheels is that they have 24 spokes rear compared to 20 for the Elites, although they both state the same weight limit of 120kg.

    TBH if you want a more sensible spoke count then handbuilts are the way forward.
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    MrB123 wrote:
    Think the weight difference is 75 grams so pretty unlikely you'll notice that!

    The main advantage I can see for the more expensive Mavic wheels is that they have 24 spokes rear compared to 20 for the Elites, although they both state the same weight limit of 120kg.

    TBH if you want a more sensible spoke count then handbuilts are the way forward.

    http://www.mavic.co.uk/comparator?a=731955

    The only difference I can see is carbon / alloy hubs and spoke material. Everything else looks the same
  • cannondalerun
    cannondalerun Posts: 34
    MrB123 wrote:
    Think the weight difference is 75 grams so pretty unlikely you'll notice that!

    The main advantage I can see for the more expensive Mavic wheels is that they have 24 spokes rear compared to 20 for the Elites, although they both state the same weight limit of 120kg.

    TBH if you want a more sensible spoke count then handbuilt are the way forward.

    http://www.cyclehouse.co.uk/m5b0s118p16 ... E-WHEELSET

    I get 10% OFF and free fitting plus a free check on my bike fit posture to see if its changed since last year, I have a £70.00 credit in the toll from a return of some shoes last year. So for £326.00, I get a new set of wheels and tyres + a set-up check.

    I am also thinking handmade is the way to go but maybe next year is the time to look at that option.

    J
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    I'd say the opposite. Handbuilts now and mavics once you've shed some weight!
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    Yepp, and then keep the handbuilts for winter usage as they can be rebuilt when the rims wear out with the crap weather.

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