Lightweight Cassettes - do they make a difference? - Page 2

Originally Posted by Frank D.

Then whats the point of owning the "high profile" wheelset? And why would anyone even need a set of wheels as light weight as 1380g? Why would anyone ever need to Lighten Up !

Originally Posted by alienator

Anyone that says they can feel the aerodynamic benefit of a high profile wheelset is a liar. The BEST aero wheels provide a 0.3-0.5 mph benefit at 25mph. Whether that's insignificant or not depends on the rider's needs. Light wheels are fine. Just don't expect to feel any benefit. The only time that anyone is likely to feel the difference in wheelset weights is when they are throwing the bike back and forth on a climb...maybe in a sprint. You won't, however, feel the difference in how a wheel accelerates. Do the math.

Just because the performance benefits are marginal, small, or possibly even non existent doesn't mean that someone shouldn't buy said bits. If it gets you excited about riding, they're good bits to buy. Also, if durability is still good, having a lighter, more aero wheelset doesn't hurt anything.

Besides, there are other reasons for buying lightweight stuff. It's an entertaining technical exercise to build a bike that is as light as possible while still having the durability and function that a given rider demands.

As for "needing to lighten up" their bike(s), no one "needs" to do that.