Wheels

JakeNJ · Aug 13, 2007

I am relatively new to cycling. I purchased a Giant TCR C3 last summer and I have put about 4000 miles on the bike. Lately I've been increasing my mileage; I've gone from about 100 - 120 miles a week to 150 - 200 miles. When I purchased my bike I remember the owner of shop telling me it was a great frame but he considered the wheels (Xero X-3) and the brakes (Tektro) to be sub-par as compared to the bike. That has stuck it my mind since I purchased the bike and I am now at the point where I am thinking about upgrading the wheels and the brakes. I am looking for a little advice about the wheels in particular. I started to look a little bit online just to get an idea of cost and I was stunned to come across a set that cost almost $1500. What is it that constitutes a good wheel? Is it simply weight or are there other factors? I need a little education.

rudycyclist · Aug 13, 2007

There are several factors.

1) Weight: Obviously the less weight, especially in the wheels because of rotating mass, the easier it is to go faster.

2) Aero: The more aero a wheel is the faster it will be. However, usually the more aero wheels are heavier because the rim is deeper. (See all the discussions on aero vs. weight, you will find plenty)

3) Stiffness: The more stiff a wheel is, usually they will corner better. Most alloy wheels have fairly similar stiffness. It is the lightweight carbon wheels that vary in stiffness for the most part.

sogood · Aug 13, 2007

JakeNJ said:
When I purchased my bike I remember the owner of shop telling me it was a great frame but he considered the wheels (Xero X-3) and the brakes (Tektro) to be sub-par as compared to the bike. That has stuck it my mind since I purchased the bike...

Smart sales staff. Targeted seeding of future market.

dhk2 · Aug 13, 2007

Agree with sogood. The LBS has planted the seed well. When your X-3 wheels break a spoke or go out of true, don't be surprised if they bring out a set of SSLs (at $900 USD).

Actually, when the salesman said "sub-par", you should have asked what he meant. A good reply would be "if this bike has junk wheels that will fall apart after one season, or bad brakes that won't stop me, I'll look elsewhere". Then watch his response

kdelong · Aug 13, 2007

Gotta agree with sogood and dhk2 on this one! When you think about it, are your wheels holding you back or are your brakes not holding you back? I have come up to the point where my personal upgrades are only be done when something breaks. Then it is OK to replace it with a "higher quality" part.

Retro Grouch · Aug 13, 2007

JakeNJ said:
What is it that constitutes a good wheel?

Open Pro rims on Ultegra hubs. Most mailorder outlets sell them for around $225.00 per set. They're not the lightest or the most aero or the most anything. What they are is a good, solid wheelset that's fixable. You can get replacement spokes anywhere. If the freehub body dies, a new one only costs about $25.00 or $30.00. Sometimes boreing is good.

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