Should a non-racer bother upgrading wheels?



BiggMakk

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Oct 3, 2005
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I don't race, at least not in any organized manner. I do ride a few times a week with an ad hoc group. I'm not talented; better on longer hills; terrible at accelerations and sprints; I'm just trying to improve against myself only.

My bike is decent with alu/carbon frame, Ultegra, FSA and Keo pedals. However, it's got some low-end wheels: Shimano 500. The wheels have never given me any problems (at least not with Conti Grand Prix 4000 tires) but they aren't particularly attractive either, comparatively to the rest of the bike.

I truly enjoy biking and I ride the hell out of bike at least 6 days/200 miles per week. What benefit would I gain from upgrading my wheels for the type of riding I do?

Thanks,
 
BiggMakk said:
What benefit would I gain from upgrading my wheels for the type of riding I do?

Thanks,
200 miles per week is not bad... maybe your actual wheels could do 2 years at that pace; after 2 years you could buy a new pair (an upgraded pair), for example dt 1450, or mavic r-sys (if you want to keep yourself on the aluminium...)...and keep those shimano just when riding alone, not with other people ;)
 
It's your cash. I ride with guys who never race, but have 5k invested in bikes. Those aren't terrible wheels. I train on a variety of wheels, some $135 Alex 300s, all which are perfectly acceptable to me. I save my Rolf Vigors for races. A second set of wheels isn't a bad idea and any new bling wheels can be ported over to a new bike down the road. Be advised though, that better wheels won't make you a superstar accelerator overnight.
 
+1 to capwater. I don't race any longer but I upgraded the wheels on my Raleigh and it was money well spent. The wheels themselves did a little to improve my rides, but the price encouraged me to be more conscientious about my riding style and the psychological effect was very positive, at least it was for me. Now I have more fun and ride more often. Do what you want, but don't base your decision soley on the fact that you are a non-racer.
 
It's about personal enjoyment and budget. Regardless if you race or not, a high quality, lighter wheelset will make your ride feel that much more enjoyable. No amateur or weekend warrior really needs to have a set of $5000 Lightweights, but it sure is nice to have if the opportunity arises and the budget allows for them.

If you want to upgrade with a new wheelset, I would actually steer towards a custom build wheelset rather than the overpriced, over-hyped, pre-fab wheelsets with spokes that are next to impossible to source if one snaps on you. Since you already have Ultegra gear, I would suggest building a wheelset with Dura-Ace hubset, Mavic Open Pro or DT RR1.1 rims and DT Revolution or Sapim CX spokes. Strong, smooth, lightweight, reliable, high quality and easy to repair. This is just one combo, there are other great set-ups as well, ie. Chris King hubs, DT 240 hubs, Ritchey WCS rims, etc.

Ultimately, it's the engine that impresses.
 
There is no more bang for the buck than going with better and lighter wheels. You'll feel it climbing especially. I replaced the stock Bontragers on my Lemond Zurich with Duraace 7801's. Night and day. Even though i have the DuraAce wheels, I don't disagree with Tech72's post above - custom built is a good way to go.

Your LBS should let you try out a pair of nice wheels for a spin before you commit.
 
i'm do not race but just a casual rider. i upgraded from the mavic aksium to the ksyrium ssc sl (which what some called pro racer uses even though i'm not). and i'm loving it :)

if you have the budget, why not having a better pair of wheels? go for it :D
 
It's only money, and you can't take it with you.

Get some new wheels if that's what you want - even if it doesn't make a difference, you'll feel better for having done it.
 
Shimano 500 are sturdy as you say - but yes buy the better wheelset - look at what other people spend their money on - some spend $3000+ on a television!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Millions of people would spend more than the cost of a good wheelset on cigarettes in a couple of months, and how long will your wheels last. I think I have even convinced myself to get a new set of race wheels - what type are you thinking about.

Enjoy your bike.
 
The Shimano 500s are very similar to the 540s - ie, same spoke count, just about same weight, same rim profile. And the 540s rank quite well, aerodynamically speaking, on www.bikephysics.com
It's your money, spend it how you like...sometimes we just "need" to get something new to keep up our motivation on the bike, I understand that.
But, don't expect anything magical from "upgrading" your wheels, performance-wise. Sometimes spending more money on an "upgraded" wheelset gets you less....hence the link above to the bikephysics site.
I race on Fulcrum 7s, Campy Protons, and Open Pro handbuilts - all pretty much less than US $300 wheelsets....and, FWIW, I'm a Cat 1 here. Something to think about when considering "upgrades".
 
Thinking about the same thing here. Price-point is the big inhibitor for me, as we are on a serious budget here, but I really want to see what difference this makes. Also, like others who have posted to this forum, whenever I upgrade a component, it always seems to motivate me a little more to ride.

Now, what wheel to go grab....
 
BiggMakk said:
What benefit would I gain from upgrading my wheels for the type of riding I do?
Since you asked the question I'm assuming that you are thinking about upgrading your wheelset but you feel like you need some kind of objective justification.

So Mack, Do you have any pictures on your walls at home? What benefit to you gain from them? If it was purely for esthetics, what's wrong with that?
 
BiggMakk said:
I don't race, at least not in any organized manner. I do ride a few times a week with an ad hoc group. I'm not talented; better on longer hills; terrible at accelerations and sprints; I'm just trying to improve against myself only.

My bike is decent with alu/carbon frame, Ultegra, FSA and Keo pedals. However, it's got some low-end wheels: Shimano 500. The wheels have never given me any problems (at least not with Conti Grand Prix 4000 tires) but they aren't particularly attractive either, comparatively to the rest of the bike.

I truly enjoy biking and I ride the hell out of bike at least 6 days/200 miles per week. What benefit would I gain from upgrading my wheels for the type of riding I do?

Thanks,
"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"
&
"Form follows function"
&
A second pair of wheels ready to ride will allow you to keep you riding more.
 
I agree with everyone. But as with other things...money is finite. Do I give top-notch holiday gifts to others or to myself? Big decision. Thanks all.
 

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