Upgrade Wheels?

The reason wheels are generally accepted as a good upgrade option is that they are easy portable to another bike so even if you drop some cash on them you can use them for another bike down the road.

Couple of questions:
1) what don't you like about your current wheels?
2) what type of riding do you do?
3) do you plan on racing?

Many folks like myself have multiple sets of wheels; one set to train on and another to race on. But, that might not be where you're headed.

capwater said:

The reason wheels are generally accepted as a good upgrade option is that they are easy portable to another bike so even if you drop some cash on them you can use them for another bike down the road.

Couple of questions:
1) what don't you like about your current wheels?
2) what type of riding do you do?
3) do you plan on racing?

Many folks like myself have multiple sets of wheels; one set to train on and another to race on. But, that might not be where you're headed.

Answers:
1)I wouldn't say that I dislike these wheels. I don't really know what I am missing from a nicer set. I need to buy wheels for one of my bikes. Do I replace the set on the new bike with something nicer, or do I keep them and get wheels for the old bike (it has old rusty wheels).

2)I commute to work 3-4 days a week with a smallish load in a pannier. I take for me a longish (30 - 40 miles) training ride or two on the weekend and sometimes train during the week.

3)Yes, On the road, but I have no delusions of grandeur. I just want to participate and not embaris myself. Thus in July I will participate in a couple races.

5005TimDoug said:

I am new to cycling, and have purchased a Giant OCR-2 (ninespeed shimano). I am thinking about spending some money on the bike, and think wheels may be the way to go based on comments made in other posts, and I would like the "old" wheels for my old crappy rain bike. The current wheels are Xero Lite-2 or some such name.

However, I am a little confused about the way to go here. I have heard people dog on stock wheels on bikes like mine, are the wheels really sucky? How much do I spend on new ones to attain a noticible difference? Where does the point of dimishing returns really kick in for wheels?

Thanks

I had a Giant OCR-2, just upgraded to a giant full comp ocr1, and put over 1500 miles on the Xero Liet-2 wheels. I am a large guy, 285, and only had 2 flats for all those miles. I didn't break a spoke as I've seen many other guys do with much more expensive wheels. I have recently gotten the Mavic Open Pro wheels with Ultegra hubs w/ 32 spokes. Only reason I got them is I wanted to upgrade to something a little stronger and a little lighter. Just my 2 cents though.

5005TimDoug said:

I am new to cycling, and have purchased a Giant OCR-2 (ninespeed shimano). I am thinking about spending some money on the bike, and think wheels may be the way to go based on comments made in other posts, and I would like the "old" wheels for my old crappy rain bike. The current wheels are Xero Lite-2 or some such name.

However, I am a little confused about the way to go here. I have heard people dog on stock wheels on bikes like mine, are the wheels really sucky? How much do I spend on new ones to attain a noticible difference? Where does the point of dimishing returns really kick in for wheels?

Thanks

As you are new, I would probably not make any decisions right now and just ride your Xero's. There are a lot of choices out there and I would take the time to do some research (this is a good place to start). Personally, I have two sets of wheels. Campy Proton's and Campy Eurus'. the Eurus are lighter and more aero. Also, they have a better feeling ride. The Proton's are rock solid, a little heavier but they have a lower profile to them. I ride along the coast and the Proton's aren't effected by crosswinds like the mid-aero Eurus' are. A good all around wheel is teh Ksyrium SL or Elite if you want to save a few bucks. Very sturdy, aero due to the bladed spokes, but good for all conditions. I have the Elite's and they can't touch my Eurus' for speed and ride quality, but they're a lower price point so it's not a fair comparison. Think about what you're looking for and consult this site frequently. There are lot's of threads about wheels. I bought the Eurus' after exchanging some posts with another member and also reading some positive comments about them. I'm also over 200 lbs, and everything I have read suggested they would be a good wheel for me. 2,000 miles later and they are still perfectly true. My Proton's have over 5,000 miles on them and they are still perfect as well. As far as price, $800 get's you very high quality (if not super light) Ksyrium SL's, Dura Ace 7800's, Eurus' or Easton Ascent II's (to name a few). A nice set of Mavic Open Pro's with a record or Dura Ace quality hub will cost $300-350 or so. I know some very strong cyclists that won't ride anything but those.

PeterF said:

As you are new, I would probably not make any decisions right now and just ride your Xero's. There are a lot of choices out there and I would take the time to do some research (this is a good place to start). Personally, I have two sets of wheels. Campy Proton's and Campy Eurus'. the Eurus are lighter and more aero. Also, they have a better feeling ride. The Proton's are rock solid, a little heavier but they have a lower profile to them. I ride along the coast and the Proton's aren't effected by crosswinds like the mid-aero Eurus' are. A good all around wheel is teh Ksyrium SL or Elite if you want to save a few bucks. Very sturdy, aero due to the bladed spokes, but good for all conditions. I have the Elite's and they can't touch my Eurus' for speed and ride quality, but they're a lower price point so it's not a fair comparison. Think about what you're looking for and consult this site frequently. There are lot's of threads about wheels. I bought the Eurus' after exchanging some posts with another member and also reading some positive comments about them. I'm also over 200 lbs, and everything I have read suggested they would be a good wheel for me. 2,000 miles later and they are still perfectly true. My Proton's have over 5,000 miles on them and they are still perfect as well. As far as price, $800 get's you very high quality (if not super light) Ksyrium SL's, Dura Ace 7800's, Eurus' or Easton Ascent II's (to name a few). A nice set of Mavic Open Pro's with a record or Dura Ace quality hub will cost $300-350 or so. I know some very strong cyclists that won't ride anything but those.

I agree. Just ride your xero's and maybe buy some cheap wheels for your commuter bike (just $50 wheels. Just make sure you stop riding those rusted wheels)

Keep the wheels, for now. When you have a concrete reason for off-loading 'em, or you just have a bunch o' cash itchin' to burn a hole in your pocket, get some others. Some more miles and some more experience will help you, down the road, better define what you want.

Thanks,

The LBS said the same thing yesterday. Research in this forum shows me that people like new toys and do not hesitate to spend other peoples money. If the LBS doesn't feel the need for my money either, then heck it seems I have a pretty easy decision to make:

I will buy inexpensive wheels for the old bike.

Reynolds KOMs or DV ULs would go nicely 😉