Wheels

D Hall said:

Could someone please explain the difference between a good and bad pair of wheels. Is it that
'good' wheels simply last longer and stay true for longer, or are there also noticeable difference
in handling/speed etc.

A perfectly true wheel will run better than one that isn't, of course!

Beyond that, better wheels will have better components which should help the performance. Better
materials will make a better rim/spoke set lighter for the same strength, and better bearings will
make better hubs run better (and for longer).

Quite where you put in along the steepening curve of the Law of Diminishing Returns will depend on
pocket depth and use. There really isn't any point spending hundreds on wheels for a grotty hack
bike, as you'd be better off spreading your budget more evenly. As with complete bikes, you can get
a very respectable, competent product for a relatively small amount of money. But you can get a
better one for more, and though bangs/buck is a useful measure of value for money, if you've got the
bucks and want more bang then it's just a case of deciding what the bank balance will take while not
spending an amount out of proportion with the rest of the bike.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

"Peter Clinch" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

D Hall said:

Could someone please explain the difference between a good and bad pair of wheels. Is it that
'good' wheels simply last longer and stay true for longer, or are there also noticeable
difference in handling/speed etc.

There are 2 definitions of good wheels. Those that are high quality and good, those that just
look good.

Some low spoke count, high rim depth will cost a lot of money (at least those of low weight),
but the quality of hubs etc. may be debatable. On the other hand, something such as Mavic Open
Pros built on Chorus or Record Hubs will be of excellent quality and last maybe 'a lifetime',
but look standard.

Whatever rocks ya boat! I couldn't make my mind up so I use the latter for training and the former
for racing :-)

--
Mark

"Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak"

D Hall said:

Could someone please explain the difference between a good and bad pair of wheels. Is it that
'good' wheels simply last longer and stay true for longer, or are there also noticeable difference
in handling/speed etc. I've been thinking of splashing out on some new ones for a while but can't
work out whether it's particularly worth
it.

It is sometimes claimed that some wheels are better than others because they're "stiffer" (for
better acceleration) or "more comfortable" (??). I've got my doubts about these factors but keep an
open mind mainly because I haven't ridden any really top end fancy wheels yet.

The more major factors are:

1) Stength and reliability - from good choice of components and quality of build (correct & even
tension, stress relieved, etc).

2) Weight - as well as hubs & rims, choice of spokes can make a difference.

3) Aerodynamics - deep rim and low spoke count or bladed spokes will reduce drag at high speed.

~PB

(D Hall) said:

Could someone please explain the difference between a good and bad pair of wheels.

Good ones don't break.

Really good ones use light bits, and still don't break.

If you get them muddy, then hubs that are well sealed are worth having.

"MSA" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

On the other hand, something such as Mavic Open Pros built on Chorus or Record Hubs will be of
excellent quality and last maybe 'a lifetime', but look standard.

Agreed - an Open Pro/high-end hub combo will, if well-built, give a durable, long-lasting wheelset.
Use the right number/type of spokes and you can actually make them lighter than a pair of flash
factory-built wheels like Mavic Ksyriums - I think the Sapim Laser is the usual spoke of choice in
this respect (see, for example, Oldham Cycle Centre's ads in CW). The Open Pro-based wheels will
also have the advantage of being more easily serviced if they do go wrong.

David E. Belcher

Dept. of Chemistry, University of York

"Andy Dingley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

(D Hall) said:

Could someone please explain the difference between a good and bad pair of wheels.

Good ones don't break.

Really good ones use light bits, and still don't break.

If you get them muddy, then hubs that are well sealed are worth having.

If anyone's interested in a Campag/Open Pro set check out Ribbles. I bought a set built on Record
for £179 inc. a pair of wheel bags. Bloody well built too. Don't think you'll find cheaper.

--
Mark

"Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak"