Advice on wheel upgrade for a road bike
Posted: 10 Nov 2014, 13:46
Following up on the success of the topic 'Advice on new road tyre' I'm hoping to get some advice on a new wheelset. To be honest, I find the options out there so many and a bit overwhelming.
I understand that different wheels serve different purposes and styles and I have heard that in selecting a wheel you can only elect 2 out of these 3 factors: weight, aero, cheap.
- Current wheels: Most Wildcat F3 (not 100% sure on the F3). These are the standard wheels that come in the entry level pinarellos. I couldn't find much about them online, but they have 27 and 20 round spokes (mix of J and straight) and someone in a post said they weigh 1895g/pair.
- Type of riding: Club riding and daily commute. No intention of racing.
- Expectations: I'm not a fast rider and I'm not interested in fast sprints. Since I'm relatively light (+/-70k) I'd like a wheel to help with climbs and the constant start/spot of commuting and our rides. If matters I normally ride with the C28s.
- The all important budget: $500 (can stretch it a bit for the perfect wheel capable of climbing itself). I know this could be a turn off to many, but apart from not having the money I couldn't justify an expensive wheel well above my riding abilities.
Things I'm considering:
- Custom. I know people say a custom wheel is the best option and value for money. But I have faced 2 issues. Firstly the cost appears to easily go over $1,000 or $1,500 + delivery + assembly. Ant the second problem is that I have no idea which components to select.
- Campagnolo Zonda. Read some good reviews and its under budget. Apparently these are the Fulcrum F3 with different stickers and a tad cheaper. http://www.wiggle.com.au/campagnolo-zon ... -wheelset/
- Mavic Ksyrium Equipe. Note these are not the Elite which are more expensive. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/e ... -prod87223
- Pro-Liteoz. This brand came out in my search... Has anyone tried their wheels? http://www.pro-liteoz.com/store/product ... elset.html
- Ksyrium Elite, Campy Eurus and Neutron Ultra. These are all over budget, but at about $700 they could be considered if capable of some magic stuff.
- Forget about the upgrade, keeping on grinding with the Wildcats and buy a couple of cases of wine.
Your opinion is greatly appreciated.
Andre
I understand that different wheels serve different purposes and styles and I have heard that in selecting a wheel you can only elect 2 out of these 3 factors: weight, aero, cheap.
- Current wheels: Most Wildcat F3 (not 100% sure on the F3). These are the standard wheels that come in the entry level pinarellos. I couldn't find much about them online, but they have 27 and 20 round spokes (mix of J and straight) and someone in a post said they weigh 1895g/pair.
- Type of riding: Club riding and daily commute. No intention of racing.
- Expectations: I'm not a fast rider and I'm not interested in fast sprints. Since I'm relatively light (+/-70k) I'd like a wheel to help with climbs and the constant start/spot of commuting and our rides. If matters I normally ride with the C28s.
- The all important budget: $500 (can stretch it a bit for the perfect wheel capable of climbing itself). I know this could be a turn off to many, but apart from not having the money I couldn't justify an expensive wheel well above my riding abilities.
Things I'm considering:
- Custom. I know people say a custom wheel is the best option and value for money. But I have faced 2 issues. Firstly the cost appears to easily go over $1,000 or $1,500 + delivery + assembly. Ant the second problem is that I have no idea which components to select.
- Campagnolo Zonda. Read some good reviews and its under budget. Apparently these are the Fulcrum F3 with different stickers and a tad cheaper. http://www.wiggle.com.au/campagnolo-zon ... -wheelset/
- Mavic Ksyrium Equipe. Note these are not the Elite which are more expensive. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/e ... -prod87223
- Pro-Liteoz. This brand came out in my search... Has anyone tried their wheels? http://www.pro-liteoz.com/store/product ... elset.html
- Ksyrium Elite, Campy Eurus and Neutron Ultra. These are all over budget, but at about $700 they could be considered if capable of some magic stuff.
- Forget about the upgrade, keeping on grinding with the Wildcats and buy a couple of cases of wine.
Your opinion is greatly appreciated.
Andre