What a difference a wheel makes...

[GLC1968]

I've lately had trouble with my commuter. The rear tire keeps going flat and often happens after leaving it in my car for a day. The first time I discovered it, I found the culprit - a hole in my rim tape. I covered it with electrical tape and installed a new tube. Viola!

Nope, same thing happened yesterday. Hole in the same place on the tube, electrical tape now has a hole in it. I wasn't going to chance it for a 19 mile commute this morning when I wouldn't even have a spare tube anymore and I was pissed for having to miss out on ANOTHER commute.

H came to the rescue. He offered me one of his spare wheels (we both happen to ride 9-speed on most of our bikes). I switched out the tires and mounted it no problem. I didn't try riding it until this morning.

What a difference!! My original wheel was a touring special. Heavy rims, heavy spokes, sora hub and a honkin' mountain cassette. This one is a Mavic Open Pro with Ultegra hubs and a normal road cassette. The ride was SO much better - I wasn't struggling to keep up with H the whole time like usual. I even picked up the rear of my bike to slide it into a better spot on the rack once I got here and I didn't throw out my back doing so! I used the same tire I always use, so the difference was 100% due to the rear wheel.

Guess what's now moving to the top of my wish list? Yep, new wheels for my commuter!

[Tri Girl]

Why buy new wheels when you can just commandeer your H's? Oh wait- that would mean HE gets new wheels. Nevermind- new wheels it is.

[GLC1968]

Well that, and the fact that I can only use his rear wheel. My front wheel is a 'ridiculously difficult to find' 24" one!