The Importance of Wheels. Who Knew?

[Alex]

DH has a set of Rolf Vigor aluminum wheels that he uses for triathlons. He thought I might like to use them during my upcoming century, so we put them on my bike and I took them for a ride. Oh my goodness. I had no idea what a difference wheels make! I normally have Aksium Race wheels on my bike. With the Rolfs, I swear I felt like I was cycling on a cloud. I figured I would be faster with the Rolfs, but the ride was so unexpectedly plush. Wow. Really incredible.

I need new wheels!!!!

Alex

[Blueaegis]

You couldn't be more correct!

LBS who sold me my bike told me its the first thing I should upgrade. Its all just money!

[Jo-n-NY]

I second....my dh also says the wheels are one of the most important parts of the bike. They make all the difference.

~ JoAnn

[indysteel]

I agree that wheels make a big difference. Tires do too, so even if you can't afford to upgrade your wheels right now, you might want to upgrade your tires.

[Pax]

At the lower end of the scale I didn't think it mattered as much...until I test rode the same bike with stock and then much better wheels, wheeeeeeee!!!!!!

[Geonz]

I noticed on the Trek 7500 FX ... I could feel the difference in the wheels when thiings started going fast.

Last night I rode a 5200 carbon fiber bike wiht fast wheels. Heavens!! Whoosh! Those miles just flew by! Funny thing was there were only three of us on the ride and one of the guys had ridden his "grandpa" bike (7500FX but 32 tires, even if they are slick). So I was sort of accelerating away from myself sometimes It didn't even really fit me (not my bike, but its owner's legs are roughly the same as mine) ... the power tap was fun to watch, too. So even tho' it looks like Trek *hasn't* picked me, I got to try out the fancy gear

[Mimosa]

I bought my new bike with the aksium wheels and I already had a pair of good handbuild wheels (Mavic CXP33 rims + Ultegra hubs). So I tested the difference and I was surprised to actually feel the difference. With the aksium wheels you can feel every bump in the road and the wheels wobble when you get off the saddle and on the pedals for some acceleration. The handbuild wheels are much smoother and stronger.
So now I ordered a good extra pair of good quality wheels (Fulcrum Racing 3) and these aksium wheels are for use on the bad weather bike only.

[SouthernBelle]

This is very interesting for me. The xero wheels that came on my Giant were the only thing that was really criticized when I was reading reviews. I always figured that they would be the first thing needing replacing assuming that it was a matter of wearing out first. I hadn't considered the othe factors.

Lord. Now I want wheels.

[Zen]

Could this be why I feel a little shaky on the new Pilot?
Wheels Bontrager SSR
Tires Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase, 700x28c

Or is it just getting used to the bike?

[Kano]

Sort of like Zen's question:

Could "factory" wheels be related to what's not exactly a "shimmy" and not exactly vibration I feel at high speeds, or, as she also said, is it not being used to what my bike can do? AND chip seal on the road?

Not that I'm ready to think about going out and buying new wheels for my new wheels!

Karen in Boise

[ehirsch83]

This is very interesting for me. The xero wheels that came on my Giant were the only thing that was really criticized when I was reading reviews. I always figured that they would be the first thing needing replacing assuming that it was a matter of wearing out first. I hadn't considered the othe factors.

Lord. Now I want wheels.

It is so true! I have upgraded my frame( SO did it as a gift) but i still have the Xero wheels-aka the workman wheels,haha.

On the other hand, my mom has a much heavier frame(giant still) then I do but with nice mavics, great ride!!
And her SO has 2 litespeeds and a Derosa, all with Mavics or Zipps, and they ride amazing!

I can't wait till next week to get my new wheels put on my bike!!(just got a used pair of bontrager xrace lites, once my bike gets to albuquerque they are getting put on-YIPPIE!!!!)


But also think about it this way- if you can push yourself to do the same distance with the same speeds as the person with the nicer wheels- well then you are the stronger rider.