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
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05-10-2007, 03:38 PM #1
Float. Hammer. Jog.
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The Importance of Wheels. Who Knew?
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05-11-2007, 04:10 AM #2
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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!
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05-11-2007, 05:42 AM #3
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I second....my dh also says the wheels are one of the most important parts of the bike. They make all the difference.
~ JoAnn
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05-11-2007, 05:55 AM #4
Meow!
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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.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher
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05-11-2007, 05:56 AM #5
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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!!!!!!
Electra Townie 7D
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05-11-2007, 06:04 AM #6
Sue
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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 
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05-11-2007, 10:31 AM #7
Feel the wind ...
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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.My new baby for 2007
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05-11-2007, 02:18 PM #8
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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
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