Is it me, or is it the wheels...

[Miranda]

OK, for starters, my body is dragging around an extra 20lbs since my dog crash 3yrs ago during my century *sigh*, BUT, can we please still entertain my mind's wondering here that my new wheels might be part of the drag I'm feeling on my bike...

For those of you that have had aero to semi-aero wheels vs traditional rim depth clencher... do you think you can really feel the difference?

I finally switched my stock wheels on my Orbea from the semi-aero Reynold's Solitudes http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index...m&p_itm_pk=603, to some Easton's, EA90 SLX http://www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/ea90-slx-698.

And upgraded tires, from Victtoria Rubinos http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...bino-road-tire, to Schwalbe Ultremo http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...cher-road-tire.

I think I have them mechanically installed properly. The rims on the semi-aero Reynolds were definately narrower. And I had to do a brake adjustment to open things up enough to get the Eastons in without things rubbing.

At first I hated the Reynolds being semi-aero. I noticed more side wind resistance being out in the open MidWest farm fields. But now I'm thinking maybe that little bit of aero helped the overall speed?

The weight I'm carrying is on-going nagging issue related to getting myself medically healthy enough to really ride and train like I used to. But the wheels overall have me wondering now. Thanks for any insight!

[Chicken Little]

Are you really slower or just "feeling" like you are dragging? I put some 25's on and thought I was dragging compared to the 23's, but timing proved otherwise.

[redrhodie]

At first I hated the Reynolds being semi-aero. I noticed more side wind resistance being out in the open MidWest farm fields. But now I'm thinking maybe that little bit of aero helped the overall speed?

The weight I'm carrying is on-going nagging issue related to getting myself medically healthy enough to really ride and train like I used to. But the wheels overall have me wondering now. Thanks for any insight!

It's the wheels. I had a big bump in speed when I got aero wheels.

Glad you're back on the bike!

[Becky]

Threadjack here:

How did you like those Reynolds Solitudes? I'm considering picking up a set.

[Miranda]

Thanks ladies for responding!

Yes, my actual speed has dropped. And it just seems like this weird dragging sluggish feeling.

Now I know the slug feeling climbing the hills is more my body weight. Though aero wheels are suppose to help in that respect also. I can tell there with my heart rate.

I just never would have imagined it could make a difference. But now I'm a believer. The Eastons are a good wheelset. And slightly lighter if I'm recalling properly. But gee I guess aero does beat weight once you get em rolling.

OK, how do I like the Reynolds... well you have the speed answer... but from a mechanically stand point I will say it is more of a PITA to change tires and true them. The spoke nipples are housed internally. So the tire must be removed. And the rims of the wheel set are a total biotch to get the tires seeded. I thought it was just me and my weak chick hands at first. But the lbs and bike wrench buddy had the same problem. It's just how they are made.

From a durability standpoint, and price, they are decent. OK, when I crashed I went head first over the bars at 23mph and my bike cartwheeled on top of me. The carbon frame was fine. Bent the bars and stem. The wheels came out of true, and a couple loose spokes, but not a taco, rims survived. I think for the weight with the price point they are competitive.

[Becky]

OK, how do I like the Reynolds... well you have the speed answer... but from a mechanically stand point I will say it is more of a PITA to change tires and true them. The spoke nipples are housed internally. So the tire must be removed. And the rims of the wheel set are a total biotch to get the tires seeded. I thought it was just me and my weak chick hands at first. But the lbs and bike wrench buddy had the same problem. It's just how they are made.

Thanks for the feedback. They must have changed the nipple location at some point, because the pair I looked at have the nipples outside the rim. These would replace a set of Cane Creek wheels that have the nipples located at the hub end of the spoke (so the cassette must come off to true the rear wheel).

I'd love to build another set myself, but I can get these for what a set of high-end hubs would cost alone.

[Miranda]

Thanks for the feedback. They must have changed the nipple location at some point, because the pair I looked at have the nipples outside the rim. These would replace a set of Cane Creek wheels that have the nipples located at the hub end of the spoke (so the cassette must come off to true the rear wheel).

I'd love to build another set myself, but I can get these for what a set of high-end hubs would cost alone.

Ya, mine are 3yrs old. So Reynolds may have updated the design I take it. The internal housing had something to do with the aero part, and prolly cleaner look. But geez pain to get the tire off and true. Good for you if you can build em yourself. I know, scratch can become costly when you don't have the manufacturer mass discount price. I paid more for those Eastons, but I'm thinking about switching the Reynolds back on. Guess my next set of wheels will be semi-aero 32s. More than that and I think feeling the side wind would be a bit much for routine riding.