A "Wheel" Compromise

[cherinyc]

hello TE girls!!

I bought my first road bike end of June 2006, so she's still pretty new. A GIANT OCR 1 WSD - which I love. Having gone from no bike to a bike was costly enough, and although I was learning the value of the higher end components, bikes, etc...there was no way I could spend more than I did on my bike (~$1300 USD) especially with my current bills. That price was actually WAAAY more than I could afford, but I consider it an investment (like my education was, though still waiting for it to start paying me back )

Anyway, the LBS guy (who is the owner) did not pressure me into getting a more expensive bike or anything. He was good about just explaining things to me. Even warned me NOT to test ride the bike that was 2 steps up (price and model-wise) b/c he said it would be hard for me to give it back.

I have kept up with this LBS since buying my bike, and have had various adjustments, saddle changes, etc - and purchased clothing, supplies, etc. The last time I was there, about 2 weeks ago, he asked if I would like to try out a wheelset - just a demo set that was his - because he said I would really see the difference. My BF and I had already talked about how going from a 25 to a 23 sz wheel would cut the road friction down for me - and make me faster, so I said sure, I'll try them (and give them back).
Apparently (and noticeably) these wheels weigh 4lbs less than mine. They are Topolino Revelation AC29's (and cost ~$1000). I did a 72 mi ride this past Saturday and I climbed faster than my BF - which was AMAZING. I was averaging about 19.5 mph on the flats without problem.

My dilemma? I have to give the wheels back. I can't afford them. I have to stick with my old (but still new) wheels, but I am afraid I am going to feel like a snail when I put them back on my bike....is there a way to soooop up my current wheels? remove spokes or something? UGGGGHHH!

Did I get swindled because my LBS guy knew the impact these wheels would have?
BF feels for me, but agrees...I must return the wheels.

[Fredwina]

You could put new tires on it. If you've got 25's, you should be able to Fit 23's w/o too much Hassle.

[SouthernBelle]

Well, ultimately it is his job to sell you stuff, .

But with winter a-coming, you can do a little wheel research for next spring and possibly find something less expensive. Or there are people who build wheels. & that can be cheaper too. Make a note of what these wheels are made of and how they are constructed for future reference and count it a learning experience.

HTH,

[DebW]

What are the rims, hubs, and spoke count of your current wheels? You can't reduce the spoke count, but you can have them rebuilt with lighter rims. It's the rolling weight on the rim that makes the most difference. So tire and tube weight also figure in, as well as rim weight. Or compare the weight of these wheels with other available wheels in your price range.

[SouthernBelle]

What are the rims, hubs, and spoke count of your current wheels? You can't reduce the spoke count, but you can have them rebuilt with lighter rims. It's the rolling weight on the rim that makes the most difference. So tire and tube weight also figure in, as well as rim weight. Or compare the weight of these wheels with other available wheels in your price range.

Deb, that leads me to a Q about the different spoke configurations you see now. Can't say I've ever counted, but for example on my new Giant it's got the conformation that at least looks like a lower #. Am I correct? What's the deal?

[SouthernBelle]

Cheri, just noted your wheels are xeros. Your bike is a Giant as is mine When I read reviews of Giants, the only real criticism I read was of the wheelsets.

[cherinyc]

Or there are people who build wheels. & that can be cheaper too. Make a note of what these wheels are made of and how they are constructed for future reference and count it a learning experience.
HTH,

good point. i don't really care what brand they are, just the performance.

[cherinyc]

Don't really know what most of this means, but here are the stats of my own wheels:

rims: Formula Xero XSR-3 20/24H paired spoke
hubs: Alloy 20/24H,QR
tires: Michelin Dynamic, 700x 25c
spokes: Stainless Steel, 14G

Any obvious places to make changes?

[Geonz]

Be glad you could enjoy that 72 mile FUN!!!!

Sorta like riding a rocket ship... who can afford to own one?