New Road Wheels: What Would You Do?

  1. defurr

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    I am looking to upgrade the wheelset on my Specialized Tarmac from Ksyrium Equipe alloys that weigh in at 1690 grams. My budget will likely allow me to go for increased aerodynamics or decreased weight, but likely not both (like the Mavic Carbone Ultimate). Which would you choose?

    Background: Typical week is a quick 10-15 mile ride followed by a longer ride of 30-36 miles. The longer ride clocks in at between 18 and 19 MPH average over reasonably flat, North Texas terrain (a few minor hills). I am 42, 6 foot, 160 pounds.

    My goal? Do the above faster, hanging with the front group on the way back, pulling a bit more while maintaining good speed. Not looking to race: I'll never do a crit and my non-existent swimming skills make me a poor candidate for a tri. But I would like to get back into longer rallies of closer to 60 miles at some point.

    I am considering a set of Williams alloy clinchers at 1350 grams versus something more aero but closer to my current wheel weight of 1690.

    Thoughts?

    Posted 4 months ago

  2. 79pmooney

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    In flat country the aero wheels will make a real difference. At steady speed, the weight doesn't hurt you at all. Lighter wheels do matter for race accelerations, but in a smooth paceline or by yourself, go aero.

    It hurts to say that. Light wheels are seriously fun. In my racing day, I rode very light wheels to compensate for my non-existent sprint. But that was before aero was a word. Everyone rode box rims.

    Ben

    Posted 4 months ago

  3. CB2

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    For your riding you want areo. IMO even though you'd be dropping grams, you wouldn't even be making a lateral move going with the Williams. Save your money until you can buy something truly aero (maybe look used?). Some shops are selling off their older stock of Zipps at a deep discount now that the Firecrest are out.

    Jam Econo
    Posted 4 months ago

  4. Mike

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    I assume clinchers. Are you looking at Williams 58s?

    You might look at Byod wheels as well. Same price but a little lighter.

    Agree you should go aero over weight.

    Posted 4 months ago

  5. watermoccasin

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    Before you go 58/60mm section wheels in North Texas borrow a pair from someone then go ride them on a windy day. If you don't get blown into a ditch by a sudden gust go with those, otherwise consider 38/40mm.

    The deeper section wheels will be more aero but lying upside down all scuffed up won't make you very fast nor will having to fight your bike to stay upright.

    Posted 4 months ago

  6. vtguy

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    Suggest you consider aero over weight. I'm currently riding a set of Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLs on my Roubaix and they work fine -- a little heavy but roll really well when you get up to speed. I do have to pay attention in strong cross winds, so by all means, take watermoccasin's advice.

    Posted 4 months ago

  7. defurr

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    So then how deep should I go? Presumably no deeper than 58mm? The Boyds (great suggestion) have a 50mm version that shed more weight and a bit of crosswind flack, and I keep coming across Reynolds Assault (at 46mm) on eBay. Will I notice a palpable difference between 46mm and 58mm?

    As for the crosswind issue, I already see plenty of guys rolling on Zipp 404s on my weekly long ride, so I figure if they can handle it...

    Posted 4 months ago

  8. vtguy

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    I think that at least one forumite, Habenaro, has a set of Boyds and has written approvingly about them.

    Posted 4 months ago

  9. watermoccasin

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    Big difference between 40 and 60mm in a cross wind... borrow a set before you throw down some money.

    Posted 4 months ago

  10. Habanero

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    I have Boyds and love them. I do not notice any shift in handling in the wind but I have 20 pounds on the original poster. The Boyds are recockulously stiff. Standing up and sprinting a small hill on the big ring and they do not rub and I have my pads set pretty close to the brake track. One more thing - Boyd Johnson knows his stuff and is always more than happy to answer any and all questions.

    "There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time."
    Malcolm X
    Posted 4 months ago

  11. CB2

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    If you are worried about cross winds but want something aero, the 101s or Firescrest 202 ($2800) are the most aero for a shallower rim.

    Another option would be Ultegra wheels. Great hubs and can be run tubeless.

    Posted 4 months ago

  12. Master50

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    I think Campy Shamal are one of the finest clincher wheels made. Not very aero but not bad. very light and stiff. It is campy's best all rounder and one of the best all rounders out there. Fulcrum 0 are very similar and both are available for shimano cassettes too.
    Campy also has introduced the bullet wheel which looks a step down from Shamals in the hub technology but has pretty good spec and is available at 50mm and 80mm.
    All are aluminum rims. I won't buy deep wheels until they are as light as my aluminum ones and brake well too. Or until someone gives me a set of lightweights, NOT.

    Posted 4 months ago

  13. Habanero

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    "I won't buy deep wheels until they are as light as my aluminum ones and brake well too."

    Look into some Boyds - you will not be disappointed.

    Posted 4 months ago

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