Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Wheel to frame cost ratio?

so i have about a $150-200 frame. I have some really cheap hubs on it and was wondering if its appropriate to buy some nicer wheels for my bike. i was thinking they would significantly improve the ride quality, but wasn't sure if putting a set of wheels that costed more than the actual frame would be a waste of money.

what do you all think?

Well on a fixie go ahead and put 808's on whatever you want. There's NO RULES!!!!!!!


Really though. New with no deal, I wouldn't pay less than $150 for a wheelset. Regardless of the frame. So there is a minimum. Max? Eh. If you don't feel guilty about having shamals on your raleigh conversion, then they aren't to expensive for your frame. Unnecessary? probably.

Tires also improve your ride quality, even more so than the wheelset.

I think it is worth it to upgrade to a nice set of wheels, you could always use them again when you buy a new frame.

thanks dudes, i was thinking the same thing

Tires. I've actually noticed the upgrades that made the most noticeable difference were saddle, stem, bars, and tires

Well my bike frame was 60 dollars so...

Mine was $40 :)

Mine was free.

HA!

Ride what you want. Though I wouldn't put Volos on it...

Ride what you want. Though I wouldn't put Volos on it...
why?

Cane Creek Volos seem like overkill on a $60 dollar frame? Unless you got a stupid awesome deal on something...

Well you could always drop dough on a good wheelset and then upgrade your frame later on?

I kinda went this route and built up a nice wheelset that hopefully will last me awhile and through a nicer frame.

I would never hesitate to put really nice/expensive components on a frame that isn't that incredible. You can always (so long as they are the right size) transfer the components to a nicer frame once you come across one. In my opinions this is a little more feasible upgrade track than dropping $2k+ on all premium parts and frame all at once.

i prefer 36 24 26.

i prefer 36 24 26.
Only if she's 5-3.

Good wheels are one of the most important part of any bike or vehicle, for that matter. Factors like strength, weight, and looks do matter, and in this case it can be easily transferred to another fg/ss bike. Just make sure to lock them up so they don't get jacked

i prefer 36 24 26.
that sounds like a winning hand

Tires. I've actually noticed the upgrades that made the most noticeable difference were saddle, stem, bars, and tires
I agree. I know alot of folks who say the most important items are wheels, headset, B.B. But I gotta agree getting that seat and cockpit dialed are the best place to start. And good tires are a must.

I have a $400 wheel set and a $200 frame.
Wheels do make a huge ****ing difference.
But in all honesty the two things that matter most: frame and tires.
I love my Pake though. Its bombproof.

I think it would be much smarter to get a:

http://static.lfgss.com/attachments/2952d1226061706-cinelli_pista.jpg

and pair it with a:

http://bikeisland.com/images/102009067.JPG

36-24-26 ? Shouldn't the last number be 36 ? Wow, no ass on that one. Just as a reference, Kim Kardashian is 5'2" 38D-26-39.

http://www.mademan.com/chickipedia/kim-kardashian/

3 : 4

i fail.