What's in a wheel?
05-19-06, 09:32 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What's in a wheel?
I have been following some of the wheel threads for a while.
I have a Giant OCR2 that came with Xero XSR-4 Lites. These weigh out about 2040 and have been solid as can be for 2-1/2 yrs and 5000+ miles. No maintenance, no worries.
It doesn't pay to upgrade much else on my bike but the wheelset and even then, I cannot spend a bunch of dollars. For argument' sake, let's say $350 max.
What I realize is that I'm not well versed in exacly goes into a wheelset. Yeah, yeah, I know it's a WHEEL, but where I always thought that you just get a finished product, I'm reading about different rims, with various hubs, spoke counts, etc. that can be mixed and matched.
So, I'd like someone to briefly explain to me how all of this fits together.
Secondly, as has been asked before, I think the OP/Ultegra product at Performance is in my price range, however doesn't that weigh out around 1800 gm? If so, I'm saving the difference of a water bottle. Is it worth it? The current wheelset seems okay.
After completing my Century last weekend, I'm having an easy week of little riding so far so this is how I'm staying in touch!
Thanks.
Sheldon
I have a Giant OCR2 that came with Xero XSR-4 Lites. These weigh out about 2040 and have been solid as can be for 2-1/2 yrs and 5000+ miles. No maintenance, no worries.
It doesn't pay to upgrade much else on my bike but the wheelset and even then, I cannot spend a bunch of dollars. For argument' sake, let's say $350 max.
What I realize is that I'm not well versed in exacly goes into a wheelset. Yeah, yeah, I know it's a WHEEL, but where I always thought that you just get a finished product, I'm reading about different rims, with various hubs, spoke counts, etc. that can be mixed and matched.
So, I'd like someone to briefly explain to me how all of this fits together.
Secondly, as has been asked before, I think the OP/Ultegra product at Performance is in my price range, however doesn't that weigh out around 1800 gm? If so, I'm saving the difference of a water bottle. Is it worth it? The current wheelset seems okay.
After completing my Century last weekend, I'm having an easy week of little riding so far so this is how I'm staying in touch!
Thanks.
Sheldon
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05-19-06, 09:57 AM
#2
Over the hill
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It all depends on weight, power, riding style, etc. Search for the "best wheelset under $300" thread, a lot of us made some good suggestions there. I'm sure someone will say it here soon, Mike Garcia would be a good one to ask to get recommendations for your riding style. But since you live so close to me, shoot me a PM and I can help you out. I am about to build a set for myself which I think will weigh 1600.
05-19-06, 10:01 AM
#3
Burning Matches.
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The hubs are the center of the wheel. The spokes attach to the hub, and the spoke nipples attach the spokes to the rim.
It's common to commission a wheel to be built, and it's sometimes cheaper than comparable wheels. You can even build them yourself with a little time and effort (and tools).
It's common to commission a wheel to be built, and it's sometimes cheaper than comparable wheels. You can even build them yourself with a little time and effort (and tools).
05-19-06, 10:40 AM
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nesdog, check your PMs. As mentioned above, you could be on a custom set that is lightweight for less than you think. I'm about to build up a set of Velocity rims around Campy Record hubs with a total cost less than $300. That's under your budget! On Record!!!
