drPheta

I just purchased an 06 Felt F4C, and only that company can answer the question as to "why is the bike outfitted with Ultegra and DA throughout... except for the R550 wheels?"

Anyway, I plan on using these wheels as a way to get back in shape and think about what my next wheels should be. I don't plan on doing much racing (if any), but I do plan on riding on rough New England roads (in addition to other North Eastern/Mid-Atlantic roads). I'd like to put 100 miles a week on my rides, if not more, and I only weight 130 lbs (maybe 150 in a few months).

I've looked into Reynolds, Mavic Axsium/Kysium Equipe/Elites, Easton Circuit, and even Shimano Ultegra (R6800) or DA (7801).

Are Shimano wheels really THAT bad? I mean, what if I could score a set of DA wheels with Michelin Pro tires for roughly $500 or so?

I guess I'd be looking into wheels ranging from $200 to $600, but I definitely wouldn't pay MSRP for them.

michaelmc

Standard response: get Ultegra/Open Pros. Machine-built ones are $200ish from PerformanceBike.com. You can also get some really nice similar handbuilt wheels (Ultegra hubs, Velocity Aerohead/Mavic Open Pro/DT Swiss R1.1 rims, double-butted spokes) for $600.

EDITED TO ADD: If you went to $700+, you could get DT Swiss 240s, Dura-Ace, or White Industries hubs and have super lightweight wheels. For non-racing, that's not really important, though, unless you're really into hill climbing, and in which case any affordable wheel will be good. I like my Aksiums just fine, despite their weight, but they came with my bike. If I had to choose an affordable wheel to buy separately, I would def. go the machine-built Ultegra-Open Pro route.

ridethecliche

I think the neuvations are on sale right now, and they've got loads of good press from users here.

RoboCheme

I've got 550's, too, and I was thinking of upgrading. How are the Open Pro's an upgrade? Are they significantly lighter?

astrodaimler

I have 550's. I like them. Let me know if you want to get rid of yours. I need a pair of wheels.

Psimet2001 

In every single way. They are lighter (slightly) even at a 32 spoke count front and rear. They are more durable. They use standard spokes that can be acquired at any bike shop - instead of the Shimano proprietary ones. They use standard nipples so you don't need the oversized - special - Shimano spoke wrench...which you will need when your 550 starts breaking spokes.

The rims on the 550s are boat anchors. The hubs are nothing to write home about. Is you go with a custom build you can greatly reduce the weight of the new set over the 550s, and have a more durable wheel.

If you want to save money just keep riding the 550s until the spokes start going and then switch. BTW - once one spoke goes on those wheels the others will quickly follow.

dekindy

Ride them until you have a problem and then decide. Unless you have problems or are racing they are just fine. Shimano admits that they do require more maintenance than higher spoke count wheels.

I have close to 2,000 miles on mine. I am now averaging 2 mph faster than when I got my new bike that came with these wheels. I guess if I had gotten different wheels I could attribute it to that. Now I have this huge mystery as to why I am going faster!

Treefox

Putting 550's on Ultegra or DA-equipped bikes seems to be the quick cost savings these days... Most people would just look at the bike and say, 'woah! sweet price for an Ultegra bike!' and not consider the wheels. So the company bumps the wheels down a category and either undercuts their rivals' prices or pockets a bit more margin per bike.

Even though better wheels matter more than a better groupset.

RiPHRaPH

Wait till the mid-end of the year and try to find some Easton Circuits. I bought mine when Velomax sold the line to Easton and the old stickers made it a clearance set. They are so nice I have my Ksyrium Elite's as my back up pair now.

superslomo

You can get handbuilt wheels from mike garcia at www.oddsandendos.com for around $400 that are lighter than much more expensive Ksyriums etc. They are really well liked by everyone who I've heard mention them, and I think shipping is included in the price.

Give him a call and see what you really need, he will talk to you all day if you want... at least that was my experience

drPheta

Since I'm under 150 lbs, maybe I can score a set of Ksyrium Elites, Circuits, or I might even have someone build me a nice lightweight $400 setup. I bought a trainer, so the Shimanos will be riding on that.

Thanks for the input, guys.

Paulus

I've got R550s on one bike and Ksyrium Elites on another. The R550s roll noticeably faster and have proven far more robust. Don't do this upgrade!

Lucky07

I'd keep the 550's to start, especially for the wet New England spring. If you start logging over 100+ miles per week, look into Open Pros or another set. Always good to have a set of training wheels you don't mind riding in the rain.

jonathanb715

+1

I recently bought a Kestrel Talon with an Ultegra groupset - and it came with the 550's. I got annoyed with re-truing them every few weeks (I'm putting 150 -200 miles per week on), and replaced them with Neuvation M28 Aero2's. No noticeable difference between how the wheels ride (at least when the Shimanos are true!). If you don't have a problem with your wheels, why spend the money?

JB