photonick

I have a trek 1500, i paid about $830 for it since it was an '07 and it came with a nice mixture of 105/Ultegra 9 speed components and i threw on a nice arione and some krylion carbon tires and have been pretty damn content. My only complain are the cheap Bontrager select wheels, they seem to like to go out of true and just aren't very stiff. I was thinking about putting on some Shimano 9 speed 105 wheels or Mavic Aksiums or some other sort of other wheelset, it seems like i could get those for around 300 or under unless im mistaken....in your guys oppinion would this be a waste of money on a bike like this?

ridethecliche

Don't go for aksiums...

Seen this link posted? Look around here, there's some good stuff on here.

Soul wheels and neuvation are good options too for just about 300...

Coyote2

Yes, that would be stupid. If you are going to upgrade, get something better.

The Aksiums have a rep for reliability but are stone heavy; the Shimano wheels have a rep for shoddiness and don't even offer much performance. Keep shopping around.

ridethecliche

+1

Check out the link I posted and check out soul wheels.

Those mavic open pros to ultegras will last you a longgg time and be great backup wheels if you get a set of more expensive race wheels down the line.

bdcheung

American Classic CR-420's. Lightweight, strong, aero, and not terribly expensive.

Gee3

Nothing wrong with updating to better wheel s on your bike. If you're like me, you couldn't drop all the money at one time on bike stuff. So I have to go piece-meal most of the time. In the long run I may have paid more but some of us don't have the $$ or free flowing credit to use on the stuff we love. (READ: wife put a lock down ont he credit cards)

As for wheels, although not super light, I like my Mavic Kysrium Equipes. They replaced the stock ALX rims on my Allez and they are just super smooth compared to the ALX rims. Or try for the Ksyrium Elites. I say these two wheelsets because I see them on Craigslist from $200-300 used. I bought my used Equipes for $250 and they were practically new.

Although the Soul wheels, Open Pro's linked earlier, Neuvation, etc are also very good choices and bang's for the buck.

The smoother spinning of quality wheels realy does make a difference. Although, even though i have bladed spokes I'm not completely sold on the benefit of them. Maybe if my engine was better and faster I could take better advantage of the bladed spokes. So don't let that bog you down in your decision of getting one wheelset over the other. And frankly, on crosswinds I can feel a bit of a push from the wind due the flat blades. Keep you alert though! hehe!

Good luck in your search! Good wheels really will make a better noticeable difference, imo.

photonick

I plan on in the next two years if i'm writing seriously still to get a full carbon performance bike and turn this trek into a touring/commuting bike so they'd definitely get use.

So basically stay away from anything below shimano ultegra?

TassR700

Also check out ROL wheels and Williams Wheels. Some good deals @ around $300

photonick

How much do the ultegra 9 speed usually go for i like the look of those

beeballman

I too have a Trek 1500 with the select wheels on. Although I have yet to have mine go out of true, I am looking for lighter wheels myself. Very Happy with the bike, just want lighter and better quality wheelset. I have looked at Neuvations R28 SL3's and the Rol Valants both around 300 a set. I have also been eyeing the Bontrager Race Lites which are about around 499 a set.

photonick

I don't mind the weight, i don't think they're that heavy, its that they feel floppy when i pump up hills they flex enough that i can hear them rub my brake pads. I have a feeling it wouldn't be hard to put a hop in them too. I'll keep the rear wheel incase i ever get a trainer.

photonick

i also was ucrious, why don't ppl like the aksiums.

probable556

I have a 04 1500 and though the Bonty Select wheels were garbage. Switched to Aksiums and have been happy. I'd rather have a strong no BS wheel than worry about a few grams.