mustang1

I mean, if the frame is stiff enough that you wont get the brake to apply during a high watts uphill ride, and you like the geometry, surely the wheels are the most imporant thing?

Given two frames of identical geometry, isn't it better to pay more money for lighter/stronger wheels rather than a different frame?

patentcad

Zipp it.

dmb2786

given the way you ask the question, it sounds like you know the answer

55/Rad

I would think that matching the frame and the wheels to the individual rider's needs, goals and desires would be most important.

Which means the answer is neither or both but not the same.

Hope that clears it up.

mustang1

Nah I dont know the answer. It's just that I upgraded my wheels recently and I can tell the difference. But if I upgraded the frame, I'm not sure (because I've never ridden any other frame) how much of a difference I would notice, especially compared to the amount of money I'd plough into a new frame.

nycphotography

Last year, when a NYC psycho broad opened her cab door in the middle traffic lane and took me out, I upgraded my wheels from Bontrager Race XXX Lites (2004 or so) to Rolf Elan Aeros. I definitely noticed a difference, both climbing and descending.

I recently upgraded my frame from a '06 Fuji Team Pro to a '09 Tarmac SL2 and noticed and even bigger (and way more suprising) difference.

kudude

so you want BF to bless your purchase?

Creakyknees

I'm about to get new both so I'll letcha know.

bigtea

Let me reverse your question....

Given two wheelsets of identical specifications, isn't it better to pay more money for lighter/stronger frame rather than a different wheelset?

Treefox

Assuming a sufficient level of frame decency, yes, wheels.

garysol1 

If your frame fits you well and is stiff enough that your not ghost shifting or your brakes aren't rubbing a wheel when you sprint and the thing does not weigh a ton then yes, wheels make a bigger difference.

judkins1970

I vote Wheels!!

EatMyA**

In order of importance I believe:

wheels for the performance and half your "comfort".

frame for fit, geometry, material, and thus the other half your "comfort".

Crankset has to go well with the wheels, and frame for your personal preference.

the rest just "has to work"

Hammer02

Flip It.

That's all you need.

erliuic

/thread.

EatMyA**

Really?

did this frame fit you better, or is it just better built?

That interesting, I'll remember that, I could be wrong. Damn your post got me thinking

I do Notice a HUGE difference between my two bikes as far as feel. stiffness and responsivenes (whatever that means). The wheels and components are of equal quality. Actually mostly the same. I did not gain more speed out of it though.

I built wheels with higher quality parts for the one that felt crappyer, and put better TIRES on it. That improved the "feel" and "comfort" of the bike, and it ALSO improved performance. Almost 1mph better, not quite. It seems like little, but I feel that, that is a very big improvement to get from equipment alone.

But...IF the frame "feels" better that would allow you to be more comfortable and in less pain after and extended period in the saddle. wich would let you put more focus and concentration into actually moving the bike. That would result in an increase in performace when you are at your weakest (perhaps a more important time). You might be right.

I have no Idea now. sorry

patentcad

Oh STFU.

waterrockets 

Frame, because it has a greater impact on comfort and road feel. Nothing is more important than comfort. Granted, you can replicate a given position on any similar frame, but the feel will vary.

uke

Frame, easy. Great wheels on a cheap frame << Great frame on cheap wheels.

prendrefeu

Bearings/Hubs > Rim/Spokes > Fork/Frame

Vireo

Of all the things mentioned I believe tires then rim and spoke lacing before frame would have the greatest "impact" on ride quality. A frame will not give the many millimeters a tire will. I dare say if/when anyone complains of ride quality on their current bike they should just put 25mm tires on it before going out and buying another bike . (ducks out of the room) Flame away.

kudude

I'd take DV46's on a CAAD9 over cheap/flexy whatevers on a pinarello prince any day of the week

RoboCheme

I vote for frame. I've changed wheelsets twice and haven't noticed a difference. I changed to a new bike and I noticed it was a lot stiffer and more responsive without a lost of ride comfort.

waterrockets 

I think the variety of "I'm sure I'm right" types of answers in this thread should indicate that everyone should just put the f-ing credit card back their pocket and go do some intervals.

domestique

A flexy frame will not get stiffer with stiff wheels, the same goes for an expensive frame will not make up for cheap wheels.

The best is to find a middle ground where neither are compromised very much.