is a carbon wheel set worth it?
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,602
Bikes: Ridley Noah fast, Colnago CLX,Giant Propel Advanced, Pinnerello Gogma 65.1, Specialized S-works Venge, CAADX,Cervelo S3
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,447
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4236 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
Do they have some sort of energy generation device inside them? If not, then probably not. They'll look cool to you (maybe), and if that makes you ride more it may be worth it to you. Only you know your budget constraints.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,602
Bikes: Ridley Noah fast, Colnago CLX,Giant Propel Advanced, Pinnerello Gogma 65.1, Specialized S-works Venge, CAADX,Cervelo S3
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey guys,
I have a 2009 Cannondale Super Six where I have upgraded the gears to 105 and ultegra mixture. I am wondering if a carbon wheel set will be a worthwhile upgrade? I cycle around 10-15 miles on the road at a time for around 50 miles a week for now. The roads here in Clarksville TN are hilly so any help in hill climbing would be beneficial to my ride. I am signing up for a 34 miler that is coming up in two months so i'm looking for anything that can help with speed. SO for those that have bought carbon wheels was it worth it? Also, what wheel sets do you recommend? My budget is around $1400.
I have a 2009 Cannondale Super Six where I have upgraded the gears to 105 and ultegra mixture. I am wondering if a carbon wheel set will be a worthwhile upgrade? I cycle around 10-15 miles on the road at a time for around 50 miles a week for now. The roads here in Clarksville TN are hilly so any help in hill climbing would be beneficial to my ride. I am signing up for a 34 miler that is coming up in two months so i'm looking for anything that can help with speed. SO for those that have bought carbon wheels was it worth it? Also, what wheel sets do you recommend? My budget is around $1400.
I get lots of complimentsI shot a rookie video about the bike and wheels here > Warning you might feel sea sick after watching the vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcRd...eature=mh_lolz
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,456
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 50 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If you're into 'pro looks' - yes, they're worth it.
If you race and really NEED seconds on the hour gained for your racing, yes, also worth it.
Otherwise, definitely NOT worth it. Gains are too small and comfort advantage too trivial for spending that kind of money. You'd be far better off getting a pro bike fit (again, if you haven't done one for awhile) for like 1/3rd or 1/5th the cost.
If you race and really NEED seconds on the hour gained for your racing, yes, also worth it.
Otherwise, definitely NOT worth it. Gains are too small and comfort advantage too trivial for spending that kind of money. You'd be far better off getting a pro bike fit (again, if you haven't done one for awhile) for like 1/3rd or 1/5th the cost.
#32
Senior Member
#33
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,547
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,437 Times
in
2,763 Posts
This is clearly a troll. Clarksville is flat. They have a century that is popular because folks can do a faster ride than almost anywhere else in the South.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I'd say "Yes" except for one thing. Tires. Two things actually. It would be a waste to put reasonable commuting/around town tires on carbon wheels, so instead of the $10-$15 tires like I favor it would be a matter of constantly replacing high-dollar tires on them. It's better to not even start down that path.
#35
L-I-V-I-N
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Stafford, OR
Posts: 4,796
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
For 15 miles, you might consider some faux SSC SL's . I've been keeping my eyes open for a decent hybrid for my mother-in-law. The wheels on this Schwinn had me doing a double-take (compare with a real set below):
__________________
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Folsom, CA
Posts: 3,888
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 417 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
no...RS-10's aren't light, but you don't need to go to carbon either. Get a lightweight pair of Ksyriums, ROLs, PSIMETs, etc. You'll knock a pound off your bike, increase wheel stiffness, and have an extra ~$800 in your pocket.
#37
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,056
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22600 Post(s)
Liked 8,927 Times
in
4,160 Posts
I am shocked, shocked to hear allegations of trolling in here.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Albuquerque,New Mexico
Posts: 260
Bikes: 14 Wilier zero7,13 Fuji Altimira SL,10 Fuji SL1RC,09 Yeti Mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Op or anyone that would like a new oval tubular wheel set with brand new tires,let me know it'll save you the 1400.00 and all you gotta do is put your cassette on and your on the road.Pay whatever you want and pay for shipping,that'll solve your problem.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Albuquerque,New Mexico
Posts: 260
Bikes: 14 Wilier zero7,13 Fuji Altimira SL,10 Fuji SL1RC,09 Yeti Mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They're carbon ,,forgot.
#41
Beer >> Sanity
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,449
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
#45
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Clarksville, TN
Posts: 11
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
yeah the sales tax is insane down here. I went for a 10 miler today with a good hill that lasted nearly a mile (using edmondo). I'm seeing that carbon is more for looks than anything. I am now thinking of either saving the money for some trips to go on a longer ride or getting the dura-ace wheel set in the classified since it has some nicer hubs, and is fairly cheap ($500). Thanks for all the responses.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Albuquerque,New Mexico
Posts: 260
Bikes: 14 Wilier zero7,13 Fuji Altimira SL,10 Fuji SL1RC,09 Yeti Mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,163
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 344 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
18 Posts
Hey guys,
I have a 2009 Cannondale Super Six where I have upgraded the gears to 105 and ultegra mixture. I am wondering if a carbon wheel set will be a worthwhile upgrade? I cycle around 10-15 miles on the road at a time for around 50 miles a week for now. The roads here in Clarksville TN are hilly so any help in hill climbing would be beneficial to my ride. I am signing up for a 34 miler that is coming up in two months so i'm looking for anything that can help with speed. SO for those that have bought carbon wheels was it worth it? Also, what wheel sets do you recommend? My budget is around $1400.
I have a 2009 Cannondale Super Six where I have upgraded the gears to 105 and ultegra mixture. I am wondering if a carbon wheel set will be a worthwhile upgrade? I cycle around 10-15 miles on the road at a time for around 50 miles a week for now. The roads here in Clarksville TN are hilly so any help in hill climbing would be beneficial to my ride. I am signing up for a 34 miler that is coming up in two months so i'm looking for anything that can help with speed. SO for those that have bought carbon wheels was it worth it? Also, what wheel sets do you recommend? My budget is around $1400.
Cheers
#48
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: California
Posts: 7
Bikes: 2014 Kestrel Legend Ultegra, 2014 Windsor Bristol, 2014 Windsor Wellington 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The best cross-functional (both for climbing and flats) upgrade would be new tires (Vittoria Corsa Evo CX III is my recommendation) if you want speed.
#49
Climbing: Ropes or Wheels
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Unied States, Maine
Posts: 384
Bikes: 2012 Scott Foil 30, Homebrew Windsor Fens Build, 2015 Fuji Touring, 1980 Univega
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Or Spinergy Stealth. Alloy brake tracks so you don't have to worry about brake pads or a shatter on bottom-out, but carbon second wall for aero depth, weight, and stiffness. They run about $900 new current model. If you get 2nd-hand, uncommon color, I think I only paid 300 for mine.