Originally Posted by
Seattle Forrest
Are they really a big upgrade over what a decent bike comes with, though? I just think that replacing wheels that don't have a big problem with other wheels ... isn't the most cost-effective way to have a nicer bike. ( Unless you're either looking for very light or aero ones, or very strong ones, because you specifically need that - but the OP doesn't. )
If you compare the Aksium vs. the Trek 7000 stock wheels (Bontrager 550, 36h, can't find specs, assuming single wall looking at side profile) or the Trek 1.1 stock wheels (Bontrager Approved rims, 32h, looks like maybe a re-badged Alex DA16 if you're lucky) then they're a step up.
If you're looking to go with a totally different style of bike (road vs. hybrid) then the Trek 1.1 is a reasonable purchase at the $550 price instead of slapping a $250 wheelset on a "still gonna be really heavy" Trek 7000.
Honestly, I have no issue with the heavy old singlewall rims on my utility cruiser bike, and that thing is a tank. It's about 45 pounds with racks and baskets, big fat 2.2" street slicks, and all the heavy old components on it from the late 80s. But it works fine for what I do with it: Cruise to the grocery or whatever errand I need to do. I do have my fancy brevet bike, but I'm also a big proponent of the "run whatcha brung" theory: If you've got a bike that works, be happy and ride it.