Originally Posted by
Genshu
I have a '78 Raleigh. Have been commuting almost daily for 10 years, and started doing some longer tours as time permits. Contemplated gettin a new bike, but dont think I will now. Preppin for a longer tour. I still have the original steel wheels which I trued. Would gettin alum wheels mae a big difference in performance? I know that alum wheels are better for stoppin when wet, but I am wondering if they make a big difference in riding performance. thank you.
I did this on my '75 Raleigh over the winter, and went from a steel wheel where the rear wheel without the freewheel was heavier then both wheels with the freewheel on the rear wheel. The performance improvements comes not only from the weight, but most steel wheels are straight sided, where most AL ones are hooked, and that means you are not limited to 80PSI max. Some Raleigh bicycles have enough brake reach that you can go to 700C and if they will fit yours, that is what I recommend as there are a lot more tire choices. This bike is on the trainer right now and probably will not see outside for another month or so, we are into the crossover season, once we get night time temps in the 10℃ range, then it will go outside and I will get final performance numbers. Supposed to go up to 6℃ this afternoon, so my morning ride may wait until afternoon and be outside
