Originally Posted by
FatBottomedGirl
Hi!
This may be a stupid question, but until one has really experienced it, it is tough to imagine...
How do wheels alter the behavior of a bike?
Behind the ridicule of the question, I actually mean: I see on online stores hundreds of road wheels at various prices what does it change?
How does a 2000$ wheelset differ from a 400$ one of from the stock wheels sold usually with bikes?
I understand the weight might be a key feature: I myself experienced changing tyres from 450g to 230g which does not seem a lot until one steps on the pedal...
The same applies, I suppose, for wheel as it is, just like tires, moving weight which makes it even more important.
But what else?
My real question underneath is that I have my rear rim that starts to show some serious wear and I am considering to start to look for a possible replacement...
My current wheels are stock SHIMANO RS-10 that came with my CAAD 10 which look like entry level wheels. What would an upgrade "feel" like?
Understand that I am not as much in the urgency to get the replacement as much as I am curious about the difference it can actually make.
Thank you all!
In my opinion it does make quite a difference. How? Well sometimes it is the amount work it takes to spin them up to speed (weight). Sometimes it is ride quality like harshness, rolling resistance (hubs, spokes and bearings). Sometimes is the aero benefit (depth and shape). I think it is the best performance upgrade other than contact points like saddle, stem and pedals. Given that all of the above is already taken care of, wheels is the next logical step (maybe brakes if they are really bad).
Be aware, light weight is not always best. Sometimes heavier wheelsets have better aero and rolling qualities which some people prefer. I say it all depends on your type of riding too.