Originally Posted by
B1KE
So why in this case do people say wheels should be the first upgrade if the benefit are only on climbing and you have reduced speed on descending?
You don't have reduced speed on the downhill if you're riding with others. No one's going to drop you on a descent because your wheels are too light. On the other hand on a long steep climb saving a couple of pounds of weight could make a substantial difference in your time up the hill.