Wildewinds

Forgive me, this is a n00b question.

So, at my current weight, I can probably drop more weight while sleeping than I can by upgrading my wheelset... but everyone goes crazy about these things, so is there something else to it? Or, is it just weight?

I know "rotational" weight is a big deal, but would I even notice a difference as a relative beginner to the sport? Would it even be safe to get a carbon wheelset if I weigh 235 lbs?

maidenfan

Initially, I'd just ride the bike man. I invested in a few sets of custom built wheels for my bikes simply so I wouldnt have to deal w/breaking and bending them (because I did), so if you have those problems, you may need to get a set built to your needs. You can have a excellent set of wheels built up for $300-500 depending on what you get and who does it, even cheaper if you go the used route. If you have the money to spend on carbon wheels and such, you certainly can build up a set that will easily handle 235lbs. The gal that builds my wheels said she'd be happy to lace up some Chris King hubs to 28 hole Enve's and would warranty them at my weight (250lbs), but $2500 is too much for wheels. Even she told me it would be a waste of money when I could spend $600 or so (which I did) and get a great set of durable, ultegra range wheels.

wphamilton

I think it's better to get a strong, inexpensive wheel set like these https://www.niagaracycle.com/advanced...+LP18+&x=5&y=5 seriously.

Homeyba

A waste of money? It really depends on your perspective and what's affordable to you. For me, I have some rather expensive bikes so $2500 for wheels isn't that big of a deal. In fact, I have several sets of wheels in that range. If you're scraping together pennies than it's more of a big deal unless your goal is to be the next Lance.

Let's make sure we're talking about the same thing. Light weight wheels are usually considered climbing wheels. Deep dish carbon wheels are usually considered "aero" wheels. Light weight wheels are generally not the best bet for clydes because they are made to be light, not strong. Deep dish carbon wheels are not generally really light. They may be lighter than your OEM wheels but they aren't really "light weight" wheels.

Performance wise, will a light weight or aero wheel outperform a standard wheelset? Sure (and you'll definitely notice it) but the question is by how much and what the parameters are. If you are talking just "lightweight" wheels then they're going to be an advantage for you if you're a billy goat or love sprinting your buddies to the next street sign. How much of an advantage is debatable but it's not real huge in the grand scheme of things.

Aero wheels will increase your speed but not unless you are usually riding over 20mph. There are diminishing returns below that.

Personally, I'd take an aero wheel long before a light weight wheel. If you get a deep dish carbon wheelset you get the added bonus of having a (generally) stronger wheel than your OEM wheel. Deep dish carbon wheels should have no problem with your 235lbs. In fact, That's about what I weigh and I have them on my single and tandem! I also ride a lot, around 6-10,000miles a year.

bigfred 

As far as I'm concerned there are two reasons to invest in carbon wheels:

1. You're "racing" and very small speed improvements can make a huge difference to you. I believe it's generally held that you need to be averaging in excess of about 20mph on your rides before "aero" anything really starts to pay dividends.

2. "Bling" makes you want to ride your bike more often and further than you would otherwise. If you've got the money and want to spend it on carbon wheels, by all means, please continue to support the economy.

At 235lbs, chances are you aren't winning any more races than I am. At best we can compete against our buddies and any other riding partners we have. But, comparing ourselves to unknown "racers" is fairly pointless. That's not to say you might not be paying attention to person bests on various courses or events. But, if that's the case, what would be the point in "buying" an improvement? It's really only our own fitness that we're interested in measuring.

My personal preferences lean toward reliable and affordable, in that order, for daily training/riding. A quality set of hubs laced, 32h or 36h, to some decent rims. Way less $$'s than carbon rims that would in theory only come out for "event" days.

If you're serious enough for carbon to have a performance value, you're probably racking up 6,000-10,000 miles annually and would rather wear out something less expensive during your solitary training rides.

But, I see plenty of riders cruising up and down the beachfront boulevard on $10,000 rigs at 15mph. And I'm pretty sure it's not cause they're "cooling down" or on a "recovery" ride.

The guys I know that "are fast" tend to have a "training hack" that really racks up the miles. The training hack may be carbon framed. But, is frequently aluminum. It most frequently has 105, Ultegra or Rival drive train and aluminum rims.

TrojanHorse

So here's an idea - treat yourself to a set when you get to your goal weight. you can get some nice Boyd 50mm clinchers for about a grand and they'll hold you up. You can also get the chinese clinchers straight from china for about half that!

And actually, rotational weight isn't that big of a deal - its a tiny fraction of the power required to accelerate (we're talking 3% here).

So keep riding what you've got for now until you get to the point where you just have to have some nice new wheels. It's all good.

Mr. Beanz

Funny, I spoke with a local rider and forum member about 2 weeks ago. He sold some carbon wheels to pay for a newlighter fster set figuring he'd be faster etc. He is an excellent rider so I asked and his response was, "I don't feel a thing but think I feel faster because the engineers said I am supposed to be".

This guy is a lightweight climbing riding machine and if he doesn't feel a thing, neither would I.

bigfred 

Q: Any point in getting one of those fancy wheelsets?

A: Yes, supporting the economy. (Provide you have the cash to pay for them.)

Homeyba

I hate this attitude (sorry Bigfred, I don't mean to me picking on you here). Just because we're big doesn't mean we can't compete or race! Nor should we not treat ourselves to the nice stuff if we can afford it. I'm often in the 235lb range (bigger now) and compete just fine thank you (a number of race wins and 3 course records). Not only that, I'm 50yrs old to boot. No, you're not going to find me winning the race to the top of Mt. Baldy, I'll leave that to Mr Beanz , but I can get on down the road at a pretty good clip and so can many other clydes.

I really hate the "you can't do it so why have it" attitude almost as much as the "I can't afford it so you shouldn't have it either" attitude. Buy what you want/can afford.

Homeyba

I would suppose since he went from one set of high end wheels to another the difference in feel would/may be negligible. Those "light weight" wheels may save him a handful of seconds on a 5km climb. If he races or cares, that can be just enough to get there before the next guy.

mkadam68

+1

Assuming you're talking deep-rim carbon wheels...

No it's not.

Aero, stiffer wheels (deep carbon rims), smooth ride, looks...

Yes you would. I do on my 88mm rims as well my 50mm rims.

Yes it would. (See above & realize I'm 250 lbs. I ride a 32h rear 50mm rim and a 28h rear 88mm rim.)

I got both my rims through Hong Kong specials on eBay (as well as some Novatec hubs from Bob Dopolina here on BF). Both were about $6-700 to build. I had the best wheel builder on the planet I know of build them. They're both great. The 50mm rims are my everyday wheels. Both sets are holding up extremely nicely and haven't needed to be trued at all after 1,000+ miles each.

Mr. Beanz

Meh! I can afford it if I wanted it but I still don't think you should have it.

Mr. Beanz

Could be, his bike is already nearly 14 lbs (IIRC).

bigfred 

That's fine. No worries. I don't entirely disagree with you. I'm usually pretty carefull with my qualifying words like, "chances are". The OP classified himself as a "realative beginner". My reply was based on that premise. If he had qualified his question with his TT times and the improvement he was hoping to find. Or, some other sequence that would lead one to believe he was already pushing his physical limits, my answer would have been different. But, at the point someone is fast enough to justify such a purchase on "performance" criteria, they aren't going to be asking about that justification on BF:-) I'm serious in my listing of "motivation/bling/feel good" as a justification for such a purchase if someone can afford it. I have an appreciation for nice stuff, as much as the next rider.

However, I hate the attitude that is so pervasive, at least in the LBS' around here, that you "need" all the high end equipment. They'll happily put me on as light a wheelset as they have, without regard for whether it will meet my needs or not. I've had guys attempt to convince me that my 9 speed Ultegra is outdated, that my 8speed xtr components aren't as safe as newer stuff, etc. That I "really need" a new bike. Everything "this year" is "great", "awesoem", "you'll notice the difference", "it'll be more fun", "you'll feel faster", "you'll be faster". Anything from last year is, "not as good", "slower", "not as safe"(I love that one), etc.

I will standby the statement: For the vast majority of clydes, who are concerned with their performance, the first place to look for significant gains is themselves. The combination of weight loss, musclular and cardiovascular adaptation will deliver far greater gains for less money than most equipment considerations. Pay closer attention to your diet and push yourself harder while riding. You'll "NOTICE" that difference. Without doubt, or spending thousands.

vesteroid

I swear, if you run for president, I will vote for you. Finally someone who thinks like I do

Padley

For me it wasn't the weight savings or the aero, it was that I wanted them and they look friggin' sweet on my bike. And they make me want to ride my bike, and ride it faster and faster. For that, they were worth the cost for me. Besides that, they are lighter and more aero than the Alex rims I replaced and the bike just feels faster. Whether it is or not doesn't matter to me, I go faster because I push myself harder.

Just my $.02. I say if you want them and can afford them, then buy them!

Seve

First, check with the manufacturers of the wheel-set you are interested in to see if there are any weight restrictions, some do have them.

Second, carbon wheels with a deeper rim profile will be more aerodynamic. The effect of that aerodynamic increase is real, however, speeds below 20 mph won't generally be measureable outside of a wind tunnel.

Third, they may or may not be lighter than what you have now, if they are tubulars, they will almost certainly be lighter. The rotational weight / weight is really only noticeable or rather makes a difference in spinning up to speed, sprinting and of course any weight loss makes hills easier, due to gravity. Bear in mind that weight is secondary to aerodynamics for all but your climbing portions of riding when it comes to speed.

Fourth, you and your personal opinion are the only relevant one when discussing the concept of, is it worth it to you. If you like them then why not.

As you know, people buy custom wheels for their cars and trucks, buy rolls royces when a chevy would accomplish the same thing, build 10,000 square foot homes for one person or buy carbon bike frames instead of steel ones.

Good luck and have fun

rearviewbeer

If it makes you feel good, you can afford it, and you would ride more, or enjoy it more, then YES!

rdtompki

If you want bling and can afford bling I say go for it. Just go for strong bling.

Homeyba

HaHa! Gina would kill you if you spent that much on wheels! One of these days I am going to sneak my Zipp wheels onto your bike. BTW I'm thinking of doing the Cool Breeze Century on the tandem this year, you interested???

Mr. Beanz

Wasn't really a ride worth doing imo. Nice ride but I'd rather focus on The Bear of Breathless Agony again. I need to better my time on BA and need to get back into shape. I'll start trainingin Nov. Till then, just cruising as always.

Gina talks me into buying the stuff I do buy. She even suggested another tandem. I don't think we need it and I really don't want one cuz the one we have is fine.

Homeyba

Maybe I should invite Gina to go for a short ride on my Calfee??? I think you need to spend $15k on a new tandem! You've done the bear and BA a hundred times! I think they are going to rename those rides the Tour de Beanz! When was the last time you did the cool breeze? You don't need to be in shape for that, it's a fun ride.

FrenchFit 

I don't know about carbon, but I ride a couple of Neuvations sets, 16/20s and 20/24s if I remember correctly. They are not expensive, $350-400 for wheels would be my max limit. This is one example https://www.neuvationcycling.com/prod...l-set-1489.htm . You're not that much heavier than me, and the difference upgrading to a lighter wheelset is damn noticeable. I was going to use my first Nuevation set as a "perfect conditions" set, with my 32h wheelset as the more full-time distance wheels. I never put the heavier wheels back on. Once you experience the spin up and hill climbing with lighter wheels it's hard to go backwards.

As far as durability, everyone seem to have their opinions. All I know is the only spokes I've broken are on 32h "tough" cross wheelsets, I've been flying down hills and torquing them up the other side on a 16/20 wheelset and they remain perfectly true and no cracks. Believe what you will, but it seems to me the stock wheels that have been sold on sub-$2000 bikes the last decade have been pure crap.

youcoming

Three seasons ago I bought a set of Shimano Dura Ace 7850 50mm carbon clinchers. They have been by far the best investment Ive made for cycling. I have close to 15,000km on them and still as good as the day I bought them. I have rode them from 197lbs to 25olbs, they are not real light but are super stiff, smooth, quiet and strong!! I use them as my everyday wheelset and highly recommend them but any quality name will not disappoint. One note on the DA wheels is they are not sealed hubs, still old cup and cone and need to be serviced from time to time as in repack the grease, but oh you just can't beat the roll of DA hubs.

Mr. Beanz

I've only done BA one time and Cool Breeze one time. BA makes me want to do it a second time, Cool Breeze don't.