Tyres or wheels?
 

Hey all,

I'm looking to upgrade my specialized allez sport. Ive been looking at some Zonda c17 but was wondering if it would be worth upgrading tyres first?

What makes a bigger difference to performance, tyres or wheels?

Depends on what you mean by "performance." Tires made for a specific surface/purpose can have pretty profound effect if you use them for that surface/purpose. Lighter wheels will have an effect no matter the surface. But there's no reason why you can't eventually have both.

Exactly, eventually I will upgrade both. I guess my performance I just mean a noticeable difference in overall speed

No offense, but the Allez Sport is a very entry-level bike, with cheapie components. I wouldn't put much money into upgrades. It'd probably be better to ride the hell out of it, and save up for a nicer bike if you keep enjoying yourself.

Looks like the Road Sport tire that came with the bike is a low thread count tire, probably with stiff rubber (just guessing here). It'd be worth trying a lighter performance tire; just be aware you may be giving up puncture resistance and longevity on the trade.

That depends on what you're currently using.

Going from wide, knobby, wire bead tires to skinny kevlar slicks will definitely make a noticeable difference, but switching between otherwise similar tires probably won't.

Shaving a thousand grams from a wheelset will have a palpable effect, but shaving a hundred won't.

IOW, if you want to feel a difference, you're probably going to have to change something pretty significantly.

How much do you want/expect your "overall speed" to improve? In general, upgrades aren't going to take you from mid-pack to podium, so what are your goals here?

Well, it depends on what you are starting with, but in general, I think you get more bang for your buck with tires upgrades.

$175 will get you a set of ultra-premium tires are super light and ride like a dream.

Or that same money will get you a pretty low end wheelset not a whole lot better than what you now have.

No offence taken, in hindsight I wish I got a better bike but here we are.

Ive already got some ultegra pedals, fizik saddle and got some deda bits, all for good prices though.

I guess the main thing would be more confidence around corners and less rolling resistance. I currently average around 100k per week and here in England the ground is always wet, theres been a few sketchy slides!

Put on those parts, and when your tires start looking shabby, get some nicer (lighter and more supple) ones. Keep riding. If and when you do buy a better bike, you can keep the Allez Sport as a back-up -- for rainy days and such.

Definitely tires. They can transform any ride.

I'd also suggest that if you don't know what the upgrade might do for you then maybe you aren't at the level of cycling ability that it will make any real difference.

The Allez is a good bike, but between expensive new wheels and a new bike, I'd pony up extra money and get a new bike that also has better wheels. Generally as you move up to higher tier levels of bike, then all the components including wheels are better relative to the lesser tier, even if it's the same base model. Though you do have to get out the the entry level pricing tiers.

Start with tires. (Or tyres if that's all you can get) You might be surprised what a difference they make.

Then get tires, no question. Save the sexy wheelset for the next bike. :)

:lol:

If I were in your shoes I’d do tires first…

if you’ve got money to spend wheels are the most important part of bike building…while it seems stupid my commuter rolls on ~$1200 wheels.

when/if you do wheels don’t buy prebuilts get your wheels built

I'd definitely start with just replacing the tyres, here in Seattle, USA, our road conditions are also frequently wet/maritime. I've been very happy with the Vittoria Rubino line of tyres, which offer a good balance of weight, rolling resistance, wet grip, and wear resistance for a reasonable price.

I agree, I should probably change the tyres. But the zondas look and sound awesome!

Unless you're riding crap wheels, tires will make the biggest difference. And unless you're a fast rider, well, not that much of a difference.

From personal experience, my wife got a road bike with Alex wheels that weighed over 2500 grams. Going to a lighter, but not light, Fulcrum Racing T’s at around 1700 grams made a major difference.

You need to know what you have now, and the weights, before you make an educated decision.

John

Obviously you don't know how an internet forum works. (just kidding)

A few years ago I switched the tires on my MTB-based commuter from sturdy but slim(ish) 26x1.25 road tires to fat, but light and supple WTB 26x1.85 slicks. The change was amazing! I picked up 1 mph average speed.

More recently I swapped out some old, stiff (but smooth) 20x1.75 tires on my folding bike to lighter, more supple 20x1.75 Schwalbe Marathon tires (not the heavier sturdier Marathon Plus version) and gained 2 mph average speed.

Also a few years ago I ditched the light, supple Kenda Small Block 8 "micro knobby" tires for slightly less supple Forte Metro ST smooth road tires from Performance bike and gained almost 1 mph average speed.

Also on my MTB-based commuter, my soft but sturdy Suomi Nokian W-109 studded snow tires yield average speeds 2mph less than the WTB slicks (although the studded Nokians are decidely faster in snow and ice than the big smoothies...lol).

So tires can definitely make a difference in performance, as well as feel and comfort. And the older I get, the more I value feel and comfort over speed.

For the sake of the Forum, you should do both. Then you can try old wheels with new tires, new wheels with new tires, new wheels with old tires, one combo on front, one on rear, etc. This thread could go on forever.

With consideration for which model year your Allez Sport is - if it has RIM brakes and Quick release, it really seems buying a higher level wheelset which won;t travel up to a higher level bike/frame (Thru Axles and Disc) would be a dead end upgrade. If expense is not an issue, fine.
But as others noted, nice tires will have a nice effect on the ride quality. Of course, everything depends on the motor...
The Allez is a really great bike design ! Certainly equal to many bikes which might be pricier (components aside ...)
I love good wheels, but also love nice tires. Something to look forward to.
Depending how much you ride, a new chain might also provide a nice boost.
WHen I get the urge to spend bike (and know it's not really gonna help any...) I'll buy another, cool jersey or Bibs/shorts, or maybe helmet... I never regret those buys, they always get well used... LOL!
Ride the Bike, Ride the Bike, Ride the Bike - Eddy...

Ride On
Yuri

Tires can be a good uprade, but you can also get in a loop of buying lots of dfferent bits of stuff and never really being happy with the setup once the newness wears off.

Tires are generally a compromise no matter which ones you get so really it's about the kind of surfaces, weather and general coniditons you ride in to whether your next set of tires is going to positivley affect the experience. They're also the only thing between you and the pavement so from a safety perspective a good set of tires is worth it.

I tend to ride and wear out the tire that comes with the bike or they are damaged beyond use. Most mid ranged bikes come with acceptable tires that will do the job. I'll only change them instantly if the bike is going somewherere or doing something that the stock tires can't do.

All the componentry is a little meaningless if you're not fit enough to take advantage, but in the end buy whatever upgrades you want with your money. The world doesn't have to agreee with your choices.

But at some point all the upgrades you spend on a bike might make you wonder if you should have saved or just brought the higher spec bike in the first place.