Upgrading wheelset
 

Hello,

I currently have the alexrims at450 http://www.alexrims.com/

and want to upgrade to easton vista wheelset

http://www.eastonbike.com/PRODUCTS/W...eel_vista.html


If you go here http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...t/sl1000-19927

and look at far right corner and click show full specifications under wheels it states
that the front is 1300grams and rear is 1800grams.(I have that same trek1000, orange though)

The easton vista wheels according to their site Weight - 1797g (pair); 777g (front), 1020g (rear).

(1) Am I correct about the weight of the Alexrims at450 being a combined 3100 grams(that seems pretty heavy). Their site states the rim for the at450 is just 450grams. So with 2 thats 900grams meaning the extra weight must be from the hub and spokes.


(2) Will I notice much performance gains from this upgrade?


Thanks

It depends upon you and your riding abilities. If you are climbing, you may notice a difference, and they'll be easier to spin up(accelerate). But riding along at a steady pace, you won't notice anything.

Losing 1300 grams (2.8 pounds) will be noticeable. Like leaving home with only one water bottle instead of two. More noticeable on accelerations or climbing as you've lost rotational weight.

Around 1800 gms is about right for a better wheel set. 3 kgs does seem high for the Alex wheelset though but one thing you will notice with the Easton wheels--NO FLEX.

Less Rotating weight is a factor on acceleration but once up to speed- it does not make a great deal of difference. But rotating weight also includes the tyres do look for a "Folding" tyre to lose some more weight and you will really notice the difference.

The weights on the Alexrims site are likely without spokes and hubs since they literally just sell the rims. Any Alexrims you buy have hubs from Formula, or some other manufacturer. Easton sells complete wheelsets.

As for performance increase I upgraded from a similar set (alexrims DA22 )to Fulcrum Racing 5 which are very similar in weight and design to the Vistas and its like night and day. The Alexrims suck, I knocked them out of true multiple times on not major bumps (a friend has Alexrims A400s that bend often too) , meanwhile the Fulcurms have been prettymuch bomb proof (and I took a couple hard hits with them!). Not only that on your first ride you can feel the faster acceleration significantly, and IMO while cruising it feels like less effort is needed to maintian the same speed.

cool thanks