Do I need new wheels?
#1
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From: Kirkland, WA
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Do I need new wheels?
Hi guys - I recently acquired a '17 Ruby Comp with stock DT R460 wheels, which are maybe a little heavy but otherwise fine. A friend of a friend is selling his Roval CLX50s and claims they are superior/lighter/smells like flowers compare to to the DTs. What do you guys think? Is there an appreciable difference? The weight differential is only about 400g, less than a pound. I admit that I'm completely ignorant in the wheel area.
#6
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From: Kirkland, WA
Bikes: 2021 Specialized Diverge Carbon Comp, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert, 2020 Specialized Creo Expert

He's asking for $1200 for both front and rear, but I'd have to drive about 2 hours to pick them up. That seems like a good deal as they are in excellent condition and retail is over $2000 for the pair. But do I NEED them? I am torn...
#7
And I so very much want to be one of the cool kids!! 
He's asking for $1200 for both front and rear, but I'd have to drive about 2 hours to pick them up. That seems like a good deal as they are in excellent condition and retail is over $2000 for the pair. But do I NEED them? I am torn...

He's asking for $1200 for both front and rear, but I'd have to drive about 2 hours to pick them up. That seems like a good deal as they are in excellent condition and retail is over $2000 for the pair. But do I NEED them? I am torn...
....at the same time, I will say that $1200 is not insignificant in that there are a good number new wheels, that are similarly spec'd, that can be had for about the same price.
#8
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From: Kirkland, WA
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Of course you don't need them. The question is whether or not they'd make you happy. Nothing's wrong with having cool ****, 'specially if it gets you on your bike more often.
....at the same time, I will say that $1200 is not insignificant in that there are a good number new wheels, that are similarly spec'd, that can be had for about the same price.
....at the same time, I will say that $1200 is not insignificant in that there are a good number new wheels, that are similarly spec'd, that can be had for about the same price.
#10
And I so very much want to be one of the cool kids!! 
He's asking for $1200 for both front and rear, but I'd have to drive about 2 hours to pick them up. That seems like a good deal as they are in excellent condition and retail is over $2000 for the pair. But do I NEED them? I am torn...

He's asking for $1200 for both front and rear, but I'd have to drive about 2 hours to pick them up. That seems like a good deal as they are in excellent condition and retail is over $2000 for the pair. But do I NEED them? I am torn...
Last edited by nwrig004; 03-27-18 at 11:37 AM.
#11
How much do you like being blown around in the wind? Carbon wheels look cool but it's a hazard in cross winds for lighter / inexperienced riders. $1200 seems a little outside the realm of reasonable for used OEM wheels that nobody would buy new in the first place if they didn't come on specialized bikes.
#12
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From: Inland Northwest
Bikes: Sir Velo A Sparrow
I have those DT R460 wheels on my commuter bike, they're actually pretty good wheels. I don't know much about Roval but @TrojanHorse makes a good point about buying them at that price. I'm sure if you check the buy n' sell groups on FB that you could find even better Carbon wheels for cheaper if you're willing to buy used ones anyway.
I used to say you couldn't tell the difference between wheels and tires as well. Once I got a second bike and started riding them back to back with different wheel and tire combinations I was super surprised about how much of a difference wheels and tires actually make.
You don't need them, but if you can afford them then get them (or some perhaps better version of them).
I used to say you couldn't tell the difference between wheels and tires as well. Once I got a second bike and started riding them back to back with different wheel and tire combinations I was super surprised about how much of a difference wheels and tires actually make.
You don't need them, but if you can afford them then get them (or some perhaps better version of them).
#13
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
It's always nice to have a second set of wheels, especially with different gearing for different riding situations. And these are pretty nice wheels, but only you can answer whether you'll get $1200 worth out of them.
#15
Google says that DT R460 wheelset is about 1800 grams, which is not "heavy" to begin with. Do you "need" a 1400 gram wheelset? I personally wouldn't, but I'd never consider spending $1200 on any wheels, and it may be just the thing for you. I think it would definitely have a different feel.
#17
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#19
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From: Kirkland, WA
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You guys have convinced me. I'm going to do the fiscally responsible thing...and try to talk him down. What do you think would be a fair price range?
#21
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From: NWNJ
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
go to Jeson Bike HED & SHimano wheels on sale about 1650 gram for $300.00 now thats a good deal
#22
A friend of a friend, it's touchy. Sometimes it's just a matter of liquidation/unloading stuff, in which case $6-700 wouldn't be unreasonable. But if the guy needs the cash more than you need the wheels, seems to me it would be bad form to suggest much if anything less than asking.
#23
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From: Kirkland, WA
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A friend of a friend, it's touchy. Sometimes it's just a matter of liquidation/unloading stuff, in which case $6-700 wouldn't be unreasonable. But if the guy needs the cash more than you need the wheels, seems to me it would be bad form to suggest much if anything less than asking.
#24
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From: NW Ohio
Bikes: Salsa Beargrease XX1, Trek Eqnuinox 9.9 SSL, Trek Madone 6.9 ,Trek District Carbon, Trek Boone7, Trek Fuel EX9.0,Trek Fuel 9.5, Trek Rumblefish Pro, Trek Remedy 9.9, Trek Equinox7, Trek District Belt
Have you by chance looked into a nice set of GERMAN LIGHTWEIGHT MEILENSTEIN Wheels..? I would be lost without mine..
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