Kimmo 

It's almost certainly the tyres. If the hubs made a difference, something had to be messed up.

Although one factor that hasn't been mentioned is how the acoustic properties of the wheel can influence your subjective experience in subtle ways...

Iride01 

Both bike made of the same frame material?

Pictures of the Sirrus to me seem like they have a lot of seat post out of the seat tube which probably absorbs some road bumps. And coming from a road bike with drops, if you used the drops regularly, you may have gotten a smaller frame and pulled even more seat post out to not be so upright as a Sirrus normally wants to put one.

The longer seat post out of the seat tube might create a loss of road feel or at least the perception of it . For me though, tires make the most difference and perhaps as much is how hard you inflate them.

Kimmo 

Wait, what? Are we comparing not only different wheels and tyres, but different bikes too? All bets are off, too many factors.

As far as actual smoothness of the ride goes, something like 95% of it will be the tyres and potentially the flex of a decent length of exposed carbon seatpost. The latter factor can count for about two tyre sizes worth, in the best case of around 8" or more of a light 27.2 post.

guadzilla

While WhyFi is correct that the above are valid reasons for upgrading wheels, IMO those differences are fairly minor for the average recreational rider who is not racing, but just riding for fun. The benefits are there and certainly worth having if you have the budget, but it isnt something that will radically change your ride experience or speeds, IMO.

WhyFi

Speed? No, we're agreed there - it's not going to make much impact.

Experience? We'll disagree here. IMO: lighter wheels feel much more fun and snappy, tubeless or, more to the point, not having to address flats on the side of the road, has vastly improved my experience, and wider rims/wheels feel and handle much, much better with the types of tires and pressures that I favor.

When I got a new bike in the spring, I *loved* it - it was hands-down the enjoyable bike upgrade that I'd ever experienced. Then I got the new wheels... It's hard to say which I enjoy more.

crn3371

First ride on new tires (Specialized Roubaix Pro 25/28), much better ride quality compared to old 23mm Armadillos. 👍

guadzilla

I should modify my statement a little - I agree that different wheels do ride differently.. Whether that difference is noticeable or matters is something the OP should figure out for himself.

And tubeless - yeah, agreed there. I havent gone entirely tubeless yet, but am running tubeless on 3 of my 5 wheelsets, and quite like it. Tubeless would be a very good reason to get a new wheelset, especially if someone lives in an area where they are prone to flats.

Iride01 

Roubaix Armadillos? Those have puncture protection and while I've not used them, I don't consider any tire with puncture protection as their main selling point. The bead to bead puncture protection they advertise is bound to change how well you can feel the road. Likely in more harsh ride.

msu2001la

As I read this response, I was thinking "why would someone recommend Chris King when the OP is asking about budget friendly options" but then I clicked the link and started thinking...

$1200 for CK hubs, CX-ray spokes and HED Belgium plus rims is a pretty good deal. The hubs will last a lifetime and can easily be laced to new rims in the future. 1665g is also reasonably light considering how stout that HED rim is. Maybe this isn't so crazy.

crn3371

Even better at $999 since I have rim brakes!

Bah Humbug

That's not much more than the same rims go for with the Hed factory hubs and build.

crn3371

In looking at some higher spoke count offerings I found a set from Bicycle Wheel Warehouse. Dura-Ace 7900 hubs laced to the house brand Blackset Race rims. These are on closeout for $450, with no warranty. Wheels are laced 32/32, with DT Swiss spokes and nipples. Rim is old school @ 24mm deep and 19.5 wide, which is same size as my existing rims, so I know everything will fit. While not the sharpest looking wheels I’m assuming that the 7900’s are good hubs, and the 32/32 lacing will support my 220lbs.

RadDog

No, no, no, brother. Upgrading wheels is the single best upgrade you can make to a bike. Bikes, even higher priced ones tend to come with cheap wheels to make a price point. I am going with Dura ace hubs (or PW, CK) because when a hub goes out, unless you are a good mech with the proper tools, you are f-ed. I got a nice framed (carbon) bike for a good price (from Bike Shop Warehouse) and the cheap rear hub went out after 300 miles. The hub needs replacing which will run me more than $200, about the price of my cheap wheels. It is more cost effective to just replace the wheels. If you are going to replace the wheels (assuming you like the bike) it will take some time. It should be mentioned that BSW refused to do anything about it (or the other problems I have had with the bike).

So essentially I am bikeless for a few weeks while all my parts/homework get done.

Conversely, If a derailleur goes out I can just slap another one on. Easy peasy and even a ****ty mech like me can do it,

So, what is the take away? A hub going out is a big deal. Therefore it is worth it to invest in Dura ace (or PW, CK, etc) even if I am going aluminum and building a mid tier priced wheelset.

force10

Did you get these?

crn3371

Haven’t bought anything yet, still on the fence. The main reason I haven’t bought them is strictly vanity, they just look boring. Don’t flame me, I know you can’t see them while on the road, but aren’t many (most?) of the upgrades people make on their bikes at least partially influenced by looks? I’ve been all over the place with alternative wheelsets, Campy Zondas, DT Swiss PR1600, Chinese carbon from Amazon. The latest front runners are a handmade set from John Neugent at Neugent Cycling, sub 1500g and sub $500. John’s been building wheels forever and I can add some bling by adding some color to the hubs and nipples, plus there’s an actual person I can deal with should there be any problems, something I really can’t do if I were to buy from the UK.

RadDog

I purchased the Blackset 24's with the 9000 Dura Ace hubs. $480 was just too good to pass up. 32 dt swis spokes and 1620 grams. I can live with the weight....they are about 1000 grams lighter than what I had for the durability.

Yes they are plain aluminum....but so what, I don't have to worry about my hubs going out and they have transformed my bike. Get them.

crn3371

I hear you RadDog, in fact BWW sweetened the pot so to speak by offering me the previous version for $399. Dura-Ace 7900 and narrower wheels. It’s a head vs heart decision process for me.

mstateglfr 

1000g lighter? What wheelset were you using before?!

RadDog

Weinman DP 18's. They are anchors.

RadDog

Do you have a 10 speed cassette? The hubs are worth nearly $400. My frame is red and parts are black, so the rims look just fine. I would pull the trigger if I were you.

crn3371

Yes, 10 speed, and that isn’t going to change. I have 6 hours left on their offer. Trying to decide if 9000 hubs over 7900 hubs and a couple of mm in wheel width is worth $80.