Wheel upgrade considerations
06-24-10 | 06:54 PM
#26
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,812
Likes: 1,233
From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
It makes perfect sense not to invest in $1000 race wheels if you've never done a race. Most new racers find they have very big holes in their fitness or handling skills which no amount of trick gear will overcome. So racing with expensive wheels is just a liability to their wallet at that point. Especially in Cat 5 which is the most crash prone of all categories.
OP if you walked up to a bunch of cyclists at a race around here and explained that you wanted to buy some race wheels before doing your first race, the overwhelming response would be "Just get out there and race, don't worry about the equipment." I doubt you'd find even one guy who thinks it would be a good idea for you to drop $1000 on wheels beforehand.
OP if you walked up to a bunch of cyclists at a race around here and explained that you wanted to buy some race wheels before doing your first race, the overwhelming response would be "Just get out there and race, don't worry about the equipment." I doubt you'd find even one guy who thinks it would be a good idea for you to drop $1000 on wheels beforehand.
All that said, if he has the coin, and wants new wheels, its a reasonable expenditure that has multiple benefits, including being able to trian when a wheel is being repaired, not having to fix a flat when you find your tire flat and you have 45 minutes to sneak in a ride, and having a set of wheels for the wheel pit.
So it's not necessary, but its nice if you can afford it.
THe answer in part depends on how much $699 means to you. If that is a major out lay, then you start falling into the "Don't race what you can't replace..." If its a fraction of a week's pay, then its not a big deal.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
06-24-10 | 07:00 PM
#27
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,812
Likes: 1,233
From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
OP if you walked up to a bunch of cyclists at a race around here and explained that you wanted to buy some race wheels before doing your first race, the overwhelming response would be "Just get out there and race, don't worry about the equipment." I doubt you'd find even one guy who thinks it would be a good idea for you to drop $1000 on wheels beforehand.
Its by no means unusual to see multiple sets of Zipps, and Reynolds in a Cat 5field, mounted to Pinarellos and Colnagos, and sporting Powertaps and SRMs.
Now, none of this is necessary, but again if you can afford it, two sets of wheels, one of them being moderately priced is not outlandish.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
06-24-10 | 10:01 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Bikes: 2007 Trek Madone 5.2 SRAM Force
sorry merlin. I mistook your post then. And agree to race what you can afford but not based off of your categorey. Pros crash, ams crash, no matter what your gonna get tangled in a crash.
06-24-10 | 11:43 PM
#29
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I definitely understand the logic behind racing with what I have...because I know that for my first several races I'll probably be doing all I can just to hang on. I will probably stick with what I have for at least my first few races before I think about adding any new equipment. I figure if I wait until I am stronger to upgrade, I will probably better realize the benefits.
I do like the idea of having a backup though...it scares me to think that I'd be off my bike for a while if anything happened to any of my components (especially wheels).
Thanks again to everyone for all the great feedback; you've given me a lot to think about. I'll be coming back to this thread often.
I do like the idea of having a backup though...it scares me to think that I'd be off my bike for a while if anything happened to any of my components (especially wheels).
Thanks again to everyone for all the great feedback; you've given me a lot to think about. I'll be coming back to this thread often.
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