Kneecop

After several years of riding on a hybrid by myself, my wife took the initiative to buy me an extremely well taken care of (but used) high-end carbon fiber road bike. She got an incredible deal from a friend who was moving internationally so she couldn't pass it up. So I'm taking the leap and will be starting up on group rides, faster rides, longer rides (long on the hybrid ~60-70miles), and generally getting into the sport on a more social level.

This bike is not coming with wheels however, so this will be my first "high end" bike buy. This was around a $5k bike when purchased new (3 years old), and I want to get wheels that will be "as good as" the bike. Fact is, I won't be able to tell the difference (for the most part) between "good" wheels and "great" wheels. Just upgrading from a low-end hybrid to this bike, getting a proper fit w/ clipless pedals, etc. is going to make a world of difference. So what about the wheels?

I'd LIKE to spend under $500. I'm PREPARED to spend up to $1000. This is because I feel like I'm getting a Ferrari, and so I would be "dumbing down" the bike if I spent less. But I'm looking for experienced opinions on this and what you would do in my situation.

I have three sources (one my LBS) that say I should go with the expensive "highly marketed un-pronounceable named bladed low spoke count" wheels that run around $1000. Because they are "bombproof", light, etc. etc. etc. I know I'd be happy with them, but I don't want to be unhappy with the cost of them. Also, I'd like to keep these as long as possible, ride in the rain and on crappy roads (I'm in the coastal North East).

So, I know its a long first post, but I want to have a very positive experience with group riding and don't want to regret putting "lower end" wheels on because I want to cheap out. But is it cheaping out?

[Note - I'm not naming names of bikes or wheels because I don't want to get biased opinions based on a brand. Just want to know if any of you have been in my situation and realized, man I should have just spent the money...]

AngryScientist 

for under 1K good general use wheels? - fulcrum racing zero's or campy shamals (depending on campy or shimano drivetrain). there, thats a good general suggestion.

jwible

Go to www.psimet.com and get wheels from him. Probably some Kinlin rims on white industry hubs would do you just fine and not break the bank. Solid wheels, durable, very reasonable price, but not ultralight. If you're not planning on racing I'd place durability above weight in order of importance.

Factory built wheels would be fine, but they're not going to perform as well as a set of hand build wheels tailored to your specific needs.

sounds7

Wheels make a difference but educate yourself as to what wheels work best for your riding purposes. Most of my riding is done on "training" multipurpose wheels (Campy Vento). I wouldn't race on them though. Many riders own more than one set of wheels to suit the type of riding they do.

urbanknight

Stop teasing us and tell us what you got! Bonus points for pictures.

Anyway, I second the psimet.com suggestion. I am a strong advocate of riding handbuilt wheels with traditional parts. They last longer, and are easy to repair if and when something does go wrong. On top of that, they can be built with you in mind, not a 140 lb Tour de France climber or a 240 lb guy trying to lower his BMI or someone who only cares about aerodynamics for time trials etc.

I have a set of wheels similar to what psimet could probably do for $600-700, $400-500 if you don't mind cheaper hubs. They're perfect for me because I'm slow but like to climb a lot and ride them for all purposes. That means very light but with a decent number of spokes. You might prefer something different, but he could build that too.

dalava

This: https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Sh...et/5360030874/

Or this: https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ea...et/5360036593/

Both light enough and strong enough, without breaking the bank.

Kneecop

Thanks so much for the suggestions so far - you guys are quick!

Hand built wheels: I was considering hand built wheels based on the praise they get on this forum, but to be honest I just don't know enough about it to know if how good a builder is, how good a build it would be, quality, etc. At least I can research factory built ones, get reviews online, compare apples to apples. Perhaps I'm being short sighted on this?

A note about my use - I currently ride about 100-140 mi/week (depending on work), but I expect it will be more once I'm on a faster bike. I don't EXPECT to race but who knows. I do however want to be able to keep up with the faster group riders, and want my fitness to be the major factor rather than the bike/wheels. If I did decide to race, it would be nice if I didn't have to buy new wheels. But I don't think I'm getting these to race. Oh and Campy Record on the bike...

pjn0629

I just put a set of Rol Race SLs on my trek 5500, they look great, and are a decent blend of aero/lightness, and they're about $615, I put some vittoria fortezza tricomps and bontrager race xxx lite tubes in them and I couldnt be happier for general training and Cat-5 racing. I've taken some rough potholes with them and they're still just as true as when they came in the mail, and I weigh about 170lbs. They won't be dumbing down your bike at all, and carbon rim wheels aren't worth it unless they're your dedicated race wheels.

waterrockets 

There are many of us on bikeforums who will tell you that BF member PSIMET is a great wheelbuilder with competitive prices. He will talk you through the decisions and you'll have wonderful wheels for a long time. This is not just some random wheel builder we're recommending here. One of the best, and he's one of us.

FWIW: I wouldn't get hung up on buying wheels "as nice as the bike." Nobody is going to care. You may get 5 people who ever see the bike who will notice any discrepancy between the wheels and the bike.

For example, here's what the Garmin-Transitions team trains on:

tagaproject6

Psimet wheels. If you are on a learning curve with wheels, PSIMET will not steer you wrong.

FogVilleLad

I recently got a rear wheel from psimet: Campy Record hub, Sapin CX-Rays, and Velocity O/C rim. A complete set would probably be c.$675 delivered. Campy hubs are durable, all weather hubs. Psimet's delivery time is c.6 weeks. That's not unusual for wheel builders. You can get faster delivery time and a lower price from, for example, Williams Wheels, but I didn't want cartridge hubs.

The wheel didn't come with rim tape, so I put Velocity plugs (Red) on it.

urbanknight

You're right that you want a competent builder, which is why many of us suggest Psimet. A good builder will also be able to recommend individual specs for your weight and riding style, and he will be happy to suggest something for you if you're patient. Many of us will also be able to suggest some specs. Just tell us your approx. weight and intended use (climbing, flat, windy, time trials, crits, etc.).

fa63

My vote goes to Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLs. They are regularly on sale for around $800 if you look around.

They are a do-it-all wheelset that is "aero" (not that it really matters), stiff, and reportedly very durable (I have only had mine for less than a month so I can't comment on the durability yet). Unlike full carbon clinchers, they have an aluminum braking surface that offers good braking under all conditions. Plus, you can purchase the Mavic MP3 program and can ride with piece of mind for two years. IMO, they also compliment the looks of most big-tubed carbon bikes very well. This way, your bike will at least look good and this may make you want to ride more. Yes, they are heavy but this makes a negligible difference to mere mortals like us so don't worry about that.

Good luck.

palesaint

I'm a big fan of Fulcrum's. Really well built wheels that last. Their $200 racing 7's are even decent quality. They all look pretty cool also. I would go with what I could afford - $500 will get you Racing 5's or maybe used 3's. $1000 will get you 1's, maybe zeros if there's a smokin' deal going on.

SpongeDad

Certainly not a bad choice. I have Ksyriums (the one the LBS is recommending perhaps?), they are indeed bombproof, but they are also a bit stiff, especially for a lighter guy. Great if you're a sprinter, not as optimal if you're doing long social rides. Psimet, for example, can build you a set of wheels that are tuned to your weight and desired comfort level. I also have pair of Psimet wheels and highly recommend them. They will also be well within your pricing objective.

JC 911

Would love to know what city you are in so maybe BFers could provide some local shops to go check out as well.

And do tell us the bike you have - are you scared to tell us what it is???

jjgli02

I say you should buy a cheaper wheelset of a well known brand. Most likely, whatever set of wheels you get will be lighter than what you have on your hybrid. As mentioned above, don't worry about matching nice wheels to your nice bike. Take it slow, start with some "heavy" wheels and see where things go.

achoo

You're just starting on a road bike, and admit you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between wheels. Guess what? Way too many people who spend > $1K on wheels can't either.

If you're over 200 lbs, get a nice set of handbuilt wheels as others have mentioned. Psimet's got a great rep (no personal experience on my part but I've heard nothing but good), but maybe you don't want to wait six weeks? Other than Psimet, you can try https://coloradocyclist.com, https://bicyclewheelwarehouse.com, https://wheelbuilder.com and probably a lot of others.

These are good:

https://bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/ind...&productId=113

Get Ultegra hubs, brass nipples, and 14/15 ga DT Swiss Comp spokes and those will last you years and years.

Or a set of CXP-33s on Ultegra hubs from Colorado Cyclist.

FWIW, I personally like the DT Swiss rims over Mavics. I feel the braking surface on the DT Swiss rims is smoother. On my Mavics I can feel the rim joint when it passes under the brake shoes when I'm braking.

If you're under 180 lbs, get a set of Neuvation M28X wheels for $200:

https://www.neuvationcycling.com/wheels.html

SpongeDad

Don't spend a grand? I can see that. But $500 will get you some damn nice wheels - Psi or Williams or some of the other selections mentioned above. At that point, I'd be inclined to not go cheaper (assuming the difference btw $200 wheels and $500 wheels isn't going to mess up your finances).

cappuccino911

you haven't told anyone your weight which is very relevant to just what you get. one option not discussed is getting 2 sets of wheels. You should start with something lower end but durable but perhaps a 2nd set for when you really start getting into it and doing longer events. I don't have any psimet wheels but like everyone else has said, people rave about his work and I often hear of his wheelsets costing in the neighborhood of $600 for REALLY GOOD wheels.

Urthwhyte

Listen to what everyone is saying and go with Psimet. If you'd like to ignore the advice of everyone though, then check out SOUL; I've read great reviews of the S4.0s here on BF, and plan to pick up a pair myself towards the end of this year. Relatively aero, super strong, great hubs, and your choice of colors if that's important to you.

bosoxmrkn

Under 180lbs here: https://www.williamscycling.com/sys30/sys30.html

Over 180lbs up to 215lbs here: https://www.williamscycling.com/sys30x/sys30x.html

Light enough, very tough wheels. Would recommend them to anyone. They ship immediately, and the customer service is unmatched.

echotraveler

OP's a tease! PICs or it never happened!

Kelrod

I ride these and they are great. They are also at a good price right now.

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...952.267.0.html

urbanknight

I might mention that I believe Souls, Wheelbuilder.com, and Williams are handbuilt. You just don't get to customize as much.