APKjuniorFL

Hi all,

I really want to upgrade my bike, and I've been told to start with the rotational weight (i.e. wheels) but I don't have a ton of money to blow...

I've been thinking about replacing the Bontrager SSR wheels that came with my Trek 2.1 with a set of Aksiums. Do you think this would be a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks in advance

Adrianinkc

Would you happen to know what the SSR wheels weigh ?

wrr1020

I had the same Bontrager SSR's and yes their very heavy. They weigh 2226 grams for the set, i upgraded to the blackset race ten wheelset from bicyclewheelwarehouse.com which weigh in at 1451 grams. I wasn't looking to spend a lot, max was around $400 and these wheels fit the bill. Put 1,000 miles on them so far and i'm very happy with them.

revchuck 

Why are you asking only about those wheels? Not a flame, just a question.

APKjuniorFL

Well because

1) I feel like the wheels on my bike now are quite heavy.
2) I've been looking at the aksiums because I could pick up a set on ebay for ~$100-200. I've heard good things about them, and I don't know of other comparable wheelsets at that pricepoint. (I'm a poor college student)

I was just wondering if there would be a noticeable difference between the two.

M_FactorX19

If that's all u can spend get a set of Neuvations but honestly my advice is to just wait and save up. You will be glad u did. Say at least around $500

jamesdak 

Reviving the thread for more input on the BWW Blackset wheels. Is the weight on the SSRs accurate? I'm trying to replace a pair myself. My better half is balking at the very reasonable PSIMET quote so I'm looking at the Blackset Race Ten wheels. Not a lot about them when I seached but I'd love to hear about how durable they have been for those using them. I weigh in right now around 185 but will be working on dropping another 10 lbs or so. Will probably put in around 5000 miles this year (if I can hold off the knee surgery) and most will be on whatever I replace the SSRs with.

So, all you BWW users, what's your take on their products?

BikeWise1

^^^Well, do you want a disposable wheelset, or something that will last. Ask your "better half" which makes more sense in economic terms. How many sets do want to end up buying? They seem to understand that kind of logic. I'm certain Rob spec'd you nice wheels. Why not vote with your dollars for a product assembled by a known entity? And besides, I just looked over the offerings at BWW and the pricing isn't all that cut rate. My builds are similarly priced and my warranty is better.

There's no doubt in my mind that Psimet wheels would give you many more miles of pleasurable and durable service than the anonymously built BWW offerings.

topflightpro

No. It is not worth the money to buy the Aksiums.

The Aksiums are solid wheels, but far from light - about 2,000 grams still - and are not worth the money.

If your budget is only $200, keep your eye on Bonktown.com - they've been selling Easton Circuits (old version of EA70s) for $199 - that's a 1,650 gram wheelset.

Otherwise, I suggest saving your money until you can afford a nicer wheelset.

tuxbailey

You can get a set of Forte Titans from PB now for $150. And that is a good deal (free shipping.)

jamesdak 

Which actually are my thoughts also. But, my knowledge does not allow me to quantify this factually. Can you be specific as to why BWW wheels won't last since you too are a builder? The few posts I find on the internet from BBW users are positive.

jamesdak 

Actually I'm asking about the Blackset wheels mentioned earlier in the thread.

ETC12

I ride the BWW Blackset Race on my weekday training bike.....my heavy steel Soma. I ride some pretty horrible roads and have literally obliterated pot holes, bad pavement cracks, etc. These things are still straight as an arrow. Great hubs, very light, and nice looking (I removed the decals and had them add some blue spoke nipples). For $300'ish shipped, these things have been amazing. HIGHLY recommended wheelset if you're on a budget. They also happen to be LIGHT, FWIW.

Nick29

I second the Circuits. I haven't looked in a while, but for the last year or two they've been a pretty common sight on ebay for ~$300. ~2000 miles on mine and they're still as straight as the day I got them.