Liist

I want to upgrade from my Shimano WH-R500 wheels on my SuperSix, as I hear it's the one upgrade that makes the biggest difference after proper fitting and saddle.

Looking for something sub $1,000 dollars, can support a 210-pound rider, and last a long time.

Would the 400-gram savings with a set of alloy wheels like Mavic Ksyrium make a noticeable difference? Or should I just stick with the current 1900-gram wheels?

MindProbe

Are you racing?

Elvo

They list the max weights on their site:
https://lightweight.info/

Lowest one is 100 kg which is 220 lbs. I'd imagine there is an SF of 1.5 or 2 so you might be able to get by.

Liist

Starting Cat 5 collegiate in the spring.

Drew Eckhardt 

The 0.4% speed increase on the steepest hills won't matter to him as a racer because he most likely lacks the power to weight ratio that'd have him off-the-front in that situation (that usually goes with bodies that weigh about 2 pounds per inch of height).

MindProbe

210 lbs is pretty heavy. Are you a sprinter?

Liist

Hills? I've heard of no such thing in Florida.

Just started cycling three months ago, and I've already lost 15 pounds. The collegiate club team gets a few sponsors, and I am working to become a sprinter, since climbing does not exist.

MindProbe

My advice is to keep the heavy wheels to train on and buy race wheels specifically for the Spring. By then your weight should be down even more, and training on the heavy wheels will just make you stronger. Over to others to make wheel recommendations - I haven't raced in a long time.

jsutkeepspining

im at 2.2 or 2.3 i think, an i climb pretty well.....

fa63

I don't think the OP is asking about that Lightweight

As to the original question, at 210 lbs I think you would be OK on most good quality high-end factory wheels, such as Shimano Dura Ace, Campagnolo Shamal, etc... Or you can get a pretty nice pair of hand-built wheels for less than $1,000; for example, Velocity A23 rims with White Industries hubs and a good set of spokes. Go with 32 holes front and rear and/or a heavier gage spoke if you want some extra durability.

But do keep in mind that lighter wheels won't make you appreciably faster, especially on the flats. For that, I would look into a pair of aero wheels (not that those make you appreciably faster, either, but every little bit helps when you are racing). Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL can be had for under $1,000 and I have had great luck with mine.

Good luck.

datlas 

Put Williams 30X on your short list.

But I don't think new wheels are going to make a huge difference. Very modest. You may wish to save your money and use what you have for now.

Seattle Forrest

Madfiber makes some carbon wheels for about $3,000 that weigh about 1 kg for the set. They have no weight limit. In Florida, they won't be faster than heavier wheels in your budget; they'll be easier to 'spin up' for a split second, but that's a small fraction of a race. You'll gain more from aerodynamics.

This is frustrating, but good advice.

Bah Humbug

Let me vote for some 23mm wide rims on decent hubs and train the bejeesus out of yourself on them, then (maybe) get some light race wheels for racing in future years. But frankly, until you're a whole lot lighter, even a pound on your wheels is immaterial. My understanding is the R501s are terrible, but some 105 hubs with DT Rev spokes and A23 rims would be durable and pleasant to ride for far less than $1000. Less than $500, I think. Get some HED Belgian rims instead if you want to spend a little more.

Liist

I'll go the LBS to see what's available since they offer good discounts on factory wheels. Will probably get some better training wheels and tires and stick the WH-R501s on my future commute bike.

dwatson

I would use ALPHA 340 rim 28/32. Go 2 cross front 3 cross rear with SAPIM CX RAY spokes and brass nipples. I used WHITE INDUSTRIES H2 /H3 hubs. Under 1400grams and under 1K.
Had them built here https://www.prowheelbuilder.com/cw/#.UGJrLa5KySo

BTM87

How about Dura Ace WH-7900?

Silvercivic27

Under a grand factory wheels? Mavic Ksyrium Elite or Shimano RS-80 if you want new wheels for motivation. Ride a lot. Doesn't really matter that much for crit racing anyway.

ravenmore

Mavic wheels are waaaaay over rated and expensive for what you get.

Off the beaten path but check out Topolino wheels. https://www.topolinotech.com/

Carbon fiber spokes that span the wheel diameter (pass through the hub). Very light and I don't think they have a rider weight limit. They ride amazing too. Carbon spokes really dampen the road buzz.

ravenmore

After that - some kinlin rims laced to some light hubs. Kinlin rims are strong.

Velo Dog

Not precisely on topic, but if you want to race at 210 pounds, race. You're not likely to win the Tour de France anyway, so just go have fun. I haven't weighed as little as 210 since I was a junior in high school, except fleetingly after an illness a year or so ago, but I've competed in running and cycling for nearly 40 years.
That 2-pounds-per-inch factoid about pro cyclists is apparently accurate, btw. I saw a breakdown a few years ago, and most were right at two pounds. None was over a kilogram (2.2 lbs) per inch of height.

Elevation

Which conference?

unionmade

Send Psimet an inquiry. He took care of my fat ass.

cricket1116

+1

Elduderino2412

I think losing weight would be the first thing to do. Then buy some wheels that suit your racing weight.
Unless you just want some bling.

qqy

24h radial front / 28h 3x rear, handbuilt, on Xray spokes and the best hubs you can afford. With a A23s on DT Swiss hubs, you could get a set around 1500g. Definitely consider a wider rim. For machinebuilts, Shimanos seem to hold up well thanks to their proprietary spokes and reinforced eyelets and rims. RS80s can be had cheap now and are head to beat for the money.