cbr shadow

I recently bought a (barely) used '08 Spec. Allez Elite. I've put about 350 miles on it this month and really like the bike. I did a century on it, and plan to do 2 more this summer. The group I ride with are a bit faster than I am, so they lose me after about 20-30 miles. I realize that the biggest difference I can make is to train harder, but what about equipment? I'm told that the biggest improvement are the wheels on this bike, which are currently Jalco Dynamics 270's and I believe they weigh in around 3200 grams.
Since the last century I also changed out the factory tires for some Continental Grand Prix 4000s tires.

Just a couple stats:
1) I'm 29 y.o. and weight 210 lbs. I'm in good shape but I'm built more for weight lifting than biking. I assume I need some fairly strong wheels for my weight?
2) My main purpose for this bike is going to/from work, century rides, and fast group rides with a local club

What wheels would you go with? I found these Boyd's (link below) that look good.
Boyd's - https://www.boydcycling.com/30mm-rouleur/

Also found some used on craigslist here:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/bik/3877680349.html



I would prefer to buy some wheels like one of the above rather than have them made custom by a builder.

Will I notice a difference with one of the above types of wheels over the factory ones? I plan on lowering my body weight a bit, but probably only 5-10 lbs max.

Thanks,
Ryan

teufelhunden222

What is your wheel budget?

generalkdi

your wheels are definitely not 3200g. Did you add the tires and tubes and QR skewers?

Well, just to say that you will not save 1500g with a new set of wheels but probably 500g. Nevertheless, these boyds are a great set of wheels. Ksyrium are usually good, depends how old they are though.

nastystang

Wheels were a great upgrade for me. I shaved well over a pound off the bike and for what ever reason made the bike more enjoyable to ride. The wheels did not make me faster however I think they have less rolling resistance and somehow that pays off overall. I always think about pine wood derby cars and the more attention to the wheels the better the car performed. Not faster but maintained the speed longer. I could be way off, but it sort of makes sense. Boyd wheels get great reviews and awsome factory support from what I have heard on this site. If you get wheels don't expect to keep up with you group, but they may make the ride more enjoyable until you can stay with them.

Elduderino2412

i think you are atleast a 1000g off on the weight of those Jalco wheels. If they still roll true and hubs spin freely, you won't notice a speed difference. Some boyd(or any other upgrade) will feel better though when you ride them.

bbeasley

I don't think 210 lbs is much of a problem for wheels. I started at 252 on stock Trek wheels and now have ~6500 miles on them.

My biggest gains in performance, other than more training, came from the ability to ride comfortably in a more aero position. In my case, weight loss allowed me to experiment with different handlebar heights.

I see you bought a used bike, have you been fitted for it? Even though you're comfortable doing long rides, you might be just as comfortable in a position that allows you to put out more power or in one where you're in a more favorable aero profile.

danmc

Is there some sort of golden ratio of wheel value vs. bike value? Just curious...I mean, does it make sense to have $500 wheels on a $1,000 bike? (I'm just looking for an excuse to spend some more money on my bike...)

Bacciagalupe

With all due respect: If you're going off the back after 20-30 miles, swapping wheelsets will not save you.

You, uh, could also try riding with a slower group every now and then.

cbr shadow

I dont expect the wheels to "save me" but I thought they might help me keep up. im also working hard on my training.
also many here have mentioned that the wheels wont make me faster but will make the ride more enjoyable. what does that mean?

coachboyd

It means that you'll have to start carrying a tennis racket with you on your rides to defend yourself from all the women that will throw themselves at you as you ride by.

That should be our next ad campaign!

In all seriousness, better wheels will have an improvement in handling, weight, and stiffness. It's not going to be that overnight transformation to making you a better rider. But it can make the bike feel better under you and can translate into a more fun ride. If riding is more fun, you'll do it more. The biggest difference I notice in wheels is the handling and stiffness. Better bearings and aerodynamics will increase the speed, but with a training wheelset the aero factor is not going to give you that much of an advantage.

Bah Humbug

I've said this before here, but

1) Kurt Kinetic Road Machine
2) Garmin GSC-10
3) Garmin ANT+ stick
4) TrainerRoad/ PeriPedal/ GoldenCheetah/ whatever

That total will cost less than a new set of wheels. Spend two workouts a week on the trainer doing proper workouts. Give it a couple of months and you'll have a much easier time keeping up with the group.

It'll cost you some pain and sweat as well.

Elduderino2412

Triathletes sure do love to use trainers. They are a very useful tool, but they are so boring.

Bah Humbug

Hey, I didn't tell him to do it exclusively, but trainers do really help you develop more power in less time than on the road. And seriously, with Netflix, how is it boring?

bbeasley

When the days get short this year, I'm going to try this.

Elduderino2412

as a Louisianian i use my trainer more in July & August than in the winter.