New weapon (2012 Specialized Allez Elite)

[m3ta1head]

Just picked her up, and already planning on a new wheelset to shave some grams Rides like a dream, complete hill crusher!

 

[Koing]

Looks sick

Forget all of the new upgraded gear. Treat yourself to time so you can put down more miles on the road

Koing

 

[m3ta1head]

Looks sick

Forget all of the new upgraded gear. Treat yourself to time so you can put down more miles on the road

Koing

Absolutely. I've already put 70 miles on it. I average about 100-150 miles/week, trying to push that number closer to 200...I want to be spending 15-20h a week on the bike

 

[iluvdeal]

Nice. What wheelset are you looking at?

 

[Koing]

Absolutely. I've already put 70 miles on it. I average about 100-150 miles/week, trying to push that number closer to 200...I want to be spending 15-20h a week on the bike

Don't get me wrong, a nice new bike is awesome but a lot of people go way overboard on it.

What sort of distances do you do on it?

Koing

 

[m3ta1head]

Nice. What wheelset are you looking at?

Haven't singled out any wheelset yet-still trying to figure out the best bang for buck, and looking for something lightweight but durable enough to take the rigors of daily riding.

Don't get me wrong, a nice new bike is awesome but a lot of people go way overboard on it.

What sort of distances do you do on it?

Koing

Typically 15-40 mile rides with anywhere from 500-2000ft+ elevation.

 

[_Rick_]

I'm riding some Ksyrium Elites, which probably check those boxes pretty well. New they should be 500-600 dollars, 1550 grams, flat spokes. You can probably get a lightly used set for around half that.

I've been commuting on them 3 times a week for around a year and a half (feb-nov) with very few issues, as well as doing some of the local cols.

....and please remove those valve caps for the omg-clean look, and properly orientate your quick release levers

 

[m3ta1head]

I'm riding some Ksyrium Elites, which probably check those boxes pretty well. New they should be 500-600 dollars, 1550 grams, flat spokes. You can probably get a lightly used set for around half that.

I've been commuting on them 3 times a week for around a year and a half (feb-nov) with very few issues, as well as doing some of the local cols.

....and please remove those valve caps for the omg-clean look, and properly orientate your quick release levers

Pro tips, thanks-will make sure to get those right next time. I was also told to remove the "dork disc" from the cassette

I've seen the Kysriums, and they look quite good. Also been looking at Ultegra 6700 and a couple others in that budget. What do you reckon is the most inexpensive carbon wheel I could go with?

 

[2timer]

OMG what a sick ride dude! Love it.

I could never buy one of those, I use my bike for towning and that's just too nice to town around on!

 

[iluvdeal]

I'm riding some Ksyrium Elites, which probably check those boxes pretty well. New they should be 500-600 dollars, 1550 grams, flat spokes. You can probably get a lightly used set for around half that.

Funny you mention that as I was considering those wheels. Competitive Cyclist has them on sale for $531 and there's a $50 off $250 coupon (LAUNCH50) so you can get them for $481 shipped.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/mavic-ksyrium-elite-clincher-wheelset

 

[Necrolezbeast]

Awesome bike! Have fun and stay safe!!

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

What advantages do the expensive wheels provide?
If it's weight alone I'd pass. The amount you'd save might increase your speed by a tenth of a mph.
Is that a Tiagra groupset? How much was the bike?

 

[smackababy]

How much was the bike?

I don't know, but it looks sleek and expensive. >_> My coworker was talking about some kind of bike that costs like $6k. I figure it better come with a bunch of steroids and make me Lance Armstrong for that kind of money.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I don't know, but it looks sleek and expensive. >_> My coworker was talking about some kind of bike that costs like $6k. I figure it better come with a bunch of steroids and make me Lance Armstrong for that kind of money.

Bikes only do so much. It comes down to your training or lack thereof in the end.

 

[KMc]

Nice ride! So, the only question I have is why aren't you logging your miles like the rest of us? Check my sig for the link.

 

[KMc]

What advantages do the expensive wheels provide?
If it's weight alone I'd pass. The amount you'd save might increase your speed by a tenth of a mph.
Is that a Tiagra groupset? How much was the bike?

Reducing weight in your wheels is the best weight to cut. Since it's rotating mass, it makes a real difference in climbing and accelerating. If you gain some stiffness or aerodynamics on top of that, then you're really getting some major benefits.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Reducing weight in your wheels is the best weight to cut. Since it's rotating mass, it makes a real difference in climbing and accelerating. If you gain some stiffness or aerodynamics on top of that, then you're really getting some major benefits.

I guess I'd need to try them myself but I probably gained 2mph going from a hybrid to a full road bike. And that's dropping probably 15lbs total including much lighter wheels. So losing 4 ounces is going to be worth a $500 premium? Not buying it. Especially considering I got a new Fuji bike with a full 105 groupset for a grand.
At least now guys won't have to feel horrible as I pass them on my road bike as I'm sure they were really perplexed when a guy on a hybrid with gear on it came pedaling by.

 

[KMc]

I guess I'd need to try them myself but I probably gained 2mph going from a hybrid to a full road bike. And that's dropping probably 15lbs total including much lighter wheels. So losing 4 ounces is going to be worth a $500 premium? Not buying it. Especially considering I got a new Fuji bike with a full 105 groupset for a grand.
At least now guys won't have to feel horrible as I pass them on my road bike as I'm sure they were really perplexed when a guy on a hybrid with gear on it came pedaling by.

Well, it's probably more like a 1-2 pound savings, but it's definitely true you have to evaluate the cost vs. the improvement and ask yourself if it's really worth it. I'm just saying once you're at the point where you've already made the obvious changes (hybrid bike to road bike), a better wheelset is a much better move than investing in carbon seatposts, handlebars, etc., etc. to try and get the same savings.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Well, it's probably more like a 1-2 pound savings, but it's definitely true you have to evaluate the cost vs. the improvement and ask yourself if it's really worth it. I'm just saying once you're at the point where you've already made the obvious changes (hybrid bike to road bike), a better wheelset is a much better move than investing in carbon seatposts, handlebars, etc., etc. to try and get the same savings.

I think the best bang for the buck is seat time, rest, and eating correctly. I don't know many guys that can't take 5 lbs of fat off their selves including myself.
IMO leave those$500 wheelsets to the weekend racers. For a guy pedaling around for fun I just don't see the point. Your equipment should coincide with your ability. A fat guy that can't even pedal bent over doesn't belong on a $6000 bike. I'm on a mid level road bike. Right about my skill level. Once I'm putting down centuries on a nice Saturday ride then I'll get a full carbon ultegra bike. Until then my bike is much more willing than my newb biking skill.

 

[RichieZ]

wheels, tires and brakes (in no particular order) are the things you could upgrade and notice a difference. I agree why get new wheels, put some miles on it first so you can appreciate the difference.

as far as bikes go, i ride a full carbon ultegra bike with DuraAce 9000 C24 carbon rims. sure its more bike than I need, but anything that makes me enjoy biking more is worth it, dropped 25lbs so far.

 

[_Rick_]

What do you reckon is the most inexpensive carbon wheel I could go with?

Stay away from carbon wheels. Not worth it unless you race.

Disadvantages: They're more fragile than aluminum
They're almost never clinchers - tubular tires are a big no go if you're not racing and have support vehicles. Plus, mounting them is a pain
braking performance is worse, pads get hotter, less grip in the wet.
big rims means more impact from lateral winds

Weight advantages are minimal to negative.
Aero advantages are wasted on your bike

 

[m3ta1head]

Is that a Tiagra groupset? How much was the bike?

Yep, Tiagra 4600 10spd (modeled after 105 5600). I paid $725 in NOS condition (few scratches on the frame from transport), MSRP on this bike is around $1350. I will probably swap the FSA crankset/BB for Ultegra 6700 and keep the rest of the Tiagra components as they're quite good.

Stay away from carbon wheels. Not worth it unless you race.

Disadvantages: They're more fragile than aluminum
They're almost never clinchers - tubular tires are a big no go if you're not racing and have support vehicles. Plus, mounting them is a pain
braking performance is worse, pads get hotter, less grip in the wet.
big rims means more impact from lateral winds

Weight advantages are minimal to negative.
Aero advantages are wasted on your bike

Thanks for the pointers once again. I've narrowed down my wheel choices to the Shimano RS80 C24, Ksyrium Elite, Zipp 101, Easton EA90 SLX....leaning towards the RS80s right now. Anything else I should be looking at?

For what it's worth, I only weigh 125lbs, so an extremely strong wheel is not strictly necessary. I would be willing to sacrifice some durability to shave a few grams of rotating mass.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Nice deal. Personally I'd use up what you have (wheels,crank) and then upgrade as they get worn out. At minimum wait until your chain is worn then replace the crank, chain, cassette. When you do that you can really find the gearing that best suits you and upgrade to higher end stuff.

 

[_Rick_]

Yup.
I'd actually focus on ergonomics first of all.
Adjustments to stem length, handlebar width, saddle shape/angle/position are probably some of the most noticeable modifications.

But it's definitely an "upgrade bike" with an all-right frameset but bargain components.

For the wheels, I'd actually recommend just going to your local shop and doing some test runs. You may end up paying a bit of mark-up (or get a great rebate, as the season is coming to its end) but it should be worth feeling the difference between what you have now, and what you'll be getting. Also no worry about the wheels warping during shipping

 

[GasX]

What advantages do the expensive wheels provide?

To some degree, all upgrades are marginal. However, wheel upgrades are the most noticable. A lighter aero wheelset will not only add speed and acceleration, but will FEEL faster (nut unlike the infamous "butt dyno" car enthusiasts talk about). That is as long as you change speeds during your ride...