Should I upgrade my bike's wheels?
June 22, 2013 6:55 PM Subscribe
I am a recreational bike rider and would like advice on whether it would be useful for me to upgrade the wheels on my bike. I ride a Marin Flat Bar Road Bike that I've had for a couple of years now. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to upgrade my wheels to a wheel set in the $300-500 range.
I typically ride twice a week, 20-30 miles per ride, to get outside and enjoy the scenery. I don't plan on racing, and I don't plan on riding in a group. I'm a 50yo male, 5'10", 180 lbs if that matters. The current wheels are the stock Alex A19 and the tires are 700 x 28 with probably more tread than I need. (No matter what I am switching to 700 x 25 road tires). I only ride on paved surfaces.
I'd like your opinion on whether I would notice a significant difference in my rides. If it would let me go a few miles farther in the same amount of time, and if it would make getting up the hills a little easier it might be worth it for me. Recommendations on specific wheels is welcome.
I typically ride twice a week, 20-30 miles per ride, to get outside and enjoy the scenery. I don't plan on racing, and I don't plan on riding in a group. I'm a 50yo male, 5'10", 180 lbs if that matters. The current wheels are the stock Alex A19 and the tires are 700 x 28 with probably more tread than I need. (No matter what I am switching to 700 x 25 road tires). I only ride on paved surfaces.
I'd like your opinion on whether I would notice a significant difference in my rides. If it would let me go a few miles farther in the same amount of time, and if it would make getting up the hills a little easier it might be worth it for me. Recommendations on specific wheels is welcome.
I'd start with a great tune up, maybe even a hub overhaul, and going to a really nice pair of road tires. Get folding tires, they are way lighter. My current favorites are Vittoria Rubino Pros. Don't get the Continental Gatorskin, the most overrated tire ever. You might also consider a touring tire. I really like the Panaracer Pasela TourGuard in the folding model.
posted by advicepig at 7:39 PM on June 22, 2013
posted by advicepig at 7:39 PM on June 22, 2013
Unless there is something wrong with your current wheels (warped and can't be trued, hubs bad and not worth repairing), there isn't really any reason to upgrade. Switch to road tires with minimal tread. You probably won't see any benefit to switching to 25mm tires at 180lbs - I would stay with 28mm.
posted by ssg at 8:37 PM on June 22, 2013
posted by ssg at 8:37 PM on June 22, 2013
I'm pretty much w/supercres; a change of tires is likely to create a much different feel (and be way cheaper) than a wheel change. In fact... check your MeFiMail.
If your real aim is just going faster, I guess I'd agree w/going clipless. Having not ever done so, I can't say whether it's right or wrong, but I love just being able to pick up my foot while riding without going through some weird pedal pirouette maneuver. Just me, I'm sure a plurality of folks would be comfortable doing so. So, whatever.
You probably don't need Gatorskins. They're pricey, and I've never run them and flats have never been a problem where I live -- mostly blacktop, some gravel. (I'm running 700x28 Continental Super Sports (old old old, they don't sell them anymore -- they do sell Super Sport Plus, which you may want to check out but since I haven't ridden them I can't give a recommendation).) But hey, amortize the cost of those puppies over a few years of riding and they might be worth it. So I guess I disagree that they're overrated but given your stated riding conditions you'll probably do just as well w/a tire that costs half or 2/3 as much.
posted by cog_nate at 8:38 PM on June 22, 2013
If your real aim is just going faster, I guess I'd agree w/going clipless. Having not ever done so, I can't say whether it's right or wrong, but I love just being able to pick up my foot while riding without going through some weird pedal pirouette maneuver. Just me, I'm sure a plurality of folks would be comfortable doing so. So, whatever.
You probably don't need Gatorskins. They're pricey, and I've never run them and flats have never been a problem where I live -- mostly blacktop, some gravel. (I'm running 700x28 Continental Super Sports (old old old, they don't sell them anymore -- they do sell Super Sport Plus, which you may want to check out but since I haven't ridden them I can't give a recommendation).) But hey, amortize the cost of those puppies over a few years of riding and they might be worth it. So I guess I disagree that they're overrated but given your stated riding conditions you'll probably do just as well w/a tire that costs half or 2/3 as much.
posted by cog_nate at 8:38 PM on June 22, 2013
I agree on the try-nice-road-tires-first recommendation. I'm a big fan of Continental Grand Prix 4000 S road tires. A lot of riders in my cycling club highly recommendeded them when I was looking for tires, and I honestly felt a little funny buying them because of all the hype - I felt a little like a teenager doing what was popular, and it's been a loooooooong time since I was a teenager.
But they are great tires, I've put several thousand miles on them over the last couple of years and I've been very, very happy, as I think you will.
posted by altcountryman at 8:39 PM on June 22, 2013
But they are great tires, I've put several thousand miles on them over the last couple of years and I've been very, very happy, as I think you will.
posted by altcountryman at 8:39 PM on June 22, 2013
Tires, not wheels!
Another vote for GP 4000S in 25mm or GP 4 Season in 28. At your weight and fitness level, you'll see little advantage to changing size; the tread compound, weight, and construction of a higher quality tire will make worlds of difference.
posted by a halcyon day at 8:47 PM on June 22, 2013
Another vote for GP 4000S in 25mm or GP 4 Season in 28. At your weight and fitness level, you'll see little advantage to changing size; the tread compound, weight, and construction of a higher quality tire will make worlds of difference.
posted by a halcyon day at 8:47 PM on June 22, 2013
New tires. Or buy a mountain bike and try another type of cycling. Or, save up until you can buy a faster bike.
posted by thylacine at 8:56 PM on June 22, 2013
posted by thylacine at 8:56 PM on June 22, 2013
Also— while you are asking specifically about wheels, you don't mention anything about your cycling clothing, whether you've had a bike fit, and if you're using any foot retention like pedal straps or a clipless system (your bike comes without).
If not, since you don't mention any pain, we can only assume your fit is sufficient. Buy some proper chamois shorts or bibs, and some foot retention. If you hate traditional toeclips & straps, and don't wish to get clipless pedals and shoes, Hold Fast straps are comfortable.
Continental tires are often much cheaper on UK websites like Wiggle or Probikekit, and frequently they're on sale with free shipping to the US. I rarely pay more than $55 per tire.
posted by a halcyon day at 10:02 PM on June 22, 2013
If not, since you don't mention any pain, we can only assume your fit is sufficient. Buy some proper chamois shorts or bibs, and some foot retention. If you hate traditional toeclips & straps, and don't wish to get clipless pedals and shoes, Hold Fast straps are comfortable.
Continental tires are often much cheaper on UK websites like Wiggle or Probikekit, and frequently they're on sale with free shipping to the US. I rarely pay more than $55 per tire.
posted by a halcyon day at 10:02 PM on June 22, 2013
No. As others have mentioned, there are better uses for your money. At this level it's not really worth dropping the money on wheels.
If you ignore this advice and get better wheels, know that they can always be moved to whatever road/hybrid bike you move on to. So, soft no.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:55 PM on June 22, 2013
If you ignore this advice and get better wheels, know that they can always be moved to whatever road/hybrid bike you move on to. So, soft no.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:55 PM on June 22, 2013
Best answer: I'm going to go a radically different direction than this, and say that you could get an entirely better bike if you were willing to spend $500. One that would include better rims too.
I've bought and sold multiple bikes in that price range that had 105 or ultegra groupsets(derailleurs, hubs, brakes, shifters, other bits if you're not familiar). High end rims like open pros or even nicer, etc.
For $500 you would be on the edge of lower end used cervelos, high end locally made steel bikes(in seattle i see a lot of davidsons in this price range, for instance), older italian stuff, etc. Throw in the money you'd make selling your current bike and you're in even more rarified air. $700-750 is starting to get in to really awesome stuff. I've seen 90s or so pinarellos and colnagos go for that much from time to time. And properly nice cannondales, specialized s-works, higher end treks, etc.
A long time ago i briefly rode a bike a lot like yours. Over the past few years i've tried out a number of high-ish end bikes and flipped them until i finally settled on an italian bike in that price range. It's a dream. If you're feeling like you want to change something up and improve the experience just swap the whole bike.
I'd like your opinion on whether I would notice a significant difference in my rides. If it would let me go a few miles farther in the same amount of time, and if it would make getting up the hills a little easier it might be worth it for me.
I think every one of these would be better served by doing that, honestly. Something like a 90s lemond(maybe an alpe d'huez?) would slam dunk every single one of these points.
I'm not in particularly amazing shape. I can walk or bike across town but i get annihilated on long rides/hikes/etc. Going from a basic bike like this to my current bike changed it from big-bad-wolfing up hills to feeling like i was George Hincapie and often doing them sitting down. My average speed also went from grandma on her balloon tire bike cruising to the grocery store to paris roubaix. My knees thank me, as well.
Another random thing worth noting is that a lot of higher end bikes, or older "top of the line"-ish bikes you can pick up in that price range handle/track amazing and are much more comfortable than an aluminum Marin.
This also isn't like a motorcycle or car where buying the "sports" model means you give up comfort or end up with something hard to handle with all but the most extreme models. A nice road bike is a nice bike to ride even at a relatively leisurely pace just to tool around on.
posted by emptythought at 11:33 PM on June 22, 2013 [4 favorites]
I've bought and sold multiple bikes in that price range that had 105 or ultegra groupsets(derailleurs, hubs, brakes, shifters, other bits if you're not familiar). High end rims like open pros or even nicer, etc.
For $500 you would be on the edge of lower end used cervelos, high end locally made steel bikes(in seattle i see a lot of davidsons in this price range, for instance), older italian stuff, etc. Throw in the money you'd make selling your current bike and you're in even more rarified air. $700-750 is starting to get in to really awesome stuff. I've seen 90s or so pinarellos and colnagos go for that much from time to time. And properly nice cannondales, specialized s-works, higher end treks, etc.
A long time ago i briefly rode a bike a lot like yours. Over the past few years i've tried out a number of high-ish end bikes and flipped them until i finally settled on an italian bike in that price range. It's a dream. If you're feeling like you want to change something up and improve the experience just swap the whole bike.
I'd like your opinion on whether I would notice a significant difference in my rides. If it would let me go a few miles farther in the same amount of time, and if it would make getting up the hills a little easier it might be worth it for me.
I think every one of these would be better served by doing that, honestly. Something like a 90s lemond(maybe an alpe d'huez?) would slam dunk every single one of these points.
I'm not in particularly amazing shape. I can walk or bike across town but i get annihilated on long rides/hikes/etc. Going from a basic bike like this to my current bike changed it from big-bad-wolfing up hills to feeling like i was George Hincapie and often doing them sitting down. My average speed also went from grandma on her balloon tire bike cruising to the grocery store to paris roubaix. My knees thank me, as well.
Another random thing worth noting is that a lot of higher end bikes, or older "top of the line"-ish bikes you can pick up in that price range handle/track amazing and are much more comfortable than an aluminum Marin.
This also isn't like a motorcycle or car where buying the "sports" model means you give up comfort or end up with something hard to handle with all but the most extreme models. A nice road bike is a nice bike to ride even at a relatively leisurely pace just to tool around on.
posted by emptythought at 11:33 PM on June 22, 2013 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks all, sounds like new tires and a tune up. FYI, shoes and clipless pedals was last summers upgrade, and did make a noticeable difference; so I was looking for the next step.
An upgrade to a better used bike sounds like a fun thing to consider.
posted by Edward L at 12:51 PM on June 23, 2013
An upgrade to a better used bike sounds like a fun thing to consider.
posted by Edward L at 12:51 PM on June 23, 2013
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Something else that might make it feel like a new pair of wheels (if you haven't done it in a year or more) is a full hub servicing.
Unasked-for advice: The one upgrade that would probably make the most significant difference in fatigue and getting up hills, if you don't already have them, is clipless pedals and shoes.
posted by supercres at 7:12 PM on June 22, 2013 [2 favorites]