Lighter wheels (road bike)

[Pig benis]

Hello folks

I had planned on buying a new bike, but everything I like is out of stock, so I'm going to wait until next year. So I thought I would spend a little money on my trusty Specialized Secteur 2012 road bike. I've had the bike for 9 years and it hasn't cost me anything other than inner tubes.

I would like to buy some lighter wheels + tyres and I was just wondering if you guys had any recommendations?

The bike is completely stock and I've always thought the wheels were on the heavy side.

Thank you
PB

[nammynake]

I’m assuming rim brake and standard clinchers?

Fulcrum Racing 5 are a good wheel and not expensive.

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

I've had wheels from JRA in the past (2 sets) and they're great value weight to price. They do ally and carbon.

[sociopath]

I splashed out on some ksyrium elites for my winter bike, and they were so much better

[anonymous-user]

Campag zondas are unbeatable for the price, they will transform the bike.

[AyBee]

Budget? Want to stay with aluminium or go carbon?

[Gareth79]

sociopath said:

I splashed out on some ksyrium elites for my winter bike, and they were so much better

I have them on one of mine - very good, except that the centre channel is very narrow and shallow, so you have to stick to UST tyres (of which there are only Mavic and Hutchinson), the beading on many other tubeless tyres are too wide to sit in it.

[oddball1313]

Full Carbon for Aluminium prices to put a spanner in the works

https://www.wheelsfar.com/classic-series-c0372

[BoRED S2upid]

I’m running Hunt Aero 30 and really can’t fault them. Great wheels and tubeless.

[TheInternet]

Pig benis said:

I've had the bike for 9 years and it hasn't cost me anything other than inner tubes.

No cables/brakes/chain/cassette/tyres?

[Your Dad]

Whatever you purchase, consider that the new trend for wider rims may reduce your choice of wheel. I'm running a wheelset that has a 19mm internal/23mm external profile, and with 25mm tyres there's very little clearance around BB/chainstay area.

[Dannbodge]

Cero AR30 are a great choice.
Super light and 30mm deep so kind of "aero"

[sociopath]

Gareth79 said:

sociopath said:

I splashed out on some ksyrium elites for my winter bike, and they were so much better

I have them on one of mine - very good, except that the centre channel is very narrow and shallow, so you have to stick to UST tyres (of which there are only Mavic and Hutchinson), the beading on many other tubeless tyres are too wide to sit in it.

I must admit I gave up on tubeless, and run conti gp4000s. Still have to carry an inner tube anyway, so I find its a lot less hassle

[Pig benis]

nammynake said:

I’m assuming rim brake and standard clinchers?

Fulcrum Racing 5 are a good wheel and not expensive.

Correct - rim brake and standard clinchers.

Okay great, I'll have a look. Thank you

[Pig benis]

AyBee said:

Budget? Want to stay with aluminium or go carbon?

Up to £400 would be ideal, but happy to spend a bit more if needed. I don't mind either way tbh

[lufbramatt]

Obvious answer for that budget is something like a Kinlin XR31 on novatec or miche hubs with Sapim spokes, will give a strong and well-rolling semi-aero wheel that will last forever.

Worth talking to a wheelbuilder like Mark Pollard (Spokeman wheels), DCR or Malcolm at the Cycle clinic, they have access to all the same bits that people like Hunt use but are usually cheaper and can customise the build to suit your riding.

[Pig benis]

BoRED S2upid said:

I’m running Hunt Aero 30 and really can’t fault them. Great wheels and tubeless.

Ah ha I was looking at these wheels earlier today.

Would you say running tubeless is the way to go?

[Jimbo.]

Pig benis said:

BoRED S2upid said:

I’m running Hunt Aero 30 and really can’t fault them. Great wheels and tubeless.

Ah ha I was looking at these wheels earlier today.

Would you say running tubeless is the way to go?

I’m not convinced myself: seems that whilst you may reduce the odds of a “normal” puncture being an inconvenience (seals itself, carry on as if nothing happened) you run the risk of turning a roadside repair into a massive inconvenience (removing/reseating tight tubeless tyres, tyre spunk everywhere, can’t use CO2 for most sealants). I’ll take a 5 minute tube change over that, personally.

[BoRED S2upid]

Pig benis said:

BoRED S2upid said:

I’m running Hunt Aero 30 and really can’t fault them. Great wheels and tubeless.

Ah ha I was looking at these wheels earlier today.

Would you say running tubeless is the way to go?

Yes without question I’m very happy and 4000 km without a puncture im very happy with. No inner tubes to carry more peace of mind I even knocked of a couple of century (km) rides last year.

I’m running Schwalbe pro one.

Edited by BoRED S2upid on Monday 22 February 17:03

[lufbramatt]

I ran Schwalbe pro one tubeless for a few months last year, on the whole they were fine, but after ripping a big hole in one and a puncture in the other that didn't seal I went back to tubes, and haven't really had any more or less punctures in general, so not convinced, as you still end up having to stick a tube in but have to mess around removing the valve and get covered in white gunge. Just not enough air volume in a road tyre to push the sealant through.

MTB tubeless is a whole different story though, way more advantages.