New road wheels - which would you recommend?

New road wheels - which would you recommend?

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nammynake

Original Poster:

2,590 posts

174 months

Sunday 22nd April 2012
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I have a 2011 Specialized Allez which came with Mavic CXP22 wheels. I am starting to increase my mileage significantly and also aiming to complete a number of long sportives this summer. I would like to upgrade to "better" wheels - when I say "better" I mean wheels that will make my riding easier, both in terms of rolling performance and also lightness to help in the hills.

Information on my current wheels is scarce, and really I'd like to know what sort of budget I would need to see a noticeable improvement from my new wheels.

These seems to get good reviews:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/W...

Will these wheels give a noticeable improvement, or do I need to budget for something more expensive, e.g. the Fulcrum Racing 3, or Mavic Kysyrium?

I am fairly light (65kg) so don't need super-strong wheels, although the roads around here are pretty badly pot-holed, and I do occasionally hit these at speed when my skills or traffic prevents me from riding around them!

nammynake

Original Poster:

2,590 posts

174 months

Sunday 22nd April 2012
quotequote all
Hand built wheels are certainly appealing - I will look into them thanks. Although I'm assuming they are going to be way above my £200 budget ?

nammynake

Original Poster:

2,590 posts

174 months

Monday 23rd April 2012
quotequote all
Jimbo. said:
I mean wheels that will make my riding easier, both in terms of rolling performance and also lightness to help in the hills.

RULE #5!

New wheels won't make it miraculously easier: nicer, potentially a tiny bit faster when you really start going for it maybe, but ultimately, you can't buy your way to fitness. Unless you can afford a good doctor, an even better lawyer and a whole lot of drugs!
A valid point. I didn't word it correctly. I am reasonably fit just looking for a little extra help, though I guess part of my reasoning for upgrading is because I want to treat myself.

nammynake

Original Poster:

2,590 posts

174 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
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I contacted Derek at Wheelsmith (recommended above) and he suggested Velocity A23 rims with either Ambrosio or Novatec hubs. 20/24 spokes and weighing in around 1450g, for just over £300. Anyone with knowledge of these parts?