Many cyclist look for performance advantages within their equipment. It is widely accepted in the cycling community that lighter, more aerodynamic wheels can make a bike feel faster. The difference is so dramatic that it is immediately noticeable compared with any other upgrade.
There are several considerations to make
when selecting the right wheels for your bike. Keep in Mind the following
questions when choosing a wheel set:
What type of riding do you do? Aggressive
sprinter, svelte climber, rolleur, randonneuring, or off road etc… The right rim, spoke
count and lacing pattern, as well as hub quality can make a world of difference
when built for a specific type of riding and wheels can be built to excel across several disciplines.
Most of us want a wheel that can do it
all. But hold on, there has to be a compromise, right?
Are you looking for a wheel that is
durable, light, aerodynamic, or all three? The answer to this question
is– how much do you want to spend? (Which is also a question, unfortunately.) There is always a compromise that can
be made when it comes to cost. Even the most budget conscious rider can
get on a wheel that is aerodynamic and stiff. A general rule of thumb is
the lighter the wheel set, typically the more it will cost. But weight isn't everything when it comes to fast wheels. An aerodynamic wheel that has greater rotational mass than a light weight climbing wheel will be fast because it sustains it's inertia better once it is up to speed. Therefore, making it a fast wheel at a given speed over 22 mph for example. Given an
individual budget, all three characteristics are within reach.
Performance aluminum wheels range in price from around $400-$1500. Wheels
built using carbon rims range in price starting at $1,000 up to $6,000.
Finding the right wheels with the characteristic you’re looking for doesn’t have
to cost an arm and a leg. There is a way to get the additional speed
you’re looking for even with an affordable pair of wheels.
How much do you weigh? Rider weight
has a large bearing on the performance of any given wheel. A wheel that
is stiff and durable for a rider that weighs 140 lbs may not be stiff or strong
enough for a 190 lb. rider. Specific spoke counts and lacing patterns, hub design,
rim styles and weight all affect the characteristics of a wheel.
So how do you know what will work best
for a specific application or all around riding? Experience is the definitive
answer but I will clarify the type of components that make a good wheel for a
specific rider in the upcoming posts. Stay tuned. Knowledge is power. Power is speed. Speed is fun.
-Gene
