Registered: May 2004
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Posts: 30

How much real world performance increase could I get from an upgraded wheel set? I currently ride a GRR with the standard wheels and average around 17 or so on a century ride. I live in a moderately hilly area....

Also, any recommendations? I am 6'5" and about 190....
Thanks, Mark

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Registered: Jun 2012
Location:
Posts: 21

Of all the component up grades that actually add to the speed of a bike is wheels and tires.

How much of a performance upgrade you get is always up for debate, but there is some.

The velocity wheels offer a little upgrade, but we also now sell carbon wheel sets that will offer a bit more performance than the velocity wheels.

Our carbon wheels are 20 hole radial fronts and 24 hole 2 cross rear. The reduced weight and reduced spoke count will make a difference in your performance for sure as well as look really trick! They will easily handle your weight of 190lbs.

If anybody should have any questions about these or any wheel set just give us a call.

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Registered: Aug 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 273

Mark,

Wheels and tires make more difference in terms of rolling resistance than anything else on our bikes. The biggest factor holding back our bikes overall is wind resistance, though. As Freddy explained, it might only be a small change, but getting nice wheels and tires does make a difference. In my opinion, getting top quality wheels and tires is the single most important equipment upgrade you can make for most people most of the time. This is a great investment.

Bill

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Registered: Jun 2004
Location: Illinois
Posts: 135

If you do replace your rims be sure to find tires that don't undo the upgrade. I find that slicks are very good (e.g. Schwalbe Kojaks). You can find thinner and lighterweight tires. But a too thin tire that catches flats is no bargain either.

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkS
How much real world performance increase could I get from an upgraded wheel set? I currently ride a GRR with the standard wheels and average around 17 or so on a century ride. I live in a moderately hilly area....

Also, any recommendations? I am 6'5" and about 190....
Thanks, Mark

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Beezodog
www.beezodogsplace.com

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Registered: Nov 2009
Location: boise idaho
Posts: 153

Buy the wheel set if you want to but I'd spend the money on a fairing first. Not always because of the improved performance, which you will not see at much less than 20mph) but because it is so cool.

An average of 17mph on a century on varied terrain may be as good as it can get with your bike, your engine, your gear, your age.

All I have is your description so I'd lobby for a lighter engine. Far cheaper and the side benefits are far reaching.

A lighter century riding package is also possible but you give up some security by refusing to carry anything; works on well-supported century events but dicey on self-contained rides.

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I play go.
I use Macintosh.
Of course I ride a recumbent.

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Registered: Aug 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 273

"It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races." - Mark Twain. My Zipper fairing sits rolled up in a corner of my garage most of the time. Really prefer to ride my GRR without it except in certain conditions involving lower temperatures and stronger winds. Nice wheels, however, are always desirable on every occasion.

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Registered: Nov 2009
Location: boise idaho
Posts: 153

quote:

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Originally posted by Bill Stevenson
"It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races." - Mark Twain. My Zipper fairing sits rolled up in a corner of my garage most of the time. Really prefer to ride my GRR without it except in certain conditions involving lower temperatures and stronger winds. Nice wheels, however, are always desirable on every occasion.

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__________________
I play go.
I use Macintosh.
Of course I ride a recumbent.

Last edited by bogiesan on 08-22-2012 at 01:42 PM

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Registered: Aug 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 273

It takes like two minutes to remove or install my Zipper. In South Florida it is hot and humid for at least half the year, although a few people use a fairing, no one could tolerate a body sock down here. Cold in South Florida is not like cold in Idaho (I lived in Pocatello for while years ago as a young sailor in the Nuclear Power program) and I agree with you about the practical limitations of our fairings. I am not much or a proponent of high zoot wheels either. Freddy Markham helped me get fixed up with two sets of identical wheels. Velo offset rear rim: 32 spoke, cross three; DuraAce hubs; Sun front 451 rim with radial spokes. Tires are currently Stelvio, but I have no more of those stashed and need to figure out what to use in the future. Nice wheels, light weight, strong, smooth, low rolling resistance.

Last edited by Bill Stevenson on 08-22-2012 at 02:56 PM

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Registered: May 2004
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Posts: 30

Thanks for the replies... I am still debating about a wheel upgrade.

I do use a Zzipper fairing/tail sock combo all the time and occasionally use the bodysock. Currently using a Stelvio on the front with a Bontrager Race Lite 28 on the back.

I do work on keeping the engine in pretty good shape. Currently at 6'5" 190 I am not too far off from my peak marathon weight of around 183-184.

The area we live in is relatively hilly, nothing huge though. I do end up going up/down a decent sized hill every ride (about 220 feet over 1/2 mile or so) which yields about a 45 mph speed down and significantly slower going up!

Thanks, Mark

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