Possible wheelset upgrade...?

[Spudmaster]

Hello
Currently running standard Mavic Aksium wheels on my disc brake Cube Attain GTC - doing c. 1500-2000 miles per annum. In all honesty, they are absolutely fine and I wasn't necessarily looking to upgrade - until...

...I bought a Tacx wheel-on turbo-trainer that after a wobbly start I am really getting into - making good progress with the Zwift FTP builder programme; riding 5 times / week. I am running a Tacx blue trainer tyre on it; but now the weather is on our side again, I am keen to get out on the roads again at weekends. The upgrade theory comes from the fact that I really cannot be ar*ed changing tyres twice every week between road and trainer spec.

So, I started looking for a second-hand disc wheel with thru-axle and cassette - but drawn a blank.

So... started looking at new and tghinking have a decent set for road; and keep the Mavic on the Turbo-trainer. Plus I realised that I haven't been bitten by the upgrade bug - yet.

I really do not think I need carbon, so have narrowed my choice to 3x alloy wheelsets:-

Hunt @ £479:-
https://www.huntbikewheels.com/collections/road-cx...

DT Swiss @ £389 (RRP £550)
https://www.dtswiss.com/en/products/wheels-road/pe...

Fulcrum Racing 3 @ £389 (RRP £560)
https://www.fulcrumwheels.com/en/wheels/road-bike-...

Or have I missed any others.

Other questions - do I need to buy the exact same spec cassette (will be the same gearing)?
Also, will I really notice any difference?
Is it worth upgrading my disc rotor also, or just transfer across from my current wheel?

Many thanks in advance,
Spud

[Steve vRS]

Have a look at the Wiggle Prime wheels.

I have them and I can’t comment on whether they are faster but they look good!

[Cads]

I bought a pair of the Prime predecessor, Wiggle sold them under the Cosine banner. As far as budget carbon rims go, I’m really impressed. They’ve done over 3000 miles and are as true as when fitted.
As to whether they make a difference? I certainly think so, but equally it could be a figment of my imagination.

I can’t comment on the 3 links you’ve put up, but another vote for budget carbon from me.

[moonigan]

Pick the ones you like the look of the most. You are not going to notice any major difference. Based on past experience I'd probably avoid the Fulcrums. They are generally better wheels but the other two sets are serviceable whereas getting spares can be a nightmare for brands like Fulcrum. Snap a spoke and you could be waiting weeks. Need a new rim then you are buying a new wheel.

Personally I think the Hunt wheels are a rip off and flogging them with "The fastest alloy disc wheelset in the world" just makes me They are just rebranded generic wheel components used by lots of other wheelbuilders but their branding looks nice which goes a long way.

As for the cassette you'll obviously need to match the same speed. If you are running Shimano then you can buy either:
105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace which are the same spec but use lighter materials and the prices reflect that.

If your current cassette has a 30T as its biggest gear then probably advisable to not go higher (32) as you might need to adjust rear mech and possibly chain. The simplest way is to match like for like. If you dont have tools to put the cassette on you'll need to get someone to do it for you.

Edited by moonigan on Wednesday 1st April 22:46

[Japcreation]

Wheel choice is always an interesting subject as there are so many sets out there that suit different rider types and budget.

I bought a pair of Fulcrum Racing 3s as my first upgrade in 2013 and I am still using them today, albeit as my winter wheels. Never had any issue with them and they are still straight after all this time and plenty of a abuse from a 90+ KG rider. I've had a set of Easton Ascent IIs which also served me well, bought second hand and used until worn out.

My everyday/climbing bike either runs the Fulcrums or a set of Dura-Ace C24s, depending on the weather. The C24s have also stood up to great punishment without complaining.

I am lucky enough to have a bike for "best" too which runs either Reynolds Aero 46s or Reynolds Strike full carbon wheels. They have their benefits, but deep section rims also have their drawbacks for the amateur rider that isn't putting out silly watts. On the plus side, they do look good!!

I would be tempted to hunt around on eBay for a nearly new set of something, but do your research (as you are) before you dive in on the bargain that seems to good to pass up!

[addey]

Spotted these the other day which seem to be a ridiculous deal

https://www.triuk.com/Triathlon-Wheels/Novatec/R3-...

I know nothing about them but pretty sure they would be an upgrade on your current wheels