Askium to Fulcrum 3 upgrade worthwhile?

[Matt London]

I have a 2006 Specialized Allez comp. It's stock apart from a shorter stem(dodgy back).
Is it worth upgrading the wheels from Askium Race to Fulcrum Racing 3? I was looking at getting a spare back for the turbo but am considering upgrading the wheelset. Is it worth it on a bike of this age? What are the possible benefits?

I am currently doing about 180 miles a week of hilly riding.

Cheers

Matt

[andySC]

If your Aksiums aren't worn out then the benefits will be inconsequential. Aksiums are pretty bombproof but the Fulcrums are maybe abit lighter but probably not enough for you to feel any differances.

Saying that tho' inconsequential benefits have never stopped me upgrading. I've just rebuilt my "posh" bike with DA7900, I'm certain if I'd fitted 105 I wouldn't be going any quicker.

Ksyriums are also worth a look too, I've got some Elites & some SL's, neither have given an ounce of bother(other than taking abit of play out of the front spindle...special tool=10secs)....just do it, hide the receipt & enjoy, you'll feel better for it.

[okgo]

I think to see a decent saving in weight and increase in speed over the likes of Aksiums you probably need to be spending £350+. I've toyed with the idea of getting some Dura Ace rims, they're meant to be fantastic and cost about £500, but I then think of what I am doing with the bike.

If I'm commuting and what not then Aksiums seem rock hard, and if I want to go FAST and what not, then why not just add another £150 or something and get some Carbones or something?

[Matt London]

andySC said:

If your Aksiums aren't worn out then the benefits will be inconsequential...

.....hide the receipt & enjoy, you'll feel better for it.

Thanks Andy. I did wonder if it would feel different or something. I wondered if it might be like the difference I felt when testing the Elite and Comp back to back. The Comp felt so much better, I wasn't in any rush to spend the extra cash either.

okgo said:

I think to see a decent saving in weight and increase in speed over the likes of Aksiums you probably need to be spending £350+.....
..... but I then think of what I am doing with the bike....

The Fulcrums are circa £500, not that that means they are particularly good. I was just looking at wheels in that price bracket.
I will use them for training and racing, not that I am ever going to ever be 'competitive'. Saying that, to get out 'Training' I have to do what are 'Commuting' type routes as I live bang in the middle of London so full on race wheels are not an option, I guess.

Cheers

Matt

[okgo]

F3's are not £500 wheels. £300 at a push, a big push. Look harder.

[Matt London]

Typo. Meant £400. Hope to get Evans to price match £360.
What would you recommend for that price?

[okgo]

Well like I said, it's generally accepted that the 7850 dura ace clinchers are the best around at that price.

[anonymous-user]

lots to choose from. the R3s are great wheels if my R7s are anything to go by. they are quick to spin up and noticeably light on the climbs..

as ever something a little leftfield, have a look at the amercian classic 420s, the sram s30al wheelset and the easton ea90s....