Wheels advice

Mavic Open Pro rims on Ultegra hubs are pretty hard to beat. They're reliable and they use common spokes and hubs so repair parts are easily get-able.

They can usually be had in the US for around $225 - $250. I don't know what that would translate to in Euros or Pounds.

For a ride like you are proposing, I would suggest that durability and ease or repair are key features. Saving a few grams of weight is not critical since you will likely be carrying some gear with you anyway and you want to be able to get a replacement spoke if needed--Try finding a Ksyrium or other fancy spoke or bearing at a little village bike shop.

ajimmyv said:

Hi Guys,

I started road cycling about 4 months ago and am really enjoying it. I've signed up to do the London to Paris later this year and am looking forward to that.

I don't have vast amounts of money and bought my Trek 1200 as an entry level model and hope to upgrade at a later date. However, I've been told that a good starting place to upgrade would be to buy new wheels for the bike as the ones that come as standard are not very good.

Could anyone tell me what I should be looking for when choosing wheels for a long distance ride? Could anybody recommend wheels that they think are good?

I'm totally new to this and any advice on what to look for with wheels would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers
James

The Trek 1200 is a really nice budget bike. If you are fit for London to Paris I don't think the bike will hold you back.

Ksyriums are well reviewed everywhere, definitely. But, the Bontrager stock wheels aren't that bad. I'd hold off and save the money toward your next bike at some point. Nice Madone 5.5 perhaps.