Best wheels for between $200-300USD

Bikelyst said:

I am browsing some new wheels. My stock ones are solid, but I know that there are better. (I hope in my price range)

I am not looking on buying a set of Zipps or Lews for that matter, but I want something that is durable, and is 'faster' than my stock tires. (Basic Shimano's)

I was looking at Performance Bike, Nashbar etc. and have seen a lot of Mavics and Ksyriums. Opinions?

Any advice is helpful. Thanks.

(Yes, I have read other threads about this, I just wanted one specific to me)

Please help...

I am curious about the same thing, if anyone has any insight. or would it just be worth it to save up to get something more serious and if so, what?

I've done a number of measurements now and I feel pretty confident in making some summaries about what makes a fast wheel.

Things that make a wheel faster:
- The deeper the rim, the more aerodynamic the wheel is.
- Fewer spokes are better for rotational aerodynamics - though this will make the wheel less laterally stiff.
- Thin bladed spokes are better than round or large bladed spokes. Again for rotational aerodynamics.
- The quality of the hubs is important. Go with a manufacturer that has a good reputation. Bearing drag due to poor hubs/bearings will rob you of Watts.

Things that do not make a wheel better:
- Weight is not very important. The differences in moment of inertia that I've measured will not amount to any measureable change in performance. Period.
- Ceramic bearings will not make a big difference. Looking at the SKF bearing website and using their analysis tools I figure the differences will be in fractions of a Watt.

I'm certain that you do not need to spend a lot of money to find a wheel with those qualities.

John Swanson
www.bikephysics.com

In that price range - a nice set of handbuilts? Or how about Fulcrum Racing 7s....I just got a set toward the end of last season, they roll very nicely, the hubs feel just like most other Campy hubs, all-round good, strong wheel, with a somewhat aero rim. And, they only cost about $180!! Very nice.

http://www.fulcrumwheels.com/jspfulcrum/productsdetail.jsp?productid=2&varid=5

fulcrumwheels.comproductsdetail.jspOpen ↗

Very nice! I have to seriously consider those fulcrums! Thanks for the link, I honestly appreciate it.

One last thing...

Science IS cool, no doubt. Thanks for your great research and insight...keep 'em coming, I think it will help more people than just me.😉

What are your needs? Good durable all around wheel or racing wheel on a budget? A great inexpensive wheelset is the Alex 300, a super knockoff of the Bontrager Selec, which can be had for about $150. If you want a more traditional style wheel, you can get Mavic Open Pros with Ultegra hubs for a nice price. They are a solid performer.

Mavic Aksium, Campagnolo Khamsin, Shimano 561 all OK wheels for entry level upgrades. What are you currently on?

I wouldn't rule out looking at a set of Velocity Deep V built with 105 or Ultegra hubs which should put them in your price range. You can go 28 front 32 rear for durability or 28 on both. Although not a major brand the reviews for the Neuvation wheels seem to be very good and he usually has some great specials going on the website as I have been looking for a traiing set lately and browsing the wheel websites.

rdk said:

Mavic Aksium, Campagnolo Khamsin, Shimano 561 all OK wheels for entry level upgrades. What are you currently on?

I am currently on Shimano WH-R500.

I am looking for a wheel that for me needs to be durable, but will also save me time in group sprints, fast rides etc. i.e. more efficient.

At your $200 - $300 price window I don't think that you can beat a pair of Open Pro rims on Ultegra hubs.

The thing that I like best about them is that they are repairable. The freehub body is replaceable at a reasonable cost and replacement spokes are easily found almost anywhere.

I've been told that the difference between the 500 and 560's is not worth it if you already have the 500's. 560's weigh about 100g less overall, and have I think 4 fewer spokes in front, 6 fewer in the rear.

If you only have 200-300 to spend, it sounds like you might want to hold off for now.

If you do have an itch to get the 560's, you can get them on ebay for $150 + shipping.

Bikelyst said:

I am currently on Shimano WH-R500.

I am looking for a wheel that for me needs to be durable, but will also save me time in group sprints, fast rides etc. i.e. more efficient.