what is a good beginner wheelset?

[Madone 2012]

I've had my roadie for 4 years now and as I am getting much more serious about my riding, I would like to start upgrading certain components starting with my wheelset. Currently I have the Bontrager lite on my Madone 5.2

I spoke with my local bike shop and he recommended Hed Adriennes CL. I have read alot of about them and them seem like a great wheelset.

My question to you is this: Is there a comparable wheelset at a less expensive price? Or is there a better wheel at a very comparable price? The store told me $800 for the set. I am still relatively new to riding but have signed up for a few rides / tours in 2012 and want to join a couple of races in 2013.

I appreciate any information you are willing to provide.

[Darryl W]

That seems like a good price on the HED's and it's a nice wheelset. How much do you weigh and how hard are you on equipment? The reason I ask the second question is I've seen guys the same weight and one break spokes and the next guy not have any issues with the same wheels.

[Mike T.]

We don't know what you weigh.

Try -

http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...-/prod_34.html

- plus the same set but with Podium build (CX-Ray spokes - $500)

http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com.../prod_149.html

[Madone 2012]

Thanks guys. My weight is about 230 lbs. My hope is to bring that down with more riding.

[Mike T.]

Thanks guys. My weight is about 230 lbs. My hope is to bring that down with more riding.

Then certainly disregard the first wheelset I gave. This is why it's important that we have the right info. BWW have wheelset realistic groupings based on rider weight. Many wheel vendors don't.

[Madone 2012]

Then certainly disregard the first wheelset I gave. This is why it's important that we have the right info. BWW have wheelset realistic groupings based on rider weight. Many wheel vendors don't.

Sorry, but what is BWW?

[Mike T.]

Sorry, but what is BWW?

You're kidding me right?

[Madone 2012]

You're kidding me right?

I figured it out after clicking on your 2nd link and saw BicycleWheelWarehouse.com

Thanks for your info

[valleycyclist]

I think you can get away with the HED wheelset you mentioned, but you are at the upper end of the weight limit (posted limit is 225lbs). Perhaps looking into a set with (24 or 28) front and 32 rear spokes will be something to consider instead of 28 rear. Paired with White Industries hubs, it will be a very nice wheelset.

[Madone 2012]

I think you can get away with the HED wheelset you mentioned, but you are at the upper end of the weight limit (posted limit is 225lbs). Perhaps looking into a set with (24 or 28) front and 32 rear spokes will be something to consider instead of 28 rear. Paired with White Industries hubs, it will be a very nice wheelset.

Thanks Valley. I'll take a look at those hubs.

[dcgriz]

A HED C2 with 28/32 or 32/32 laced 3x with double butted spokes on hubs like the CK R45 ( my favorite), Alchemy or WI will give you a more robust wheelset and superior hubs to the stock HED hubs for about $150 more.

[jowees]

Considering to upgrade my carbon road bike from alum wheels to carbon. 5.0 clinchers seems like a 'safe bet'. Just wondering how much smoother/faster are the carbon wheels? Can anyone explain the difference. Either in speed/watts/time on a set distance. thanks.

[SteveV0983]

If you truly do not care about the "bling" factor and want a great riding bullet proof wheel set, try the Mavic Open Pro CD with Shimano Ultegra hubs (BWW has them). I have used these wheels (first with Shimano 600 and then with Ultegra 6600 hubs) for over 20 years and they just do not wear out. I recently tried a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels which so many people love and I did not like them. I weigh about 180, and even though the Ksyriums were lighter, they were much harsher riding. The open pro/Ultegra combo is smooth as butter and never seem to go out of true. Oh yeah, and in 20 years I have NEVER broken or replaced a spoke.

[DevinB12]

You might also consider Boyd Wheels or ROL, both are much less expensive and high quality wheels. My first set of Boyd Vitesse wheels are shipped and due to arrive Friday, I purchased these after looking at the HED Ardennes and went with the value of the Boyd's. There are several threads in this forum that you can read about these wheels if you are interested and both owners of the companies, Boyd and ROL, post on here as well.

[Dan Gerous]

The best beginner wheelset, to me, is whatever you already have... unless they broke or have issues. Once you get more experience and become stronger/faster, it will be easier to decide what you want/need. No?