Entry-Level Carbon Wheels Vs High-End Aluminium Wheels? | GCN Tech Clinic

[@gcntech]

Let us know your tech queries using #AskGCNTech! 👇

[@TheFloridaBikeVlogger]

I just started cycling vlogs, shoutout to all my cyclist!!

[@reecedawson6113]

Can someone suggest a alloy road wheelset that is decently lightweight, through axle, disc brake 6 bolt or center lock that is 700c which is shimano 105 11 speed compatable and is 12mm/100mm at the front & 12mm/135mm at the rear or can i lock at using a adapter to change something like a DT swiss wheel from 142mm to 135mm?

[@jankroken3881]

#AskGCNTech Hi, I do actual winter biking, and I'm considering buying a crank based power meter for my winter bike. However, most power meters have a minimum operating temperature somewhere around 0c. What happens to them if you use them in -10c or even -20c? Will they show slightly wrong numbers, completely nonsense numbers or can you potentially do permanent damage to the electronics?

[@JayLato]

#askgcntech since external cabled bikes should have protectant film installed to protect the paint from cable rub, shouldn’t internally cabled bikes have protectant film installed internally to protect the raw carbon from cable rub? Mainly inside the head tube as an example. Thanks.

[@anthonycoluccio6008]

Hey guys, excellent show, long time fan. I have a Sram eagle nx group set on my fat tire bike. Looking to build out a drop bar gravel bike, can I use this group set with the correct Sram shifter?

[@RobinT346]

I always see people asking things like "what is better" but people don't often define what "better" actually means for them. I wonder if they even know themselves? faster over all? better power to weight ratio? more comfortable, better over ultra long distance? more efficient? better for casual riding, or group rides? Better is so relative and there are so many variables.

[@AaronGoodTimes]

I have an original Tacx Neo purchased in 2016 and I had to change the free hub and replace the bearing set after 5 years. I loved the fact that they sold replacement parts so I could fix it myself. Right to repair is so important.

[@troycollett8540]

Yeah I had the bearings go on mine and a local bike mechanic replaced the bearings and repackaged the freehub

[@gcntech]

That sounds really great! Getting as much life out of your tech is such a good habit to get into 🙌

[@troycollett8540]

@@gcntech watch Shane millers video on Tacx neo maintenance

[@thetobe49]

I had mid-range carbon rim brake wheels. They literally melted on a descent last summer. Switched to high end (still much much cheaper) Tune TSR35 aluminium wheels and am very happy with performance, and especially - using the recommended brake pads - quiet braking that can compete with disc brakes.

[@IIISentorIII]

How stupid you have to be to use rim brakes on carbon I wonder 😅

[@Hambini]

These days low end carbon isn't that expensive. Generally, the cheaper carbon wheels have cost savings which manifest themselves as steel spokes and a slightly heavier rim. The hubs is also a place to look at, some use non iso bearings. I recently had a set for review that were firmly in budget territory that came with ntn bearings.

[@oneninetyseven]

For which to buy three things to think about: 1. Braking system. If rim brake stick with aluminum since it offers better braking under all conditions (from my experience). If disc go carbon. 2. Weather conditions: this is linked to brake type, but also if it tends to get pretty windy in an area don't go too aero. Crosswinds aren't fun with aero. 3. Road conditions: is it city riding? Back/country roads? Depending on how best up the roads are matters when it comes to durability. Also, what type of rim matter. Hookless vs. hooked(?).

[@redbreva]

for any balancing of wheels, i use the self adhesive lead strip that is sold for use with golf clubs...

[@gcntech]

Nice little hack 🙌

[@mopesca]

For a budget carbon wheelset I can definetly recommend LightBycicle rims, it's my go to brand for superb quality carbon rims, when you are on a budget. They also offer wheelsets starting at 700CAD, with a variety of hub choices and depths.

[@FixedundFertig]

jep ! BEST Bang for your Buck If you build Custom Wheels with the Hubs and spokes that you like ! DEFINITELY

[@rangersmith4652]

High end aluminum wheels over entry level carbon wheels for me every time. A set of high end aluminum wheels is durable, works well with rim brakes, which I prefer, and is the best that can be made from aluminum as opposed to similarly priced carbon wheels, which are likely to be not as "quality assured" as they should be and not much lighter either.

[@tomrengert1221]

When I needed a wheel upgrade on a budget I got an unbranded set for about 500 and they still going five years in and a new set of free hub bearings later!

[@gcntech]

Very interesting? How was the build quality when you got them?

[@AW.SO.M3]

Another factor to consider when choosing carbon vs aluminum wheels is if you bike is rim brake or disc brake. Rim brake on carbon wheels can become a delicate situation when descending down a long hill.

[@gcntech]

Winter and summer will also come into it 😳

[@srddrs9285]

Even brake tracks on carbon fiber wheels designed for rim brakes aren't an ideal solution.

[@richardbailey7659]

If you can feel wheel vibrations it might not be about weight balance - more likely the tyre bead is not evenly seated in the rim. When fitting tyres, you might have to inflate them way higher than you need to get the bead to snap into the right place before deflating down to ride pressures

[@arcboutant]

2 years ago I built a full carbon bike, even down to the seat. I fitted 3M clear tape all the way down the front down tube and round the bb housing, also the under crown of the forks . The same instal on rear of seat tube and the top of chain stay. It will prevent abrasion of the carbon surface from grit thrown up by the tyres which would then allow moisture into the carbon.

[@Tantewillieja]

For balancing rims: you can buy sticky lead strips (I think for golf clubs) which you can trim and stick under the rim tape. Works perfect and clean

[@gcntech]

Great little hack 🙌

[@helicart]

You guys should have mentioned that rim brake carbon wheels on hilly courses are a death trap, especially for riders over 80kg. If you want to do carbon wheels for all riding, then get disc brakes. Rim brake carbon rims are notorious for overheating and blowing the tires off, or the rims fail under braking due to excessive heat melting the rim resin.

[@secretagent86]

When i plan on going up local mountain i use my triple chainring bike with aluminum rims… after a bit more studying i also use butyl tubes not laytex ( i have two bikes. One is race oriented carbon wheels and on other …the endurance geometry triple chainring i have two sets of aluminum wheels one higher end. Love them with laytex tubes. Fast!

[@secretagent86]

My deep dish 80 mm ish carbon wheels are crazy fast but terrible idea on a front wheel due to winds. My giant aluminum wheels with same tires and tubes are almost as nice…just sayin…. If you ride 40 km per hour that is where i feel the difference

[@helicart]

@@secretagent86 yep, alu rims are safer on descents, at least with rim brakes. I don't know enough about diff between butyl and latex tubes.

[@helicart]

@@secretagent86 the only place for deep dish or disk fronts is in an enclosed velodrome, with zero wind. For durability, wheels should weigh over 1300g, even if you weigh

[@thomasleaidicker2667]

I've got Easton EC-90 SLX carbon wheels and I have Campagnolo Khamsin wheels, which are entry level aluminum. Between the two, I prefer the Campagnolo. Main reason is ride quality, next is better braking. Yes I'm still on rim brakes, so maybe a skewed opinion. The carbon wheels are light and exceptionally stiff for cornering, but the stiffness comes at a cost. I save the carbon for hilly areas where it's beneficial to save every once, otherwise the aluminum is just more comfortable and inspires confidence. Given the durability of aluminum, it's my go to recommendation for beginners

[@oliverandkerry]

GCN - you advise sticking a patch in side a tubeless tyre for difficult punctures. I actually find that a dab of contact adhesive on the inside of the puncture works wonders and is much much simpler.... and it won't peel off over time!!

[@WhatxKeepsxUsxHere]

#AskGCNTech -Ignoring bike fitting aspect - Am i right thinking that shorter crank =you get higher cadence but lower power ratio (more power you need to put in while cycling), and vice versa - when longer crank = you get lower cadence but more Power ratio (less effort to get same power output comparing to shorter crank length.)?

[@PoulHansenDK]

I have balanced some of my wheels and the easiest way is to use soldering tin just wrapped around a spoke. People always think the valve side must be the heaviest but I have found the opposite to be the case in some instancies. I guess this is because on alu rims, the rim profile is assembled opposite the valve hole and some bracket is used inside for this. On a 80mm carbon rim, I actually used the small sticky weights used for car wheels.

[@gcntech]

Nice work 🙌 Do you find it makes much difference?

[@PoulHansenDK]

@@gcntech Not really but it shows very significantly when I spin the wheel while the bike is on the repairstand. Without the weights the bike rocks and vibrates.. It was a long winter 😁

[@lesliejoy3170]

I have a Parlee that came with HED Ardennes wheels. I replaced them with Mavic Cosmic wheels. The HED wheels flexed enough they would rub on the frame. The Mavics do not have that issue. Also the carbon wheels are more comfortable, they seem to absorb more vibration. Love the Mavics.

[@gcntech]

Nice one Leslie! Are they lighter? 👀

[@Ruggine85]

Thanks for the thorough answer! As usual, you dropped pure gold 👏👏👏

[@Millicente]

Yes! Please put protective film/tape on that brand new Cervelo! Couldn't bear the thought of ruining that bike, especially new

[@chawley52]

My recent experience with carbon rims was that across a price range of three of three levels, there were only two rims, but three different hub and spoke combinations. I chose the mid-level, which gave me the strongest, lightest rim and a step up from entry level with the hub (yes, I did a freehub sound check!). The price range across all three (at the time of purchase) was $1000 - $1500 - $2200. The performance improvement on my gravel bike was dramatic!

[@DrewMtl]

Wow you guys are on another planet! 1500 GBP for wheels! $2328.93 CAD for wheels! $900 to $2300 is a whole lot more than spending a little more! I guess your answer to the wheel question is, no. So Mavic KSYRIUM SL and Campagnolo Shamal Ultra are not worth the $1200- $1688 for aluminum rims? Are you saying saying aluminum rims are a joke compared to Carbon rims? I'll go slower any day and smile when I catch up to you guys at the cafe later. And since your so rich the coffee and croissant is on you.

[@Maximusadfectare]

Guys Hed jet wheels that have aluminum rims but carbon foils are fantastic wheels; strong, light and aero. Also, I used to ride with Mavic Carbon Cosmic SLR wheels that were made the same way, and to this day (I had them in 2012) they remain one of the best wheel sets ever. Fused aluminum and carbon are fantastic materials to produce stunning wheel sets.

[@monsword]

if you wanted to upgrade your bike AND spend wisely, follow this order: tire/tube>wheelset> cranks/chainrings>cassettes>frame>disc rotors>derailleurs>shifters

[@billkallas1762]

I always lightly clamp my round tubed steel and aluminum bikes at the balance point of the top tube unless I'm installing a bottom bracket.

[@renegadeflyer2]

As for carbon wheels, I had bought Ican carbon wheels for $500 can. About 5 years back. I think you can buy the same wheels for $700. can. since then, I had the bike shop replaced the bearings. Probably better ones, I guess. And I had to tighten the spokes. We have ruff roads also and I do a fair bit of riding. Otherwise they have been great. As for aluminum rims, I didn't think the price wasn't that much lower that my carbon wheels.

[@danielgogeleien2771]

for my new bike i've got the same: got a budget carbon wheelset for 600 EUR (not much more than aluminium ones). One doesn't have to go up to over 1000

[@thomasleaidicker2667]

Agreed. Ican has a good reputation from all I've come across. Honestly I think at $400 to $600 a wheelset, you're probably getting close enough to the same quality that it's more of a personal preference as to which is going to be better

[@gcntech]

Sounds like you picked up some great wheels, are you running Rim or disc brakes?

[@renegadeflyer2]

@@gcntech the Ican rims are for rim brakes and not deep section. The hub is the value option. Other than being a bit heavier. I think they turned out to be a good wheels, and these carbon rims are just bling. Definitely better looking and lighter than the old rims they replaced.

[@bleckb]

Ican offers some brand name hubs, but the prices jump a good bit when going that route, which makes me think a lot of the cost savings is in their house brand hub. However, I had no worries with my Ican wheels at all, other than them being rim brake and riding in the rain. That was dicey, but down to carbon rims being ridden in the rain.

[@bleckb]

When it comes to affordable carbon rims, I and some riders I know have found good deals from iCan, a Chinese manufacturer. There are some unboxing and review videos online. They offer a number of hub options but my set held up and rode well.

[@Shawnkelley112]

I agree with this- Lun wheels are awesome as well!

[@rogerafurness]

Hi GCN Tech Team, I use a well known GPS cycling computer with a speed sensor and always wondered if I should have the circumference calculated automatically or manually. If manually should I use the value in the cycling computer manual, the circumference written on the manufacturers box / website (if stated) or calculate by rolling one revolution on the ground? Could you make a video so we can see the differences? #AskGCNTech

[@billkallas1762]

I always use the actual rollout method, with my full weight on the bike. I'll do it three times and take the average.

[@davidburgess741]

Do multiple rides with Ride with GPS and compare distances. Make tiny mm changes to wheel diameter to get it right. Psi and wear on tires will be noticeable.

[@troycollett8540]

With modern gps headunits you don’t need to enter any data nor does it have a function

[@blissbouwerij4033]

10:50 sounds like a bent rear axle, mine was doing the same thing. It was only out a couple of thousand but it made it shudder/vibrate when freewheeling

[@shepshape2585]

My advice on servicing your indoor trainer would be this: If you have a wheel on trainer, every so often, as you notice it needs it, take some rubbing alcohol and wipe the drum down. Bits of your tire come off over time, and not only will you see the tiny bits of rubber on the drum and probably your floor, but there is usually a mark in the middle of the drum where your wheel makes contact. Just spin the drum while holding the rag soaked in rubbing alcohol on it and there you go.

[@jaimeisreal]

Always great advice gentlemen. Safe riding everyone.

[@James-zu1ij]

Hi both, have you ever heard of a shoe which is waterproof itself. For example, crocks are made of rubber and have vent holes to drain water. I find it easier to get shoes dry again after cycling to work through torrential rain. Cycling crocks is possible, but ideally a stiff ish plastic shoe would be better. I have searched high and low for such a thing with no results.

[@drahtesel90]

If you don't need Super-Aero wheels and can stick to something as aero as a 35mm height, the tune tsr35 is a fine set of Aluminium wheels that are not too expensive (range of 500€) and not too heavy.

[@gm9559]

My dt swiss alu wheels with ceramic coating weigh 1400 Grass, good aero and ride really nicely. Also my Tune wheels are great. Carbon only with disc brakes. Im still on rim brakes because my cycle is great and parting from it is really hard😂.

[@Darsithis]

All of my bikes are carbon wheels. Never had an issue, love carbon.

[@nicolasremillard3491]

#AskGCNtech Hi folks, you taught us that aero is always faster, but upgrades are expensive. Your power and position on the bike are, of course, important. If we're considering the power to weight ratio, at which point would you suggest getting fitter before getting bike upgrades? Are upgrades really worth it when you can't push over 2,5-3 watts per kilo in your opinion?

[@ThisIsANameBruh]

If you're riding on the flat then this question is meaningless as aero will always matter even if you're pushing 3w/kg as if you're heavy that still means going pretty fast. If you're going uphill then weight is more important generally. I think up to 5w/kg you're probably better off buying lighter things than more aero things.

[@ascarylomeli3760]

Ritchey Classic Zeta wheel set is quite the looker, has the width that the trend, and isn't very heavy considering its under $500 price...I've been enjoying them for about a year now and they're much better than the bontrager set my road bike came with.

[@gcntech]

Nice one 🙌 Sounds great!

[@Pillokun]

it is simple, choose between a shattered rim or a bent rim when or if the unfortunate event happens that is.

[@Matvey.]

Yes, I agree. I have aluminum wheels on my bike. Last year I was riding at night and hit a brick laying on the road with my front wheel and my shoe. At the moment I thought that I hit it with the tire and just continued my ride. Eventually, a few days later I found out that I bent my rim, it was bent inside. So I brought my bike to the workshop and mechanic bent the rim back and straightened the wheel. A year later, I still use this wheel, it's perfectly fine. I think, if it was made of carbon, I wouldn't even be able to ride home on that occasion.

[@LorenzoEnzooey]

Agreed. This should be a common sense, cant be any simplier

[@sepg5084]

@@LorenzoEnzooey nah, just choose what you want and can afford. If you got enough money to replace a broken carbon rim like it's nothing then it is inconsequential. A carbon rim does not shatter instantly when it gets damaged, just watch youtube videos of youtubers trying to intentionally destroy carbon rims like Sam Pilgrim.

[@harryrowland4734]

High quality aluminium rims are far better than average or even higher priced carbon. If aero isn't important to you then choose a shallow profile aluminium rim. I rebuild carbon on a regular basis and I wouldn't want carbon on my own bike.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@harryrowland4734 couldn’t agree more!

[@Aansh_chadha]

My bike got stolen , do you have some recommendations for a new fixed gear?

[@merttt1923]

Which tubeless patch is that? Will it work on mtb tire?

[@billkallas1762]

I've never cleaned my 20 year old Elite adjustable Fluid Trainer. The only thing I notice is that the steel roller that the tire rides on has a small depression worn into it from tires wearing away the steel.

[@toophou]

I dream of this comparison!

[@joedonahue5687]

Thanks!

[@weekenderfam7965]

I’d say look out on eBay, often you’ll find some good deals out there. I got both a set of brand new Vision 55SL and Dura Ace C60 for half price

[@LivingTheBestDayOfMyLife]

What was that internal patch used on the tubless tire in this video?

[@gcntech]

They are repair patches from Topeak 🙌

[@farizrd]

Hi guys, I recently upgraded the wheelset on my entry level rim brake bike. The new wheels are custom build by local bike shop. It has 20h with radial pattern on front wheel, while rear wheel has 24h hybrid pattern - 2 cross interlaced on drive side and radial on non drive side. I have ridden the new wheels for 400 km with no issue but I found out that many other rear wheels out there with 24h spokes has 2 cross pattern on both sides or even 3 cross. Should I change the pattern on my rear wheel? Whats the benefit for each lacing pattern? Thanks in advance. #AskGCNtech

[@woofenzo]

I use Fulcrum Racing Zeros and also had Prime 50s…. Sold the primes within a couple of months - hated them

[@Flexo_l]

Just get ZIPP 303s, conti GP5000s tr and ultegra or XT discs and you are good too go. If hubs go out just replace them with dt swiss 350 and you have nice set for not a lot of money.

[@shendyhendrawan9254]

Hi Alex and Ollie, would patch for tube works for tubeless tires or there is some dedicated patch for tubeless tires? I’ve tried to patch my tubeless tires with some patch but it won’t stick into my tires. Thanks

[@happydogsvlogph68]

Lite triple butted alum is still the best , no worries even if u unexpectedly bump into a deep hole on the road

[@dms12345]

I am converting a 1972 Schwinn SuperSport to a more modern groupset (Octalink Dura Ace). When I installed the American-to-Euro BMX adapter, I installed it backward - standard threads on the drive side and reverse threads on the non-drive side. Given the amount of grinding and pounding that it too to install the adapter, I do not want to remove it and start over. I understand why the threads are usually the other way around. What is the realistic risk of the backward bottom bracket loosening with normal use, knowing that I am a MAMIL with relatively low power output. After all, Italian BB's have standard drive side threads. #AskGCNTech

[@robbchastain3036]

I wouldn't go bike packing on a new bike, rather do the hauling and bumping and bashing on something which would not cause concern about inevitable wear and tear. So maybe get the new Cervelo and figure out the camping trip, like buying used or borrowing a seasoned bike or just finding an alternative to an attention-grabbing new bicycle. Who knows, perhaps you could post a note on the bulletin board at the laundromat. I've seen those, people asking for free bikes. And they probably work, yeah, i got an old bike in the basement, tires are flat, tho'. 😀

[@sewo7427]

For that guy who will go on a trip on a cervelo s5 bike. Calculate the total weight: water bottles, bags and yours. Maximum Weight Limit - Cervélo S5 - 100 kg

[@FazioliJapan]

Two cheap alternatives are Chinese direct carbon rims (I've ridden them for 25000 km with no problems, US$460/pair) or aluminium rims with carbon (plastic) fairings.

[@arnovandekerckhove7746]

#askGCNTech I am looking to buy an Orbea Orca 105di2 but I was wondering if I can upgrade it in the future to Ultegra di2? Do I need to buy the whole groupset in one time or can I upgrade it piece per piece? Thanks in advance.

[@birdsofwestcobb]

I'd suggest a used set of carbon wheels from a top brand like Zipp, Vision(FSA), Roval(Specialized) or Bontrager (trek) and you can get a set of disc thru axel wheeks for 1/3 of new and save $$ and ££ and watts and cash

[@monetaryjack1705]

A good counterbalance to the valve is placing the spoke magnet on an E-bike opposite lol

[@brankododig1585]

The Mavic SLR65s have been around 1550 Eur recently on discount and are very very good.

[@jiggsywinky]

#AskGCNTech After a year of cycling on one of my bikes, my 105 7000 RD had problems shifting towards the smaller rings. Tried changing the shifter cable but it still didn't shift properly. Mechanic said that the spring of the RD was not that stiff anymore due to the bike being stored with the RD at tension (Big ring front+big ring rear). Is there any truth to this? I just can't believe that my other 105 5800 RD is already 3 years old with no problems.

[@GerayinTV]

what are the best rim brake carbon wheels

[@larsmunch4536]

#AskGCNTech Just a follow-up to the question about high level aluminium wheels vs. entry level carbon wheels. I upgraded my bike with some of the best aluminium wheels available (Fulcrum Racing Zero C17). For the same price I could have got a pair of entry level carbon wheels. One of the reasons for my decision was, that this bike has rim brakes, and I am still a little skeptical about carbon wheels for rim brakes. If I had disc brakes, I would definitely have chosen carbon wheels. Does this make sense? In the answer to the question, this consideration was not mentioned at all. Isn't it relevant any longer? If not, why? Are modern carbon wheels OK for rim brakes without any limitations? Or do you assume, that nobody have rim brakes any longer?

[@Spleck9000]

That's the exact reason my rim brake bike has alloy wheels and my disk break bike has carbon wheels. Rim brakes on carbon is good if you just have to slow down a bit but not for fast stops.

[@seanlee7670]

8:19 Bag on the aero bike still aero? Not endurance with a better gearing?

[@NathanLipkeEvilN8]

For a wheel on smart trainer (Kickr snap) is a wider training tire better? Does increasing the contact area help with more accurate power and control?

[@douglasbooth6836]

What wheels does he have on the madone? I have a 2021 madone and have no issues on Aeolus 62s.

[@tankbirdfinder6219]

#askGCNTech: Hey GCN supercrew, my wifes E-bike is looking to be stored for the winter in the northern hemisphere, (3 maybe 4 month's) she is a fair weather rider. My question: Is it better to store an E-bike with a full battery, empty battery, or somewhere in-between? Knowing it's lithium based, I can guess, but I thought I'd ask the super-brains at GCN what the correct answer was? Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge with "the people" and keeping us rolling and safe.

[@simonm1447]

It's the best to store a Lithium Ion battery with around 30 to 50 % capacity. Not full (which is bad for the battery if it's stored for months) and not empty (if the battery has self discharge cells may come beneath a limit where cells get damaged). If you discharge a Lithium Ion cell deeper than 2,5 V it gets irreparable damage, but your BMS will cut the battery off at 3 or 3,1 V cell voltage during a ride to avoid that. Self discharge over months however may be a reason empty cells further discharge until they reach 2,5 V

[@stuart3744]

Uk road conditions are brutal, have a think about the cost of carbon wheels , get a bigger spoke count for strength and think about how repairable are they.

[@DG-tf9rp]

#askGCNtech For Gary Sum, 38t vs 42t, It would be a difference of pedaling torque, like a 2X chain set up. at a given cadence he would be in a different cog in the rear. 42t larger cog, 38 smaller cog. Smaller cog takes more torque to to rotate the wheel at his cadence, which would make his bikes feel different. Am I wrong?

[@trainiax]

No, because if the gear ratio is the same (ie. if the pedal cadence is the same at a given speed), the torque ratio between the crank and the wheels is the same, and therefore the perceived effort is the same. The added force required by the smaller cog would be cancelled out by the added force produced by the smaller chainring. 42x21 would feel exactly the same as 38x19. (Larger cogs can be marginally more mechanically efficient but it would probably not be perceptible between a 38T and a 42T).

[@spiky464]

At 1:36, which patches are those? Never seen this patches for the outer tire before.

[@stefanwagener]

Isn't it more complicated when switching from mechanical to Di2 that you need to take the BB out to connect battery with the rest than bleeding the brakes?

[@yonglingng5640]

For some bikes, BB removal isn't necessary, like with the first-gen Allez Sprint (both rim and disc).

[@6271-j2b]

Youth cycling such as U12s and U14 is massive in the UK right now. How about doing a setup video to help the hapless parents meet the British Cycling gear requirements and also look at components to help small hands make the gear changes etc....

[@theantichrome9842]

1:55 If he switches from Ultegra mechanical (presumably 11 speed) to Ultegra Di2 (12 speed if it's new) he will also need a new cassette and chain and chainrings/crankset.

[@Atzan]

#AskGCNTech Hi Alex, Oli or sometimes Manon. I’ve just got a new Trek Émonda SL7 with 12 speed Ultegra Di2. The 11-30T cassette is fine for my regular riding in south-east England but I think I’ll need a bailout gear for anywhere with proper hills - I died on my old bike in a 30T on Park Rash Climb this year. I was thinking of getting an 11-34T cassette and swapping when needed. Shimano say the rear derailleur will handle a 34T sprocket but is at as simple as changing the cassette? Would I need to change chains as well, or even do something to the Di2?

[@timtaylor9590]

silca makes a wheel weight for balancing, or just buy lead weight tape

[@KeithCollyer]

#AskGCNTech At what level of bike does it become worth swapping wheels? I'm 65, hypertensive, arthritic right knee, and ~90kg, so I'm never going to be in the front of the pack. I ride for the fun of it, to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the scenery. The toughest ride I normally do is Winter Hill just outside Bolton, which is 2-3 miles of average 8%, max 13% grade (unashamedly in the lowest gear for much of it), but most of my riding apart from that is fairly flat around South Lancs and Berks. I have a 2019-2020 Merida Scultura 5000 with the stock Merida (actually Alexrims) Expert wheels, and a 2022 Specialized Diverge Comp E5, again with the stock wheels. So the real question is would I notice any real difference with different wheels?

[@radicalvox8770]

Then try a really light aluminum rim, e.g. HUNT Gravel Race (1459 G/Wheelset/€649) against an entry-level carbon wheel set. The advantage of aerodynamics can be neglected, the rotating mass is much more important. And don't forget, most of us are not professional cyclists ;-)

[@JayLato]

#askgcntech since external cabled bikes should have protectant film installed to protect the paint from cable rub, shouldn’t internally cabled bikes have protectant film installed internally to protect the raw carbon from cable rub? Mainly inside the head tube as an example. Thanks.

[@derekgilson9479]

Question have you ever used elite carbon wheels?

[@justinchong1136]

Is it more expensive to build your own bike? If it is, what if you try to get all the parts discounted? For instance, getting older frames (brand new), or waiting for black Friday sales for groupsets. #askGCNTech

[@davidkim9180]

#AskGCNTech Would you advise against buying a used bike from a World Tour team or would you expect the bike to be in good condition and a good choice for buying a used bike?

[@MiguelGuila]

I recently started cycling and bought a gravel bike. I thought I would not love riding on roads and would prefer to ride off road, but most of my rides have been on road so far. My gravel bike is a Specialized Diverge Elite E5 with a GRX 2x set up. I want it to feel lighter and faster. Is it worth spending money on a carbon wheelset and road tyres or should I just save more for a carbon road bike?

[@trainiax]

The n+1 rule is always tempting - but a second set of rims with fast road tires would give you much bigger bang for your buck, especially if you've already got a 2x groupset that's equally adapted to road or gravel (and the E5 is already a nice bike). It's exactly what I did with my own gravel bike after I too found I was riding mostly on smooth surfaces. A gravel bike with road tires would probably still be a tad heavier and less aerodynamic than a comparable road bike - but when GCN compared the two a few years back (a road bike vs. a gravel bike swapped with the same wheels) the speed difference was negligible.

[@MiguelGuila]

@@trainiax what set of wheels did you get? I am thinking of getting a roval Terra C but the idea that it costs almost the same as my bike makes me hesitant.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@simonhernandez3289]

Hey guys! I have a new Factor 02 frame and I need a groupset and a wheelset for it, but I’m on a budget. Should I get a Shimano 105 and a good Carbon wheelset or a Shimano Ultegra with a good aluminum wheelset. I’m on a rim brake by the way. Thanks! #AskGCNTech

[@mickp3000]

I've seen many articles comparing the merits of various groupsets such as SRAM Red vs Dura-Ace or SRAM Rival vs 105 but they all seem to compare 'tier 1' with 'tier 1' or 'tier 3' against 'tier 3' etc. How do you think (tier 3) Shimano 105 Di2 R7150 would shape up against (tier 2) SRAM Force eTap AXS? They appear to be similar based just on price. #AskGCNTech

[@williamlawrenson8345]

900 dollars, pounds, euros! Wheels for the people? Different world. I thought 600 for a pair was my target.

[@michaelperrins9439]

Being a long limbed sort of cove, I find it almost impossible to find decent cycling kit that fits. Can you help?

[@stewieDM]

Hi Guy's, Due to a long illness where I've been unable to exercise I've put on enough weight to take me around 8kg over the weight limit recommended for my carbon framed bike. As I've now been given the okay to start exercising again from my doctor how close to the bikes weight limit do you think it would be safe to use my bike on a (wheel on) turbo trainer?

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

Hi Ollie, Alex, Manon, Hank, or whomever else is on. What are the advantages, if any, to using oval chainrings? Some people seem to swear by them like Froomey. What's going on with them?

[@savagepro9060]

Wow! cycling has gone from patching inner tubes to patching empty tyres

[@pretzelhunt]

Salty Ollie 🤨 All good advice, gents!

[@GeeFunk84]

#askGCNtech Since the colder months here and days are short, I'm wondering what would be your dream indoor trainer setup as far as the bike goes? Maybe a vintage, steel Binachi frame equipped with a wooden rim on the front and Delta Campagnolo brakes (not that you needed those)? Some funky paintjob you'd never take outside? A frame design that looks like it was lifted from Tron but would absolutely terrible on the road?

[@gcntech]

Hahaha nice question Gabor! Wonder what the boys will think🤔 One this to note is that many people like to use the bike they ride outside as they can spend as much time in that position as possible. What would your dream setup be? 🔎

[@GeeFunk84]

@@gcntech Definitely something vintage I'd be afraid to take outside because of its value or condition.

[@ezeekwheel]

10:08 unless you have hunt wheels which are trash and have terrible balance

[@johnnyloco11]

hmm going from about £600 to £1500 is not a slight increase in budget!

[@rogerafurness]

Hi GCN Tech Team, Torque values are stated on most components i.e handlebars, stems etc but not bottle cages bolts. What torque should these be tightened up to? #AskGCNTech

[@yonglingng5640]

Usually 3 Nm, but I never use a torque wrench there, just logically snug is enough so that nothing rattles.

[@readyfreddy0752]

I have a top end aluminium lightweight weelset. All though its not very aerodynamic. The tyre is “tubeless ready” but i dont have it tubeless right now. Is it worth it going tubeless and sometimes having to buy new tyres? #AskGCNTech

[@willmo1725]

I heard the argument for carbon wheels. My question is why its not the wheel of the people. Just cost which is a pretty large jump to make. Or are thier other up keep concerns, down sides to carbon wheels. I have never had a pair, im just curious. Also do carbon wheels make good gravel bike wheels. I live in a rural area, gravel riads hear are just that. I wiegh 200-204, can a carbon wheel take the day in day out beating?

[@adrianc6534]

Even mtb use carbon wheels. They are plenty durable.

[@ernest2364]

#askgcntech Hi Alex, Ollie, James, Connor. and Manon! I'm running Shimano Dura ace 11speed crankset with power meter. If I upgrade to the 12speed Di2, can I use my 11 speed crankset with 12speed chain rings? Are the cranks interchangeable? Thanks so much for all you guys do!!!

[@stormeporm]

For me a reason to use carbon wheels is strength. A cheap carbon wheel is lighter and stronger than an expensive aluminum wheel. Of course only with disc brakes.

[@paulytran]

Hi GCN, I've noticed my heartrate Zone 2 doesn't line up with my power Zone 2 based on a ramp test. Is this normal and any advice on training to get them lined up? #AskGCNTech