GCN Tech's Ultimate Guide To Bike Wheels | Which Is Right For You?

[@gcntech]

Have you upgraded your wheels? What do you prefer, aero or lightweight? Let us know in the comments!

[@leemarshall3649]

Zipp 303 Firecrest for me, very quick, light and smooth

[@ofeykalakar1]

Mavic cosmic TDF tubular

[@edwardjednacz1641]

Reynolds, lighter and more aero than the previous wheels

[@حسينكمارو-ك1ش]

Very nice 👍👍🖤❤🖤

[@kevinzhangatang]

Winspace hyper 50mm disc! What are your thoughts on these?

[@alexjohnstonjohnston5374]

I saw Ollie yesterday in full GCN clobber climbing out of Kelston, at the back of a group of very quick club racers! Although a bit further back (no more than a couple of mins), Ollie was the only rider out of about 50 that I saw that was smiling!

[@turn1210]

He was probably laughing at one of his puns

[@jaisejohnson]

Wow, Ollie's skills as a presenter are exceptional.!

[@radekp.562]

I never tire of your puns Olie.

[@jack002tuber]

He is quite a spokesman

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

@@jack002tuber His puns are very well rounded.

[@CarlForde]

I'm sure he appreciates the flattery

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

@@CarlForde Honestly, I bet he avoids flat-tery!

[@jack002tuber]

Ok we can retire this thread now

[@inVINCEible64]

Ollie’s wheel video sure is revolutionary.

[@Skepsis1358]

This was wheelie interesting

[@phuphan913]

what we learned from this video: 1. How to choose wheels 2. Ollie is more attracted to free hub sounds then he is to ladies

[@spaghettibadger647]

Free hubs don't randomly get a headache

[@mr.livefreakishlyawesome4496]

😂

[@helipeek2736]

Ollie spoke with some authority, I never tire of his presenting style, I rim-ain an avid GCN subscriber.

[@jordyd8916]

Starting at 500 euro, AAANDD I'm out. I replaced my wheels because they were worn out. Both the rim brake and the bearings. They were replaced with 300 euro fulcrum 5 wheels. Doing perfectly fine, bombproof. Please stop making cycling look like a boutique sport. Most people just want to ride, without thinking of the equip to much. Just enjoy without having to take a second mortgage on the house.

[@ollieb9875]

Heh those look alright 👍 I was looking at some campagnolo Zonda ones which are a bit more expensive but looks like same weight. 🤔 I'm poor again now so will have to wait either way 😶🙃🍻

[@wildtaz666]

Agree. The wife and I actually have four sets of the DB 7's for our gravel and CX wheels. Do the job perfectly fine.

[@Rover200Power]

I've bought two sets of new wheels in my cycling life. Ultegra 6700 for £270 and some Aerolight 42mm wheels for pretty much the same amount. I have yet to reach the point where the wheels on my bike are the limiting factor on my speed.

Right there's an inherent snobbery in cycling with some people. Entry level bikes start at 300€ if you ask me -- A Triban road bike isn't shameful, nor is buying used, nor is aluminum or an 8 speed cassette. Some people wouldn't be caught dead riding Tiagra, which is the equivalent of the old 105 (5700) that these same people praised. You've got to be rich and senseless to follow this fashion nonsense.

[@ollieb9875]

@ yeah 👍 I'm running microSHIFT white derailleurs front and back and the brifters, they're ace! Why pay more, I click, it changes 😁🍻

[@ewouttanis1552]

Replaced the standard wheels of my bike with € 200,- 35mm aloy Vision wheels. Visually an enormous upgrade. Gain of weight? Nearly nothing, riding flat Dutch roads anyway. Gain of aero? Hahaha, I hardly ever exceed 35km/h. Cheap and very satisfying upgrade for me.

[@harrie974]

For me it’s gets more interesting when you look closer to how they are build. I mean, what type of spokes on the drive side and the non-drive side, what spoke pattern, how many spokes, j-bend vs straight pull etc. With low spoke counts you are stuck when 1 spoke breaks. A lot of modern wheels use proprietary spokes that no bikeshop has.

[@mrkeefor]

I recently bought DT Swiss G1800 wheels for around £350 and I'm well pleased. The wheels spin for ages compared to my old Alexrims the bike came with. I've already taken the freehub off and cleaned it which was a doddle. These wheels I will do regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them running smooth

[@Jacksparrow4986]

I was hoping they would at least mention the sub 500 price point. As dt swiss made the wheels for my cargo bike I'm inclined to think they have decent quality. How did the wheel hold up? What bearings does it have? Cheers!

[@timocallaghan4408]

Look for your local wheelbuilders, in any country or city with some cycling scene you can find fantastic wheelbuilders (must use DT Swiss hubs, just like most larger wheelbuilders). For example in the netherlands, you have Infinito, FFWD and others, in Belgium you have CarboTim, Stealth and others. Often the best value for weight, and handbuilt

[@AurelioPita]

I've a 100€ bike and I'm watching a video about 1000€ wheels.

[@gcntech]

Nothing wrong with window shopping 😂

[@naratouzumaki]

Yeah I know me too I think my bike was like $70 from Walmart and I bet the front and back wheels falling and I just want to replace them

[@phil3038]

I'm honestly considering buying second hand Zipp 404s for £600 and put them on my second hand £80 Btwin. From what I've learned wheels are the most important component so let's see what happens 😂

[@Historyrevenge777]

GCN always on the sell for companies 😉

[@jorenvandaele1301]

My crossbike came with "cross wheels"and offroad tires, but I bought a wheelset for the road, brand new 45mm deep alloy wheelset for 400 euros is a bargain, they also look awesome on my bike

[@jakobjarle4597]

I would in every instance go locally built. That way you can choose the hubs you want, spokes you want and rims you want. It is always possible to build very expensive wheels, but you can easily build a really nice pair of wheels for under 500 Euro, which will last you a very long time. Also if you are a bit heavier rider, this is basically the only way to get a nice pair of wheels with more than 24 Spokes.

[@patzrosete9720]

I love how Ollie's present this featured video. Very comprehensive and well explained

[@graemetough9988]

Always worth making sure the wheel width can actually be accommodated by your frame too...

[@djuri1985]

What I learned from this video is that taking a s**t before a bike ride can save you a lot of money.

[@scotthamilton1054]

if you're in the market, dont even think about rim brake based carbon wheels. i delaminated my 1,300.00 front Roval once going down a long steep descent on a hot day. as i was arguing with the manufacture to get a replacement, i threw on the stock aluminums back on (600.00 pair) to hold me over, i got a KOM that month and noticed how much faster they rolled and the braking was amazing to what i have become to expect with the rim brake carbon wheel set up. When I got the carbon wheel replaced i threw them back onto the bike, and shortly after i swapped them back out for the aluminums after getting caught in a downpour and suffered a real lousy braking experience in the wet. I use those high end carbons on my 1999 aluminum race machine for a goof during warm dry sunny days with flat terrain. 2,700 bucks (cost of the Rovals) for a novelty act... live and learn.

[@The2808erik]

If you have rim brakes, the Chinese winspace hyper wheels are unbeatable for the money.

[@mikeengland8331]

The 38mm weigh 1300g and have a rider weight limit of 135kg, brilliant reviews for £800 wheelset. Take a look on You Tube, Hambini, China Cycling and Peak Torque for more information.

[@paulhowell7103]

also caden wheels amazing wheels for the money. check out cyclespeed tours channel to see just how good these wheels are

[@itarry4]

@MRGRUMPY53 why would a recreational rider need a 8k bike or Di2? They don't but many many of them want and buy them. Putting £800 wheels on your 8k frame with Di2 and a chain that costs £50 chain is far more normal than it should be.

[@itarry4]

@MRGRUMPY53 yhea I agree but I can also see how easy it is to open your wallet with all the tech, advertising and watching the pros. You know the old saying "if you can't be good at least look good".. I'm the same way with cycling as I am with all Tech. I never buy anything for at least 4 years after it's been released and I wait for the price to drop. Especially in cycling as they always release things that are just as good technically just slightly heavier..

[@stevemawer848]

@MRGRUMPY53 Because they can afford them and want them?

[@arypma]

My tip: Just start off with a secondhand set of carbon wheels. Same price as entry level alloys and easily resellable

[@djtade]

Any recommendations?

[@arypma]

@@djtade ive got some felt ttr3 wheels. Other great rims are older Dura ace wheels or mavics. These are usually the best buy!

[@cynad231]

Only thing to know is that the lifetime/limited warranty some manufacturers (ex Bontrager) often doesn’t transfer to the second owner, so keep that in mind

[@happydays8171]

I like Ollie. Respect you for your hour record attempt. Tubulars are cheap right now, nice tire, sealant, plug kit, you can ride high price rim's at half the price of tubeless and clincher. But, selling them will be tough, if not impossible.

[@joelp2419]

Ollie always means crystal clear explanations, well done !

[@walaoabc1234]

I'm planning to upgrade my wheels after getting my power meter, and here is GCN latest video about wheels

[@justinf1343]

Light Bicycle carbon rims with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Bomb proof and have been on my road bike for 5 years (winter too) and not a single spoke / nipple failure. Forget alloy nipples, go brass!

[@jamesward8140]

Oval concepts 327,slightly aero, bit heavy but absolutely bomb proof, got mine pretty much brand new from ebay for £60, have served me well for 2 years

[@gilgermesch]

What about spoke count and points of engagement?

[@onederment]

LOL 😂 and how Ollie can put together a wheel with 3x spoke interlacing in less than 5 hours

[@Dax151tube]

I've got a set of Enve 65's on order...was a bit worried about crosswinds...but I'm pretty big so I'm hoping it won't be a problem and I love the look of deep aero wheels !

[@cindycindy4536]

works great in my shop and on road trips in my RV

[@pantani9886]

Campagnolo Bora Ultra tubular wheels fitted with Challenge Seta(silk) tubulars for me! Wheels I bought for my Colnago C60 with Campagnolo Super Record EPS/Deda Alanera, SelleItalia Boost Carbonio, LOOK KEO TI Ceramic, etc!

[@paulg7002]

Great video. After watching the video I picked up some Vision Team 35. I live in Catalunya where it is moderately hilly and I am pretty cautious downhill and use a lot of braking so I stayed away from carbon. Thanks again for all the tips.

[@OFFSHOREDOUG]

As a trek rider my wheels are good for upto 125kg including bike. Very few wheels are like this. Be careful if you are a heavier rider.

[@mrkeefor]

I read a few months ago a bike shop wouldn't sell a bike to a guy who was large. Too heavy for the carbon frame and wheels.

[@OFFSHOREDOUG]

@@mrkeefor lots of bikes, acc errors have weight limits. Garmin pedal, frames, wheels, saddles to name but a few. You have to watch if your not a racing snake.

[@daryl4841]

@@mrkeefor I have a non rider friend who is an extremely large and heavy man, 350 lbs at least. We were chatting in the garage and he was commenting on my carbon road bike and held the bars and raised his leg looking like he was going to sit on it. I spit out my drink and said "If you sit on it you buy it." Lol it was kindof a dick thing to say but I had to blurt out something because he might have injured himself and even more importantly my bike probably wouldnt survive.

[@mididoctors]

Campag neutrons were sub 1500 gram for 500 quid . Stoped making them . Zondas are sub 1700 gram for £350

[@grimp53]

My Zondas have an annoyingly loud freehub.

[@paulhowell7103]

tubulars can also be mended if you get a puncture. just put some sealant in, you can do this when they are new or carry the sealant with you on your ride. works a treat

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Not that simple. Sealant won't always work as sealant benefits from exposure to air. You can mend tubulars but that's not mending. You cut them open, patch the tube, then sew them back up. It's actually not very difficult but that's what mending a tubular means.

[@ericrickert3045]

This was very informative! Right now, my focus on wheels is to make sure the tires I have stay inflated and the wheel is not damaged. However, I am close to buying my first carbon bike and I will likely upgrade to carbon wheels. My goal is carbon, hydraulic disc brakes, and the Shimano power meter integrated. I am tired of rim brakes and look forward to this.

[@thiscocks]

Out of interest why are you tired of rim brakes?

[@philridley7457]

Bought a pair of Campagnolo Zonda wheels at £300 to replace the standard ones that came with the bike and absolutely love them

[@davepratt9909]

Great overview, but what about spoke count and patterns?

[@chikuchiku2]

If we talk about spoke patterns, it will cause a religious war.

[@mrkeefor]

J bend and straight pull?

[@jamiehiggins1462]

Ollie...you might get dropped on a TT ride, but you are awesome presenter! Another great tech video...you are the every day rider facing off against the pros...keeping in real!

[@zachgrajewski]

Could you guys do a follow up to this for wheel choices for heavier riders? As a “clydesdale” I worry about investing in wheels that will ultimately be the wrong choice for me. Do I need deeper rims? Higher spoke count? Look for specific lacing patterns?

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

I’m a short, fat lady whose at 250-270 in the last year. So far no issue with regular wheels. My mechanic said that it’s more about shortening the life than anything else. A higher number of spokes can help and you must have a lacing pattern that crosses. The point is having the forces distributed to either side of the center of the wheel. The Sheldon guy that people mention? He wrote about it on that website. This might be a good question to hashtag #askgcntech

[@baconeater312]

im 6'5 and almost 300 lbs I ride on 700cc tires generally at about 50 psi ,I have been cycling year round for 7 years and have found no issues with rims man ,they are designed pretty well that being said I still wouldn't push my luck with low spoke count carbon rims

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

@@baconeater312 Yeah. That's what happens in practice for most people--nothing. But if he sees someone with wheel damage that's heavier, according to my mechanic, it's usually wear and tear with regular metal wheels. Carbon, I saw the photos of a wheel failure on a guy at the top end of the weight limit. It just disintegrated. I'd avoid testing them beyond their specs.

[@scottbaker5851]

Check out Hed Wheels.

[@patrickc.8253]

I am 108kg and can relate to your concern! Despite the high quality of my bike, I always had bending issues with my previous wheels. As a consequence, I regularly faced friction issues with my disc brakes. I was obviously not looking for ultra light or ultra aero wheels but for ultra robust wheels. My bike shop recommended me the DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline. I am very happy so fare, 2000km without any bending issues.

[@stuartmisfeldt3068]

DT Swiss PR 1400 Dicut 21 Onix, on sale! €600! High Quality, light and for rim brakes in wet weather.

[@stibra101]

Just bought 2 new sets of tubular wheels! Replacing all clincher wheels with tubulars :)

[@ralphc1405]

did you have fun with that glue...it's a hoot!

[@stibra101]

@@ralphc1405 Much easier than tubeless crap

[@mvm9407]

It's when you upgrade from standard wheels to a decent sub-500 wheelset that you can notice a massive difference. From then on gains are mostly marginal.

[@sandgroper1970]

I have a pair of Bontrager Aura 5 (50 mm depth alloy braking surface) for rim braked bike, these were the slightly cheaper cousin of the Bontrager Aeolus wheelset when I purchased these. I now run these on my 2016 Trek Domane, as tubeless with venerable continental GP5000.

[@davidorvis]

Excellent information Ollie thanks for all you do to bring us knowledge....Keep up the great work...

[@herculesmclovin]

Coming from MTB, I was very surprised that you never mentioned wheel size like 26", 27.5" etc All very insightful so thanks 😊

[@rhobson]

That's because on road discipline the standard is 700c - which equals to a 29" in the MTB discipline - with the smaller size being called 650b, which is 26" or 27.5", depending on the source.

[@herculesmclovin]

@@rhobson okay yeah. It would be interesting to see how the different ways of measuring evolved :)

[@chadmchristian]

Been waiting for an updated video like this for a long while... thanks Ollie!

[@pcbuk1976]

I was waiting for the 50 quid options

[@richcrompton6891]

Video on wheel buying turns up on GCN the day after I order a pair! Good job price and supply issues limited my choice!

[@richcrompton6891]

Have now tried my very inexpensive wheel upgrade (the seemingly indestructible Bontrager SSR’s that came with my old Trek) to a set of Vision Team 30’s. Even the modest £149.00 investment has spruced up my ride. PR’s everywhere and I wasn’t even trying?! Result... what if I’d spent more?.... Ollie’s entry level wheel price is more than my bike cost new 12 years ago - lol!

[@ryannavarro2967]

What about Carbon with aluminum brake track vs full Carbon?

[@GregorSrdic]

there are also hooked and hookless tubeless rims

[@richardmcnally2056]

A wheely great vid. Clear, comprehensive, bit of levity, what more could a know-nothing cyclist like the present writer want? Thank you ever so much. Next time I steal a wheel, it’s gonna be a good one.

[@mmmbetter55]

Would love to see an update / review of the best value wheels from '22 if you're up for it #GCN

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

I had the Dura-Ace carbon disc wheelset and turned around and sold them a month later. They are flexy, cheaply made, and just not what I expected them to be for performance.

[@Dunkelschild]

my Merida has a Trough Axle front, QR back ... both 6screw-Disc... but well one of the first Cyclocross bikes^^

[@richbutler5815]

My Merida cyclo-cross bike has the same.

[@martinandersson5833]

Thank you so much Dr. Bridgewood. This is exactly what I needed as I am about to upgrade my wheels soon👍👏

[@andrewlipsiner9791]

YAY ...Olie is always so JOLLY ‼😎 What profile , depth , materials... Make sure the wheelset is " BOMB PROOF ‼" #campagnolo #fulcrumwheels #ursus #krucycling #deda

[@lio220]

Best wheels on world : Shimano Dura-ace C37 and C50. Best for me : Mavic Ksyrium SLR with carbon spokes, Hub and Alloy rim 🤩

[@dominicmarley9726]

1:32 Get that centering spring the right way round! :D

[@StanEby1]

Excellent rundown. Thanks.

[@amrytb]

We need the GCN Tech Guide for spokes!!!!

[@Alniemi]

Nice breakdown! I would love a review of the best alloy wheels! Personally i Ride my bike hard and love the durability!

[@theegg-viator4707]

This was wheely wheely good content! 🤓😁

[@carsonho9338]

I am riding a $500 road bike. bike wheel is starting at astonishing $500 mark

[@tomdewsbury9456]

Thanks man .. Best wheel vid ever 😃

[@SaDa-fp4dk]

Please make a video about Road Boost wheelsets and available ones

[@ivancamacho7668]

Very very informative! Thanks Ollie!

[@dc2maniac]

Love this kind of alpha content

[@mohammadtaufek5529]

I was expecting comparison of various wheelset .... ie Zipp 353 vs Compagnalo WTO Ultra vs Bontrager Aeolus-RSL-vs black inc vs Corima MDX ....

[@xchopp]

Thanks! What about composite carbon clinchers with alloy rims (like my Shimano C50s)?

[@sfdint]

Pro question: Hunt makes some alloy wheels that weigh under 1600 grams and cost about $539. Is there any disadvantage to alloy rims if the weight is comparable to carbon sets costing twice as much? I know carbon is stiffer but unless you are a speed demon that's hardly worth the extra dough.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

You're getting aero wheels at that weight with carbon. Not remotely comparable. Not that anything is wrong with aluminum wheels. I honestly don't get why people wanna ride on deep wheels for anything but racing. Up until disc brakes, even most pros did their training miles largely on aluminum wheels.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

As for cost, that means nothing to a lot of people. They determine if the cost is worth it. I like building wheels with really spendy hubs and train on aluminum rims. I can buy faster and stronger carbon wheels for less money but I don't care if I'm just training on that bike.

[@JackRay]

Exactly what I needed... Thanks GCN!

[@dalewortham]

Thanks, so informative! 😎

[@sheepledog4470]

Nice video for general guidance, but actually choosing a wheelset is difficult. Perhaps GCN could review wheels and builders at different price points and come up with some suggestions? I have not upgraded my legs or wheels (eg alloy rims, 28 stainless aero spokes f & r, and roller bearing huhs) and don't race, so aero is pointless. Lightweight reliable wheels are of interest, but 'easy' spoke replacement is a consideration.

[@liampaulmcguinness]

Fun video, but what about the different sizes ? 26'' 27.5'' and 29''. (I'm a mountain biker obviously) It would be interesting to know your take on the different sizes. Thanks

[@philg7889]

Nice! Really informative.

[@kamucho]

What a great breakdown! Cheers

[@michaeldeleon1329]

I think you are my favorite at GCN!

[@andreemurray7039]

Rim brakes and tubular tyres for me serviced me for the last 40 years

[@kstethespokes1051]

Hooray - the hairband rides again! Looks a bit like spokes.....?

[@jackbenzie545]

Ollies puns always crack me up

[@benbutterworth346]

I think he forgot about Hunt wheels. For just under a grand you can get light and stiff carbon disc brake wheels. 50mm deep sections disc brake wheelset under 1500g. And then under £1200 you can get some with the latest carbon spoke tech under 1400g for a 50mm set and under 1200g for shallow ones

[@Zardoz125]

I bought a pair of Hunt alloy wheels with carbon spokes. Changed my ride completely! 😀😀😀

[@stevemawer848]

@@Zardoz125 For the better? ;-)

[@Zardoz125]

@@stevemawer848 Yes! Much lighter than my stock wheels and I went tubeless with a pair of Schwalbe pro one tires. Did not think I would notice a difference, but I did.

[@ryanford5387]

These jokes are making me lose the wheel to live

[@ravennexusmh]

I'm wheelie worried for you.

[@grimp53]

@@ravennexusmh And he never gets tyred of those!

[@simonmundy5387]

Would love to see what's going on in the jazz bar not far away from Ollie.

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

The funny thing is my old entry level bike has araya 713 rims so the whole wheelset only weighs 1.9kg whereas my new carbon one has some heavy 2.69 kg wheels. I prefer lightweight, haven't had to change wheels before, but I don't think I go fast enough to justify aero.

[@cesc1495]

Ollie knows his bikes!

[@buljak5]

When you talk about price range, you consider price for a set or for a single wheel?

[@aleks-gv8nk]

When having a clincher 25 mm wide tyres what wheel size will fit them? Should I look for the inner or outer width measurment of the wheel?

[@rlsideswipre4187]

How good are the fulcrum wind 40 carbon disc Wheelset, which are tubeless ready.

[@jeffwilliams5355]

Ollie, forgive my ignorance, but when you talk about the weight and price, is that per wheel? Or per pair of wheels?

[@phensriwood8081]

Found a bike dumped on the side of the road, some fresh tyres and I’m good to go.

[@tommyaditama435]

for all the roads you recommend 38mm or 45mm? please answer thank you 

[@nealweeks6632]

Looking for upgraded wheels for my recently acquired Cannondale Caad 10 bike. Looking for Shimano rims, Dura Ace? Not sure.

[@tpaul793]

Any advice for buying good wheels for a heavier rider? I'm 105kg, and I've gone through a load of broken rear spokes.

[@marlonm396]

Hi guys. I seek your expertise as I look to replace by 650c X 23MM stock wheel/tire package. I have a Quintana Roo tri bike and i wonder if i can upgrade the wheel while keeping the same tire size. My bike is from 2010 so i am not even sure if it makes business to even upgrade or buy a newer bike with better components. Cheers mates..

[@katereggajulius5511]

Am a road bicycle cyclist, we have have a racing team but a problem which disturbs a lot is lacking a good racing bicycle

[@stevebarrow8565]

What would cause a back wheel to drop out when you apply pressure going up a hill , with a quick release system

[@bertdebruijn7129]

How do you chose between wheels at the same price point? Like the E1000-ish tubeless ready center lock fulcrum vs the E1000-ish tubeless ready center lock vision or mavic or whatever. What differences matter?

[@jdasign]

Excellent video. I would simply adjust the chapter titles towards the end of the vid. "Budget" should probably be "Blow the budget" or something?

[@tiger2too18]

I assume the price range stated is per wheel ie £1000 x 2 as there are 2 wheels?! I also assume that this does not include the cassette or brakes ( discs ) etc.