How We Roll: Now's Guide to Wheels
When it comes to wheels, consumer options seem to be growing at an exponential rate. It feels like every week a new brand appears out of thin air claiming to have the fastest new carbon wheels on the market. With so many options available to the consumer, knowing what to look for in a wheel upgrade can be an exhausting task. Counting grams and measuring watts saved in theoretical wind tunnels can leave even the most committed enthusiast overwhelmed. So we’re here to break things down so you know what’s what when you’re shopping for your next wheel upgrade.
A thin, lightweight set of Enve 2.2 wheels would make for an excellent climbing bike.
Lighter is Faster
Oftentimes the first question we get asked about our bikes is “is it light?” and this is no different for wheels. The best place to save weight on your bike is on your wheels. This isn’t because it’s the most dollars per gram or anything like that, it’s because of physics. Wheels, and everything attached to them that spins around (tires, tubes, rotors, etc.) are what we call “rotational mass”. This means that not only do you have to get that weight moving forward, you also have to get it spinning. There’s a lot of math involved to understand everything that’s going on, but what it boils down to is this: saving 1 gram on your wheels is equal to saving about 3 grams on your frame. That 3-to-1 ratio is humongous! That’s why we so often say that wheels are the best performance upgrade to make to your bike.
Deep wheels like the Enve SES 7.8 will save tons of watts on a wide open flat road.
Aero Is Always On
Some wheels prioritize being lightweight over everything else. These are great for climbing, but by removing all excess material they miss out on one huge advantage wheels can have, improving aerodynamics. As they say, aero is always on. A deep set of wheels can make a huge difference, and the faster you go, the more noticeable it becomes. All this free speed is an amazing benefit, but it can come at a price. Deep, aerodynamic wheels can be sails that catch the breeze on a windy day, and if you’re not a confident bike handler you can get blown around which can be a little unsettling.
Cobbles? You may want to opt for a more compliant wheelset.
Float Like a Butterfly
Saving weight and improving aerodynamics are great reasons for upgrading your wheels. Speed is a strong motivator in our purchasing decisions, but equally important is comfort and feel. If your goal is to be as fast as possible at all costs, there's a wheelset for you. It will be stiff, responsive, and of course, light and aero. But if you're looking for comfort, vibration dampening, and a balance between speed and ride quality, there are wheels designed for that as well. Most brands attempt to bridge the gap between stiff and compliant, but they will all have different philosophies on which end of the spectrum they prioritize.
*Crack!*... Whoops
So you’ve spent all your hard earned money on a fancy carbon wheelset. It’s lightweight, on the cutting edge of aerodynamic technology, rides like a dream, and makes your bike look oh so pro. How do you know your investment is protected? We pick each of our brands carefully not just for the best products, but also for the best customer service and care, and we recommend you do the same. We wouldn’t recommend a product unless we know you will be covered in the event of an accident or warranty issue. Thankfully, the warranty policies these days from our brands are off the charts. For the brands we carry, coverage periods range from 5-year to lifetime, with crash replacement programs that range from discounted replacement to free replacement. What’s clear is each of these brands want you on their wheels for years to come.
Before...
And after... Ouch.
Reserve Wheels, among others, are committed to getting their customers back on the trails as fast as possible.
Reserve Wheels made quite a statement when they hit the market with a video of Danny Macaskill riding his Reserve wheels to destruction to prove not only their durability, but also to serve as a reminder that if their wheels should break you’ll still be covered. Although we wouldn’t recommend this setup, you might find the traction without a tire to be somewhat lacking.
We have a wide selection of wheels in stock for all disciplines. Road, gravel, mountain, and even fat bike wheels. And we carry wheels from the best brands including ENVE, HED, Reserve, CADEX, and ZIPP. Stop by to check out our selection and feel free to bend the ears of our knowledgeable staff with all your wheel upgrade questions.
