Wheels - is it worth my while upgrading

instinct

Hi,

Another wheel post !! This time I am wondering is it worth my while changing wheels at all as the ones I am considering my not even qualify as an upgrade.

My road bike is fairly 'entry level' and Im wondering if should upgrade the wheels 'shimano WH-R500' ?

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/wheels/road_wheels/product.-code-WH-R500.-type-.wh_road.html

The ones I am thinking about are Mavic Aksium.

http://planetxireland.com/products-page/clincher-wheels/956-2/

I am kind of justifying it in my mind by thinking the OE wheels could be stored away until its time to sell the bike and the Mavics can be kept for a new bike If i eventually upgrade (which I think I will at some point this year).

But, are the Aksium a worth while upgrade over what I already have ?

thanks

AstraMonti

I don't think you ll notice any major difference by going to Aksium.

Tenzor07

Aksium's are noticably lighter imo, not a massive difference though, If you go for a good enough upgraded bike, chances are the wheels will be as good as if not lighter than the Mavics..

Lumen

You cannot have too many sets of wheels.

Hungrycol

I had Open Pro's (on Tiagra hubs) and changed to Aksium's and noticed a big difference. Found the Aksiums to be a lot livlier.

coolbeans

There's a lot of lateral flop with Aksiums and that's why I wouldn't buy again. Also, the spokes are bladed for aero efficiency but if they go off kilter they're a bugger to get right again. That said, lots off peeps swear by them and aside from these foibles they're a decent wheel.
I'm looking out for a set of used (I'm broke) Fulcrum 3s or similar. Anyone selling?

seamus

Aksuims definitely seem to be the training wheel of choice if you look at what people are riding at the weekends. Definitely an improvement for me on the stock wheels I'd been riding on my Trek. Much smoother, stiffer and more stable on the descents and the bladed spokes make a satisfying noise cutting through the air.

Only issue I have with them is the lateral flex when climbing or sprinting (in or out of the saddle), but the only reason I notice this is because my speedo starts giving me misreadings as the magnet flexes away from the sensor.

instinct

Thanks for the feedback. Kind of already knew the answer.

Either I start upgrading the whole bike or get a new one

petethedrummer

Unless your current wheels are causing you hassle, I wouldn't bother.

instinct

That is another valid point. I have covered 700k approx. commuting miles form NCD to the city center and no issues so far with the wheels.

Guess Im just a bit of a gear head (aren't we all a little) and want to best bits I can get. That and I want to go faster then I currently am.

lennymc

instinct wrote: »

I want to go faster then I currently am.

dont we all

petethedrummer

instinct wrote: »

That is another valid point. I have covered 700k approx. commuting miles form NCD to the city center and no issues so far with the wheels.

I bought Aksiums a few years ago because the spokes on the stock wheels kept popping. I cant say I notice much of a difference in feel terms but I haven't broken a spoke yet.

I suppose there is no harm in buying the Aksiums and having the old ones as emergency spares.

happytramp

Get the Askiums, tie the old ones to the roof of your car and when you go out for a ride have your other half drive behind you. You will look AWESOME!