Wheel weight for touring/commuter
12-25-19, 09:23 AM
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Wheel weight for touring/commuter
I am putting together a small trek 750 (17 inch). I have the wheelset all cleaned up and read to go back on. The Schwalbe Marathons (38c), rims (stock 36h matrix titans w/exage hubs), tubes and cassette weigh in at ~11lbs. Crazy. They are BEEFY.
I like the marathons because flats are a real bummer with full fenders etc.
I might trade them out for paselas but i am thinking this should work for now. I have ran this exact setup on another trek and when the bike was loaded it was super cushy and rode really well. I might try butterfly bars on this one or some kind of flat bar vs using drop bars. Chances are i will eventually switch over to drops. Not sure if i will go with bar end shifters or something else. Right now i still have the 7sp cassette. I think it is a 14/28t and with the triple in the front that is probably enough for me. I may have another 9sp cassette laying around that i may try but i dont really see the need.
I like the marathons because flats are a real bummer with full fenders etc.
I might trade them out for paselas but i am thinking this should work for now. I have ran this exact setup on another trek and when the bike was loaded it was super cushy and rode really well. I might try butterfly bars on this one or some kind of flat bar vs using drop bars. Chances are i will eventually switch over to drops. Not sure if i will go with bar end shifters or something else. Right now i still have the 7sp cassette. I think it is a 14/28t and with the triple in the front that is probably enough for me. I may have another 9sp cassette laying around that i may try but i dont really see the need.
12-25-19, 11:23 AM
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Your 7-speed hub won't accept a 9-speed cassette (or 8-speed either for that matter) so that isn't an option.
12-25-19, 06:18 PM
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I am putting together a small trek 750 (17 inch). I have the wheelset all cleaned up and read to go back on. The Schwalbe Marathons (38c), rims (stock 36h matrix titans w/exage hubs), tubes and cassette weigh in at ~11lbs. Crazy. They are BEEFY.
I like the marathons because flats are a real bummer with full fenders etc.
I might trade them out for paselas but i am thinking this should work for now. I have ran this exact setup on another trek and when the bike was loaded it was super cushy and rode really well. I might try butterfly bars on this one or some kind of flat bar vs using drop bars. Chances are i will eventually switch over to drops. Not sure if i will go with bar end shifters or something else. Right now i still have the 7sp cassette. I think it is a 14/28t and with the triple in the front that is probably enough for me. I may have another 9sp cassette laying around that i may try but i dont really see the need.
I like the marathons because flats are a real bummer with full fenders etc.
I might trade them out for paselas but i am thinking this should work for now. I have ran this exact setup on another trek and when the bike was loaded it was super cushy and rode really well. I might try butterfly bars on this one or some kind of flat bar vs using drop bars. Chances are i will eventually switch over to drops. Not sure if i will go with bar end shifters or something else. Right now i still have the 7sp cassette. I think it is a 14/28t and with the triple in the front that is probably enough for me. I may have another 9sp cassette laying around that i may try but i dont really see the need.
Freewheel or Cassette?
12-25-19, 08:13 PM
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If it's a 14-28, it's probably a Free Wheel, Not Cassette-
Freewheel or Cassette?
Freewheel or Cassette?
12-26-19, 09:00 AM
#5
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Good luck with your project.
As far as wheel weight is concerned, The most noticeable change vs a lighter wheel is accelerating, where the wheels weight works like a flywheel. That 2 - 3% more work is only lost when applying the brakes and aids coasting.
Even the total weight difference has a very small overal effect. Important if your racing where a few seconds can mean the difference between 2'nd and 5'th place. Not so much for the average comuter.
Good quality properly inflated tires with supple sidewalls, appropriate tread and compound will go a long way toward providing the best ride/performance ballance. Those Schwalbe tires look like a good choice to me too. I might replace the stock Kenda tires that came with my comfort bike with them when they wear out.
Although those Kenda K892's are an inexpensive tire, They perform WAY better than they have any right too for the recreational cyclist. I've had good luck avoiding flats too.
As far as wheel weight is concerned, The most noticeable change vs a lighter wheel is accelerating, where the wheels weight works like a flywheel. That 2 - 3% more work is only lost when applying the brakes and aids coasting.
Even the total weight difference has a very small overal effect. Important if your racing where a few seconds can mean the difference between 2'nd and 5'th place. Not so much for the average comuter.
Good quality properly inflated tires with supple sidewalls, appropriate tread and compound will go a long way toward providing the best ride/performance ballance. Those Schwalbe tires look like a good choice to me too. I might replace the stock Kenda tires that came with my comfort bike with them when they wear out.
Although those Kenda K892's are an inexpensive tire, They perform WAY better than they have any right too for the recreational cyclist. I've had good luck avoiding flats too.
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 12-26-19 at 09:13 AM.
