Are new wheels worth the expense on a $600 hybrid?
#1
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Are new wheels worth the expense on a $600 hybrid?
I have a 2017 Specialized Crosstrail that I use as a commuter bike.
I'm running the original stock wheels
An LBS tried to talk me into upgrading the wheels on it last summer when I had the rear bearing repaired. I didn't know enough to know if this was a valid upgrade or if they were looking at me as an easy mark.
Keeping in mind that I would never buy super high end wheels for this bike as the whole bike was only $600 new. Could lower cost new wheels be a noticeable upgrade?
And how so? Lighter? Faster? Stronger? Bake muffins on the way to work? What could new wheels do for me?
Or is this a "If they break one day...then buy new ones. Or just get a new bike at that point" sort of situation?
I'm running the original stock wheels
An LBS tried to talk me into upgrading the wheels on it last summer when I had the rear bearing repaired. I didn't know enough to know if this was a valid upgrade or if they were looking at me as an easy mark.
Keeping in mind that I would never buy super high end wheels for this bike as the whole bike was only $600 new. Could lower cost new wheels be a noticeable upgrade?
And how so? Lighter? Faster? Stronger? Bake muffins on the way to work? What could new wheels do for me?
Or is this a "If they break one day...then buy new ones. Or just get a new bike at that point" sort of situation?
#2
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Not at all.
But some of us have two sets of wheels with different tires mounted. I have one set with slicks for commuting on pavement and one set wide MTB type tire for when I want to do a bit of off-roading. Easier to swap wheels than tires for me.
But some of us have two sets of wheels with different tires mounted. I have one set with slicks for commuting on pavement and one set wide MTB type tire for when I want to do a bit of off-roading. Easier to swap wheels than tires for me.
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But you see no value to upgrading the daily use wheels At least not a value that is warranted for a $600 bike?
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Who cares what the bike originally cost? Would new wheels make you happier in some way? If not, then skip it.
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Originally Posted by noglider
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Would they make me happier?
Would nicer wheels roll better? Be rounder? Give me a shoulder rub every few miles?
Or would I not notice the difference?
If I broke a wheel I'd probably replace it rather than repair it because I'm of the opinion that repairing low end parts isn't usually as cost effective after a certain point as buying a higher quality part to replace it.
The repair I did last year cost like $12 for parts and labor...so that made sense. But I wouldn't pay $150 to repair a stock wheel.
But with 2 functioning wheels, is there any point to replacement for the sake of replacement?
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I replaced my wheels on my Crosstrail, since, well, rear wheel broke (several spokes and slightly warped wheel) essentially since I attempted to use it as a mountain bike with my son a few years ago. Bought new mountain bike wheels, not high quality, but stronger and it takes bumps better. I don't feel as much road imperfections like I did prior, theyre more muted. But new wheels are bit heavier and takes abuse alot more than my original wheels on trails like the C&O.
I too have two sets, one for trails, one with road tires on them. Got tired of constantly switching tires when needed.
I too have two sets, one for trails, one with road tires on them. Got tired of constantly switching tires when needed.
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It is possible, you may just need to save the money to go to the baker to buy fresh muffins and to go to masseuse for should rubs.
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Well that was the question.
Would they make me happier?
Would nicer wheels roll better? Be rounder? Give me a shoulder rub every few miles?
Or would I not notice the difference?
If I broke a wheel I'd probably replace it rather than repair it because I'm of the opinion that repairing low end parts isn't usually as cost effective after a certain point as buying a higher quality part to replace it.
The repair I did last year cost like $12 for parts and labor...so that made sense. But I wouldn't pay $150 to repair a stock wheel.
But with 2 functioning wheels, is there any point to replacement for the sake of replacement?
Would they make me happier?
Would nicer wheels roll better? Be rounder? Give me a shoulder rub every few miles?
Or would I not notice the difference?
If I broke a wheel I'd probably replace it rather than repair it because I'm of the opinion that repairing low end parts isn't usually as cost effective after a certain point as buying a higher quality part to replace it.
The repair I did last year cost like $12 for parts and labor...so that made sense. But I wouldn't pay $150 to repair a stock wheel.
But with 2 functioning wheels, is there any point to replacement for the sake of replacement?
I've never paid more than $350 for a complete bike (it was used), but I've never regretted building up new wheels for any project.
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It all depends on what the new wheels are. Always better to run to something rather than away from something else. New wheels might be lighter, tubeless compatible, more aero, wider, or any number of things in combination. Have a clear goal before you start shopping. If you don't, you're liable to make a lateral move and end up disappointed when there truly is no improvement to feel.
I've never paid more than $350 for a complete bike (it was used), but I've never regretted building up new wheels for any project.
I've never paid more than $350 for a complete bike (it was used), but I've never regretted building up new wheels for any project.
I don't need to change anything about my wheels. So anything I did within the price range I'd be willing to spend would be a lateral move and therefor not worth it.
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Looking at it from another perspective, I think that new wheels will gain you exactly the same on a $600 hybrid as they will on a $3,000 bike. I don't know if it would be worth it, but it isn't related to the cost of the bike IMO.
#11
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If you haven't noticed a problem with stockwheels, just leave as is. Good new wheels cost $500 if you build them yourself, more if you pay for labor. No limit upwards. So it is questionable to do for a $600 bike.
#12
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I put $5-600 wheels on a $300 used hybrid bike as part of a master plan to upgrade all the parts on the hybrid and then buy a new frame and throw all the nice parts on the new nice frame. It took 3-4 years but it paid off handsomely.
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I swapped wheels on my $600 Giant Roam, but it was to move to 584mm wheels (also called 27.5", or 650b). I consider this a nice upgrade from the stock 622mm wheels (also called 29", or 700c). I am running a 2.1" tire (52-584) and it's about the same overall diameter as a 35-622 or so. The stock tires were 38mm, so it's very close overall to stock. The new wheels (WTB SX19, with Novatec hubs) are pretty nice. The hubs used cartridge bearings vs. cup-and-cone, and they're super smooth. They were $139 on eBay (and Amazon, from the same seller), Continental X-King 2.2 tires included. Killer deal.
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Quick answer: yes, if ...
you like the frame and its fit/geometry works for you, and if ...
you like the feel of a lighter, quicker-handling bike.
Replacing the stock wheels on almost any bike with something nicer/lighter will reduce overall weight, quicken the handling, and therefore, in my opinion, make the bike nicer to ride.
I currently have three bikes. None are 'high end'; all have new wheelsets (none 'high end') replacing stock boat anchors: typically dropping bare wheel weight (f/r) from around 2100 grams to 1600. Result: lighter bikes, nicer to ride. The effect is increased by also buying lighter, nicer, better tires. Bonus: slightly easier to carry upstairs.
If none of this matters to you (op), and your stock wheels are working well ... don't bother. Money wasted. If you want to lighten a bike you otherwise like, and make it feel a little more lively ... money spent on better wheels/tires is money well spent.
Simples.
you like the frame and its fit/geometry works for you, and if ...
you like the feel of a lighter, quicker-handling bike.
Replacing the stock wheels on almost any bike with something nicer/lighter will reduce overall weight, quicken the handling, and therefore, in my opinion, make the bike nicer to ride.
I currently have three bikes. None are 'high end'; all have new wheelsets (none 'high end') replacing stock boat anchors: typically dropping bare wheel weight (f/r) from around 2100 grams to 1600. Result: lighter bikes, nicer to ride. The effect is increased by also buying lighter, nicer, better tires. Bonus: slightly easier to carry upstairs.
If none of this matters to you (op), and your stock wheels are working well ... don't bother. Money wasted. If you want to lighten a bike you otherwise like, and make it feel a little more lively ... money spent on better wheels/tires is money well spent.
Simples.