Brad Bike

So I'm a novice rider who got an amazing deal on a bike built on a 2016 Felt FC 1 frame. It has carbon everything, including the wheels, which are an older set of Novatec 52mm tubulars. The tires are great quality (relatively new Continental GP 4K tires with low miles), but I really don't want the hassle of riding tubulars, and the tires are narrower than I'd like at 22mm.

As a relative newbie, I'm having trouble justifying spending $1K or more on a new set of carbon clinchers. A couple of veteran riders have told me just to get a pair of aluminum wheels and I probably won't be able to tell much difference. But my LBS is telling me I'd regret not investing in carbon, especially from a ride comfort standpoint. (Although my first bike was an all-aluminum entry level Trek, and I never felt uncomfortable riding it.)

So what do you guys think? Would you feel weird putting a pair of Campy Zondo C17's (or similar alloy set) on this bike?

afham07

I don't see any problem or concern any alloy wheels on the carbon bike but at least a mid range of alloy wheel for better performance. Not those 2kg wheels without tyres.

WhyFi

wut. That's dumb.

Get a carbon wheelset if you want some deep/moderately deep rims that are still relatively light and/or for the bling factor (hey, cool wheels are cool). Otherwise, you're not going to be unhappy with the performance of a good alloy wheelset.

seau grateau

Your LBS wants to sell you carbon wheels because they're more money.

noodle soup

+1.

find a new LBS.

caloso

Kimmo

Either they're willing to tell you any old crap to sell you stuff, or they don't realise that wheels are not a factor in ride comfort. The vertical deflection of a rim in a wheel with adequate spoke tension is a poofteenth of bugger-all.

I'd recommend a lightly used set of Shimano's carbon-laminated ally rims; they're awesome. The front rim weighs 365g, and there's an aluminium brake track. Bladed straight-pull 16/20, offset rear rim, and I don't care what anyone says; Shimano's high-end hubs are the best you can get. C24* RS80, RS81 or Dura-Ace can be had in decent nick for as little as $400 if you're lucky. I picked up a worn set of RS80s for AU$200 - the rear rim is close to maximum wear, but I barely use the rear brake, and they were as true as the day they came out of the factory. The only caveat is to check for corrosion under the rim tape; they don't like salt air.

*The C24 variant is the lightest and cheapest option; I think there are two deeper sizes but of course they're heavier and more expensive, and instead of an offset rear there's triplet lacing, which isn't as good a solution for increasing NDS tension because they're harder to true and it's just not as robust.

f4rrest

You've already got carbon wheels.

Buy alloy so you can beat them up without worry.

If you miss the feel of carbon, just swap the old wheels back on for a Sunday ride.

TimothyH

There is no truth to this statement.

This LBS is not doing you a service.


-Tim-

topflightpro

Yeah, carbon wheels won't affect ride comfort.

They theoretically will provide an aerodynamic advantage, but aluminum clinchers are more than fine. I only use my carbon tubulars in races. All other riding is on aluminum clinchers.

rubiksoval

There is no comfort standard for wheels.

5 PSI will make more a difference than anything about the wheels. Your LBS is simply playing you for a fool to get you to buy something you don't want. I'd find another.

Seattle Forrest

Most carbon bikes come with aluminum wheels. There's nothing wrong with it.

tagaproject6

Just buy yourself a set of Meilenstein Lightweights and you are done.

exime

I considered the C24 but it's a 17mm/20.8mm and I'm a 25c queen. Shimano leader said they have no intention of going to the new industry standard of 19/23 because of weight and costs. Love Shimano but their wheelset team is a little too nostalgic and stubborn for my tastes.

Elvir

if you tend to see locals on a group ride or such and they are riding aero wheels, you can always ask them if they are willing to sell you their stock wheels if buying new is too much. nothing wrong with alloy wheels, especially for beating up day to day.

f4rrest

I confidently run 23 and 25 on my C24s.

Great wheels.

FeltF2Tarmac

MikeEckhaus

I agree with the masses here. I have some good quality alloy rims and some blingy 45 mm deep carbon rims on a fairly high end carbon frame. The aluminum wheels actually ride a little bit softer (same tires, same pressures.) I am thinking it's because the spokes are super thin and also longer, so they move around a bit, but that's just a guess. In any case, the carbon wheels look awesome and make cool sounds, but they really don't make me any faster 98% of the time, and I can't actually tell during the remaining 2%. The aluminum rims brake a little better. Decent alloy rims are just fine for just about any non-competitive riding, bling factor notwithstanding.

Kontact 

If anything, carbon rims are stiffer and the spokes are shorter = less comfort.

exime

It was my 2nd choice. I guess I got scared away from those bulbous charts. I wasn't sure if 25c would be too much for it so I just erred on the side of caution and picked Fulcrum Zero which were cheaper anyway.

Trsnrtr

Fulcrum Zeros are nice. I've got two sets of carbon wheels but run my Zeros most of the time.

noodle soup

he could also buy a 25mm depth CF hoop, and lace it 3x.

Either way, the LBS is giving bad advice.

eja_ bottecchia

Brad Bike

You guys are awesome. This is certainly what I was hoping to hear. I appreciate the thoughtful, real-world responses. As someone who is just now getting into the whole road biking thing (and loving every minute of it), advice like this is worth its weight in gold!

TimothyH

Me too - 25 mm Rubino Speed G+ on C24 wheels.

I run 25 mm tires on wheels with 13 mm inside width. People say it isn't aero, won't handle right, isn't supported by the manufacturer, is dangerous, is responsible for the sinking of the Titanic, blah blah blah... It rides perfectly fine.


-Tim-