WT21

Looking at getting a new Defy 2. Everything I read says wheels (Giant P-R2) are not great. Previously, I've bought Trek and been happy with the wheels.

I don't want super expensive wheels, but a bit of an upgrade. Something dependable, but still fun. Are there such things as $500 wheel sets instead of $1,500 (which my LBS recommended). I ride for fitness, like to go fast, and ride mainly rolling terrain. No major climbs. Probably get 28c size. Not looking for hookless or super aero. Just dependable and fun.

alcjphil

If you want better wheels, move up to a version of the Defy that has better wheels. I doubt that you will be able to buy better wheels aftermarket for the amount you want to pay
E.G.https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/defy-advanced-pro-3

Iride01 

Why not just try the wheels it comes with for a time after you get the new bike? Might not be all the doom and gloom you seem to have read in reviews.

Usually for any new wheel I get, I'll ride it for 100 to 300 miles then have it gone over by a decent wheel person. Then after that I usually have no issues with the wheels again. Sometimes in that first few hundred miles the spokes will loosen up and the rim may or may not come out of true with those loose spokes.

If you change out the wheels from the very start, then you really won't know if the new wheels did anything for you.

Bosco13

"but a bit of an upgrade" seems money not well spent. You're not going to get more fit, riding for fitness, with better wheels. As stated above, get a higher end model before spending more money on items that you already paid for.

mstateglfr 

That bike is $1600 more than the Defy 2. The only difference in spec is the Defy Pro 3 comes with a computer mount and 105 crank instead of a perfectly good Shimano R510 crank. Same shifting, brakes, tires, bars, tape, frame, fork, etc.
That seems like a lot of money for a change in wheelset.
I have to be missing something...


ETA- ignore this- its comparing Canada $ with US $.

mstateglfr 

Of course there are $500 wheelsets. There are wheelsets for half that or even 20% of that.

Like others suggested, maybe use the wheels that come on the bike and see how they perform before deciding they suck.
The tires look to weigh 445g each, which is a lot for a 32mm high performance tire(so I am guessing the stock tires are more 'long lasting' vs 'fast rolling'). If you really want to make a change right away, get some Continental GP5k tubeless tires as they weigh 370 each and roll fast. You will save 5.3 ounces of weight and have faster rolling tires. Seems like a win win.

If you really need some new wheels, there are seemingly endless options. Go to prowheelbuilder and get some Hydra rims with butted spokes and bitex hubs for $500 or less(depending on promotions). Or these are $589 and are probably the deepest aluminum wheels around, but still relatively light- https://us.huntbikewheels.com/produc...-disc-wheelset
But really- there are seemingly endless options for $500 or less.

Based on a quick, search, your disc wheels weigh 1950-2100g(varies from a few message board posts). So not light, regardless.

Speaking of light, look at light bicycle wheels too. They are reliable, well known, and have carbon wheelsets starting at $520. https://www.lightbicycle.com/carbon-...e/wheels/quick

Sy Reene

Math skills? I come up with an $700 difference
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/defy-advanced-pro-3
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/defy-advanced-2

mstateglfr 

Haha, @alcjphil used the CA site for the Advanced pro 3. I didnt realize that and pulled up the Advanced 2 from the US site.
Advanced 2 is $2800 USD compared to the Advanced pro 3 at $4500 CAD.

Funny. Is the Pro 3 even for sale in the US? Oh well- mystery solved!

alcjphil

Sorry about the confusion. I was comparing the Canadian versions of both bikes, but the comparison stands if both bikes are looked at in the same currency
EDIT: I have often contended that if you buy a bike planning on upgrading it you may be better to look at a better version of that same model. The upgraded model may include several other upgrades other than the one you were thinking of

sean.hwy

There's a difference you can feel and measure with 1k + carbon wheels over cheap wheels that cost less $500.

I don't think you will be able to tell a difference between your Giant wheels ( which are not great. gf has those wheels and I had those wheels ) and $500 wheel set unless the $500 wheel set was on sale from $900.

Shadco 

Roval C38s are a bargain right now.

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aliasfox

When I had one bike with a 1900g wheelset and two bikes with 1700g wheelsets, the difference in acceleration from a standing start was like night and day. Swapping that 1900g wheelset out for a 1500g carbon wheelset felt great and turned that bike from something dead feeling to a much livelier plaything.

If you can stretch to ~$600, Hunt and Chain Reaction Cycles have entry level carbon wheels that should feel snappier. That said, why not find a bike with slightly closer spec to what you’re looking for, be it a better Defy or something else? Is there nothing in a Synapse or Endurace that could fit the bill at <$500 incremental over your chosen Defy?

3dbiker

Roval c38

ussprinceton

go with SuperTeam

RJC1811

Are the new PR2’s really that bad? I have the older style and they are heavy but seem like really solid wheels. My bike is 7 years old and they have held up well. Giant has them on bikes up to $4100. At $4800 you move up to the SLR. You may be a different rider in top condition. My feeling has always been that if I lose the 10lbs I need to as well as the additional 10lbs to get lean, then I will worry about saving 500g on a wheel set.

PeteHski

I would get the Pro 3 with the carbon SLR wheelset. It's a good deal for $700 and they are quality wheels.

rob214

I have a giant tcr 2017 and upgraded the wheels to HED Belgium + with dt Swiss 360 hubs for $800. great wheels for general riding especially for the horrible roads in Louisiana. I'm thinking about a defy or gravel bike but just Can't pull the trigger with todays prices. I also just can't get excited about any of the new bikes from most brands. I guess it's a good thing, just ride my bike and be happy with what I have. I found that the braking and overall feel of the HED's were far above the stock giant wheels. I had about 2500 miles on the stock wheels and about 13,000 on the HED's. still feel great.

eduskator

Who don't you try them first and see how you like them?

I had 2 set so far including one on my current commuter bike and I've always been satisfied. They're not even close to the SLR-01 wheels but they're still great.