Opinions on Ultegra wheelset
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 30 Times
in
16 Posts
Opinions on Ultegra wheelset
Any opinions on Shimano’s WH-RS500 wheelset (700x15c)? I know they’re classified as Ultegra but it really sounds like maybe more like deluxe 105’s. The reason I ask is that my bike currently has 700x14c rims and already has marginal clearance with the mounted Roubaix Pro 25/28 tires (I have to partially deflate to clear brake calipers). If I buy any wheel wider than 700x15c I’m going to have to also purchase new narrower tires, which I’d rather not do. My old Tarmac had Ultegra wheels and I really liked how they felt so I’m hoping that Shimano’s latest version is similar.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: 757
Posts: 11,350
Bikes: Madone, Emonda, 5500, Ritchey Breakaway
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10323 Post(s)
Liked 5,299 Times
in
2,264 Posts
Any opinions on Shimano’s WH-RS500 wheelset (700x15c)? I know they’re classified as Ultegra but it really sounds like maybe more like deluxe 105’s. The reason I ask is that my bike currently has 700x14c rims and already has marginal clearance with the mounted Roubaix Pro 25/28 tires (I have to partially deflate to clear brake calipers). If I buy any wheel wider than 700x15c I’m going to have to also purchase new narrower tires, which I’d rather not do. My old Tarmac had Ultegra wheels and I really liked how they felt so I’m hoping that Shimano’s latest version is similar.
the 14 and 15c doesn’t sound right to me. I would imagine your bike could handle 23 or even 25 width. I have the “105” version of these wheels and they are pretty terrible. I keep them for backup in case my superteams assplode.
Likes For bampilot06:
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 30 Times
in
16 Posts
Frame is 2012 Specialized FACT 8R carbon frame. Current wheels are marked 622x14c from the days of skinny tires. I have a thread in the mechanics forum detailing my clearance dilemma.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: 757
Posts: 11,350
Bikes: Madone, Emonda, 5500, Ritchey Breakaway
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10323 Post(s)
Liked 5,299 Times
in
2,264 Posts
I bow to someone who has more knowledge. My 2001 ritchey doesn’t have this tight of clearance.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,549
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18463 Post(s)
Liked 4,568 Times
in
3,393 Posts
I have a 6800 wheelset. Good and bad things about it.
I like the new hubs. Adjustment of the cones is a little tricky, but once dialed in they're good.
The 6800 has a no spoke hole design so that they can be run with tubes or tubeless without tape.
But, I did find they were tight when using tubes. I had to put a tube in one because of a hole mid-ride, and I could barely get the tube in. But, perhaps that is the way the tubeless goes.
I like the new hubs. Adjustment of the cones is a little tricky, but once dialed in they're good.
The 6800 has a no spoke hole design so that they can be run with tubes or tubeless without tape.
But, I did find they were tight when using tubes. I had to put a tube in one because of a hole mid-ride, and I could barely get the tube in. But, perhaps that is the way the tubeless goes.
#6
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 30 Times
in
16 Posts
Unless anyone has a better suggestion I think I’m just going to get a set of Zonda’s from Wiggle or PBK. I’ll roll the dice on whether or not my current tires will still fit in the frame.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,549
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18463 Post(s)
Liked 4,568 Times
in
3,393 Posts
Are you running Campagnolo or Shimano shifters and derailleurs?
Gearing?
Gearing?
#8
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,888
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse x2, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata 3
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2082 Post(s)
Liked 1,571 Times
in
1,087 Posts
I suppose the OP can also upgrade to a set of brake calipers with greater clearance, assuming that there is sufficient frame and fork clearance.
But I don't see what gearing has to do with his issue?
#9
Senior Member
I also have a couple of sets of Zondas, plus Sciroccos and Eurus wheels. Plus some mid-range Fulcrums. I would go with the Zonda's, or the Fulcrum 3's, which are basically the same wheel. Affordable, light, stiff and the yearly freehub servicing can be performed in minutes with no special tools. Make sure you get the right freehub body for your drivetrain.
#10
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 30 Times
in
16 Posts
Is there something inherent in a tubeless ready wheel that makes installing a tubed clincher difficult? I ask because I have 3 different sets of wheels sitting in various carts waiting for me to choose one. They are Zonda, Racing 3, and DT Swiss PR1600. The DT Swiss got my interest due to the ability to go tubeless should I want to down the road. This is the first I’ve heard of tubeless rims not playing nice with tubed tires.
Last edited by crn3371; 11-22-22 at 02:13 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,755
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 461 Post(s)
Liked 491 Times
in
338 Posts
Yes, tubeless rims can be tricky to fit/remove tires. This can be true even with tubeless tires but it can be worse with tubed clincher tires due to risk of pinching the tube
With respect to your original post, I am in a similar boat: 28mm tires on a narrow rim, or 25mm tires on a wide rim, which one is better? Some of my frames have less clearance than your Roubaix, and most of them are set up with 25mm tires on 23mm outer width rims. They measure out to about 25-27mm true width. I might throw a 28mm tire onto a skinny rim just to see how it measures and feels. At the end of the day, I think what matters is the true width of the tire inflated on any particular rim, and setting the pressure accordingly. Obviously, need to make sure your frame can tolerate that configuration clearance-wise.
With respect to your original post, I am in a similar boat: 28mm tires on a narrow rim, or 25mm tires on a wide rim, which one is better? Some of my frames have less clearance than your Roubaix, and most of them are set up with 25mm tires on 23mm outer width rims. They measure out to about 25-27mm true width. I might throw a 28mm tire onto a skinny rim just to see how it measures and feels. At the end of the day, I think what matters is the true width of the tire inflated on any particular rim, and setting the pressure accordingly. Obviously, need to make sure your frame can tolerate that configuration clearance-wise.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 6,050
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1884 Post(s)
Liked 1,758 Times
in
1,020 Posts
Is there something inherent in a tubeless ready wheel that makes installing a tubed clincher difficult? I ask because I have 3 different sets of wheels sitting in various carts waiting for me to choose one. They are Zonda, Racing 3, and DT Swiss PR1600. The DT Swiss got my interest due to the ability to go tubeless should I want to down the road. This is the first I’ve heard of tubeless rims not playing nice with tubed tires.
#13
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,560
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2750 Post(s)
Liked 6,105 Times
in
3,115 Posts
The Ultegra were panned in the reviews and are some the slowest name brand wheels. Yesterday after doing a ton of research I ordered Hunt Limitless Aerodiscs in 60s. Great reviews and comparable to wheels costing twice as much.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#14
Sock Puppet
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 1,701
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon, 2017 Jamis Renegade Exploit and too many others to mention.
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 863 Times
in
573 Posts
Also, the Ultegras vs. the Hunt Limitless Aerodisc 60's is like comparing apples to cheesesteaks. Different wheel, different purpose, different pricepoint.
Last edited by Lombard; 11-27-22 at 11:05 AM.
Likes For Lombard:
#15
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,560
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2750 Post(s)
Liked 6,105 Times
in
3,115 Posts
What reviews were those? Define a "slow" wheel. Slower by how much? What criteria do they use to test how "slow" or "fast" a wheel is?
Also, the Ultegras vs. the Hunt Limitless Aerodisc 60's is like comparing apples to cheesesteaks. Different wheel, different purpose, different pricepoint.
Also, the Ultegras vs. the Hunt Limitless Aerodisc 60's is like comparing apples to cheesesteaks. Different wheel, different purpose, different pricepoint.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 503
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 172 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 94 Times
in
64 Posts
I bought these for my wife this summer. They definitely seemed to be at an Ultegra level, much better than 105. They came setup for tubeless with the valves installed, so I had to remove the valves for her to run tubed clinchers. They handle the 25s well. To me, they compare favorably to Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels.
#17
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,888
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse x2, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata 3
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2082 Post(s)
Liked 1,571 Times
in
1,087 Posts
I bought these for my wife this summer. They definitely seemed to be at an Ultegra level, much better than 105. They came setup for tubeless with the valves installed, so I had to remove the valves for her to run tubed clinchers. They handle the 25s well. To me, they compare favorably to Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels.
OP is talking about these wheels: Shimano Ultegra WH-RS500 Road Wheelset - Tubeless - Components (competitivecyclist.com)
#18
Senior Member
If I recall, the RS500s were panned as being heavy and slow accelerating for the price, though I always found them to be pretty (always a fan of low spoke count looks).
I have a pair of Zondas on my Cannondale, and they seem perfectly fine. They accelerate faster than the OEM wheels on my other bike (Vision Team 30 disc), and maybe nearly as quick as the carbon wheels that replaced those Visions (Light Bicycle R45s with DT Swiss 240s). However, they don't seem to stay at speed as well as the carbon wheels - no surprise given their low profile.
My third bike has an ancient pair of Mavic Ksyrium Equipes that should probably be changed out next season - I'd have no qualms about replacing those wheels with another set of Zondas when the time comes.
I have a pair of Zondas on my Cannondale, and they seem perfectly fine. They accelerate faster than the OEM wheels on my other bike (Vision Team 30 disc), and maybe nearly as quick as the carbon wheels that replaced those Visions (Light Bicycle R45s with DT Swiss 240s). However, they don't seem to stay at speed as well as the carbon wheels - no surprise given their low profile.
My third bike has an ancient pair of Mavic Ksyrium Equipes that should probably be changed out next season - I'd have no qualms about replacing those wheels with another set of Zondas when the time comes.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 2,897
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1467 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
876 Posts
I don't know if the RS500 is any different, but I have a set of WH-6800's, which look identical except the 6800's are branded with "Ultegra" on the rims. The hubs are different than 105, they use straight pull spokes but still have the same cup/cone setup that most Shimano hubs have. The 6800 was machine built with proprietary Shimano bladed spokes.
I bought those wheels back in 2016 as a replacement set for an old rim-brake bike. They were reasonably light, and less than $400. My experience with them was solid - I never had to true them and had zero issues for 5-6 years and many thousands of miles. I used them for road, but also as a backup CX training wheelset, running 33mm CX clinchers on them. I had a LBS service the hubs once, but beyond that I rode them on two different bikes without issue.
Eventually the rear hub bearings got a little crunchy and I tried replacing them myself, but the bearing race/channel that the balls sit in looks like it was damaged and they won't spin smoothly. I think it can probably be fixed, but I've never bothered to figure that out. The wheels are still hanging in my basement - I don't really have a use for them anymore as my rim-brake bike just sits on a trainer now.
I never ran these as tubless, only using tubed clinchers in them. I don't recall tires being difficult to install on them, but again... I never tried to install tubeless tires which typically fit a lot tighter than clinchers.
I bought those wheels back in 2016 as a replacement set for an old rim-brake bike. They were reasonably light, and less than $400. My experience with them was solid - I never had to true them and had zero issues for 5-6 years and many thousands of miles. I used them for road, but also as a backup CX training wheelset, running 33mm CX clinchers on them. I had a LBS service the hubs once, but beyond that I rode them on two different bikes without issue.
Eventually the rear hub bearings got a little crunchy and I tried replacing them myself, but the bearing race/channel that the balls sit in looks like it was damaged and they won't spin smoothly. I think it can probably be fixed, but I've never bothered to figure that out. The wheels are still hanging in my basement - I don't really have a use for them anymore as my rim-brake bike just sits on a trainer now.
I never ran these as tubless, only using tubed clinchers in them. I don't recall tires being difficult to install on them, but again... I never tried to install tubeless tires which typically fit a lot tighter than clinchers.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 2,897
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1467 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
876 Posts
#21
Senior Member
I've never tried the RS500, just going by reviews I've read. I wonder if the reviews were dissatisfied given the Ultegra branding? After all, Ultegra drivetrains are upper-echelon, and in a world where carbon wheels are common, RS500s don't quite seem to fit.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 2,897
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1467 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
876 Posts
The Zondas can be gotten for a bit less than $400 these days - I got my set for $380, and I've seen them drop to $326 today. The Zondas are also advertised at 1540g, though truth be told, mine came out to be measurably heavier than that, by about 100g.
I've never tried the RS500, just going by reviews I've read. I wonder if the reviews were dissatisfied given the Ultegra branding? After all, Ultegra drivetrains are upper-echelon, and in a world where carbon wheels are common, RS500s don't quite seem to fit.
I've never tried the RS500, just going by reviews I've read. I wonder if the reviews were dissatisfied given the Ultegra branding? After all, Ultegra drivetrains are upper-echelon, and in a world where carbon wheels are common, RS500s don't quite seem to fit.
In contrast, the new Shimano Ultegra R8100 wheels are all carbon/aero/disc and seem more on-par with what one would expect from an Ultegra part. They're also priced quite a bit higher.
#23
Senior Member
Probably. It always seemed a bit strange to me that Shimano sold $400 budget wheels branded as Ultegra. They changed that in 2019 when they rebranded the wheel as RS-500, and it doesn't actually say "Ultegra" on them.
In contrast, the new Shimano Ultegra R8100 wheels are all carbon/aero/disc and seem more on-par with what one would expect from an Ultegra part. They're also priced quite a bit higher.
In contrast, the new Shimano Ultegra R8100 wheels are all carbon/aero/disc and seem more on-par with what one would expect from an Ultegra part. They're also priced quite a bit higher.
I actually recommended that a buddy of mine complete his bike with R8100s. Here's hoping those hubs are as quiet as Shimano's reputation would lead me to believe.