Tyres or wheels?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Tyres or wheels?
Hey all,
I'm looking to upgrade my specialized allez sport. Ive been looking at some Zonda c17 but was wondering if it would be worth upgrading tyres first?
What makes a bigger difference to performance, tyres or wheels?
I'm looking to upgrade my specialized allez sport. Ive been looking at some Zonda c17 but was wondering if it would be worth upgrading tyres first?
What makes a bigger difference to performance, tyres or wheels?
#2
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Depends on what you mean by "performance." Tires made for a specific surface/purpose can have pretty profound effect if you use them for that surface/purpose. Lighter wheels will have an effect no matter the surface. But there's no reason why you can't eventually have both.
Likes For Rolla:
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Depends on what you mean by "performance." Tires made for a specific surface/purpose can have pretty profound effect if you use them for that surface/purpose. Lighter wheels will have an effect no matter the surface. But there's no reason why you can't eventually have both.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,839
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6934 Post(s)
Liked 10,938 Times
in
4,673 Posts
No offense, but the Allez Sport is a very entry-level bike, with cheapie components. I wouldn't put much money into upgrades. It'd probably be better to ride the hell out of it, and save up for a nicer bike if you keep enjoying yourself.
Likes For Koyote:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,891
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2594 Post(s)
Liked 1,922 Times
in
1,206 Posts
Looks like the Road Sport tire that came with the bike is a low thread count tire, probably with stiff rubber (just guessing here). It'd be worth trying a lighter performance tire; just be aware you may be giving up puncture resistance and longevity on the trade.
Likes For pdlamb:
#6
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Going from wide, knobby, wire bead tires to skinny kevlar slicks will definitely make a noticeable difference, but switching between otherwise similar tires probably won't.
Shaving a thousand grams from a wheelset will have a palpable effect, but shaving a hundred won't.
IOW, if you want to feel a difference, you're probably going to have to change something pretty significantly.
How much do you want/expect your "overall speed" to improve? In general, upgrades aren't going to take you from mid-pack to podium, so what are your goals here?
Last edited by Rolla; 12-08-21 at 12:56 PM.
#7
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2761 Post(s)
Liked 2,534 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Well, it depends on what you are starting with, but in general, I think you get more bang for your buck with tires upgrades.
$175 will get you a set of ultra-premium tires are super light and ride like a dream.
Or that same money will get you a pretty low end wheelset not a whole lot better than what you now have.
$175 will get you a set of ultra-premium tires are super light and ride like a dream.
Or that same money will get you a pretty low end wheelset not a whole lot better than what you now have.
Last edited by Kapusta; 12-08-21 at 02:26 PM.
Likes For Kapusta:
#8
Newbie
Thread Starter
Ive already got some ultegra pedals, fizik saddle and got some deda bits, all for good prices though.
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
I guess the main thing would be more confidence around corners and less rolling resistance. I currently average around 100k per week and here in England the ground is always wet, theres been a few sketchy slides!
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,839
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6934 Post(s)
Liked 10,938 Times
in
4,673 Posts
Put on those parts, and when your tires start looking shabby, get some nicer (lighter and more supple) ones. Keep riding. If and when you do buy a better bike, you can keep the Allez Sport as a back-up -- for rainy days and such.
Likes For Koyote:
#11
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,427
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3129 Post(s)
Liked 1,696 Times
in
1,026 Posts
Definitely tires. They can transform any ride.
Likes For chaadster:
#12
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,945
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6172 Post(s)
Liked 4,789 Times
in
3,305 Posts
I'd also suggest that if you don't know what the upgrade might do for you then maybe you aren't at the level of cycling ability that it will make any real difference.
The Allez is a good bike, but between expensive new wheels and a new bike, I'd pony up extra money and get a new bike that also has better wheels. Generally as you move up to higher tier levels of bike, then all the components including wheels are better relative to the lesser tier, even if it's the same base model. Though you do have to get out the the entry level pricing tiers.
The Allez is a good bike, but between expensive new wheels and a new bike, I'd pony up extra money and get a new bike that also has better wheels. Generally as you move up to higher tier levels of bike, then all the components including wheels are better relative to the lesser tier, even if it's the same base model. Though you do have to get out the the entry level pricing tiers.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Start with tires. (Or tyres if that's all you can get) You might be surprised what a difference they make.
Likes For caloso:
#14
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Likes For Rolla:
#15
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,427
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3129 Post(s)
Liked 1,696 Times
in
1,026 Posts
#16
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Near the district
Posts: 2,422
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, a Karate Monkey, a Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 699 Post(s)
Liked 1,294 Times
in
647 Posts
If I were in your shoes I’d do tires first…
if you’ve got money to spend wheels are the most important part of bike building…while it seems stupid my commuter rolls on ~$1200 wheels.
when/if you do wheels don’t buy prebuilts get your wheels built
if you’ve got money to spend wheels are the most important part of bike building…while it seems stupid my commuter rolls on ~$1200 wheels.
when/if you do wheels don’t buy prebuilts get your wheels built
#17
Junior Member
I'd definitely start with just replacing the tyres, here in Seattle, USA, our road conditions are also frequently wet/maritime. I've been very happy with the Vittoria Rubino line of tyres, which offer a good balance of weight, rolling resistance, wet grip, and wear resistance for a reasonable price.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Northeastern MA, USA
Posts: 1,678
Bikes: Garmin/Tacx Bike Smart
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 646 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
191 Posts
Unless you're riding crap wheels, tires will make the biggest difference. And unless you're a fast rider, well, not that much of a difference.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,800
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,163 Times
in
1,322 Posts
You need to know what you have now, and the weights, before you make an educated decision.
John
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,968
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1362 Post(s)
Liked 1,674 Times
in
827 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,968
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1362 Post(s)
Liked 1,674 Times
in
827 Posts
A few years ago I switched the tires on my MTB-based commuter from sturdy but slim(ish) 26x1.25 road tires to fat, but light and supple WTB 26x1.85 slicks. The change was amazing! I picked up 1 mph average speed.
More recently I swapped out some old, stiff (but smooth) 20x1.75 tires on my folding bike to lighter, more supple 20x1.75 Schwalbe Marathon tires (not the heavier sturdier Marathon Plus version) and gained 2 mph average speed.
Also a few years ago I ditched the light, supple Kenda Small Block 8 "micro knobby" tires for slightly less supple Forte Metro ST smooth road tires from Performance bike and gained almost 1 mph average speed.
Also on my MTB-based commuter, my soft but sturdy Suomi Nokian W-109 studded snow tires yield average speeds 2mph less than the WTB slicks (although the studded Nokians are decidely faster in snow and ice than the big smoothies...lol).
So tires can definitely make a difference in performance, as well as feel and comfort. And the older I get, the more I value feel and comfort over speed.
More recently I swapped out some old, stiff (but smooth) 20x1.75 tires on my folding bike to lighter, more supple 20x1.75 Schwalbe Marathon tires (not the heavier sturdier Marathon Plus version) and gained 2 mph average speed.
Also a few years ago I ditched the light, supple Kenda Small Block 8 "micro knobby" tires for slightly less supple Forte Metro ST smooth road tires from Performance bike and gained almost 1 mph average speed.
Also on my MTB-based commuter, my soft but sturdy Suomi Nokian W-109 studded snow tires yield average speeds 2mph less than the WTB slicks (although the studded Nokians are decidely faster in snow and ice than the big smoothies...lol).
So tires can definitely make a difference in performance, as well as feel and comfort. And the older I get, the more I value feel and comfort over speed.
Likes For BobbyG:
#23
Senior Member
For the sake of the Forum, you should do both. Then you can try old wheels with new tires, new wheels with new tires, new wheels with old tires, one combo on front, one on rear, etc. This thread could go on forever.
Likes For Pratt:
#24
OM boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,348
Bikes: a bunch
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
430 Posts
But as others noted, nice tires will have a nice effect on the ride quality. Of course, everything depends on the motor...
The Allez is a really great bike design ! Certainly equal to many bikes which might be pricier (components aside ...)
I love good wheels, but also love nice tires. Something to look forward to.
Depending how much you ride, a new chain might also provide a nice boost.
WHen I get the urge to spend bike (and know it's not really gonna help any...) I'll buy another, cool jersey or Bibs/shorts, or maybe helmet... I never regret those buys, they always get well used... LOL!
Ride the Bike, Ride the Bike, Ride the Bike - Eddy...
Ride On
Yuri
Likes For cyclezen:
#25
Senior Member
Tires can be a good uprade, but you can also get in a loop of buying lots of dfferent bits of stuff and never really being happy with the setup once the newness wears off.
Tires are generally a compromise no matter which ones you get so really it's about the kind of surfaces, weather and general coniditons you ride in to whether your next set of tires is going to positivley affect the experience. They're also the only thing between you and the pavement so from a safety perspective a good set of tires is worth it.
I tend to ride and wear out the tire that comes with the bike or they are damaged beyond use. Most mid ranged bikes come with acceptable tires that will do the job. I'll only change them instantly if the bike is going somewherere or doing something that the stock tires can't do.
All the componentry is a little meaningless if you're not fit enough to take advantage, but in the end buy whatever upgrades you want with your money. The world doesn't have to agreee with your choices.
But at some point all the upgrades you spend on a bike might make you wonder if you should have saved or just brought the higher spec bike in the first place.
Tires are generally a compromise no matter which ones you get so really it's about the kind of surfaces, weather and general coniditons you ride in to whether your next set of tires is going to positivley affect the experience. They're also the only thing between you and the pavement so from a safety perspective a good set of tires is worth it.
I tend to ride and wear out the tire that comes with the bike or they are damaged beyond use. Most mid ranged bikes come with acceptable tires that will do the job. I'll only change them instantly if the bike is going somewherere or doing something that the stock tires can't do.
All the componentry is a little meaningless if you're not fit enough to take advantage, but in the end buy whatever upgrades you want with your money. The world doesn't have to agreee with your choices.
But at some point all the upgrades you spend on a bike might make you wonder if you should have saved or just brought the higher spec bike in the first place.