What Is Considered "lightweight' Wheels? | Road Bike, Cycling Forums

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Cni2i

You hear the words "lightweight wheels" a lot, but just curious as to what weight range would you consider a set of wheels lightweight or "climbing" wheels? From what I've gathered: super lightweight : < 1200 g ? lightweight : 1200-1400 g ? moderately lightweight : 1400-1600 ? not lightweight : > 1600 g ? Not trying to start another what makes a wheelset a "climbing" wheelset thread, but just wondering what weights you have in mind when saying that a wheelset is "lightweight". Thank you. #1 · Jun 2, 2016 You hear the words "lightweight wheels" a lot, but just curious as to what weight range would you consider a set of wheels lightweight or "climbing" wheels? From what I've gathered: super lightweight : < 1200 g ? lightweight : 1200-1400 g ? moderately lightweight : 1400-1600 ? not lightweight : > 1600 g ? Not trying to start another what makes a wheelset a "climbing" wheelset thread, but just wondering what weights you have in mind when saying that a wheelset is "lightweight". Thank you. Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Jun 2, 2016 About what you said, assuming you're talking about clinchers. #3 · Jun 2, 2016 Yes, thinking about clinchers mostly. But would those ranges change much if we included tubulars also? I see what you are thinking though...as 1500 g tubulars would likely be considered somewhat heavy rather than light. 0 Reply #4 · Jun 3, 2016 Think a lot of it depends on your weight and intended use, 1600 grams could be considered lightweight for someone that puts down a lot of power and weighs 210 pounds racing crits. #10 · Jun 3, 2016 Point taken. There are definitely a lot of variables/situations and my original question definitely leaves room for interpretation. I am primarily referring to "lightweight" wheels in reference to climbing. 0 Reply #5 · Jun 3, 2016 What is the definition of "lightweight"? Anything deemed so in the marketingland of any particular manufacturer. #6 · Jun 3, 2016 These seem roughly right to me. But does someone actually make or build a sub 1200g clincher? #7 · Jun 3, 2016

fronesis said: But does someone actually make or build a sub 1200g clincher? Click to expand...

Possibly for a super-lightweight rider?

1 Reply #11 · Jun 3, 2016 At the risk of going slightly off topic, I posted this thread to also get an idea at what weight difference would one set of wheels be noticeably better while climbing versus another (say 30 miles with 5000' of elevation...my typical routes)? By "better", I mean less effort/less fatigued at the end and more responsive when out of the saddle for short periods. Again I realize there are other factors involved (wheel flex, rider weight, rider's ability, etc...), but just looking at noticeable weight difference here. 200 g difference? Likely not. 300 g difference? Probably not? 400-500 g difference? Likely will notice? >500 g difference? Definitely will notice? On a personal note, I've been riding mostly tubulars weighing between 1150-1350 g (different sets) and now considering a set of Carbon Clinchers...just for those remote rides where a flat with tubulars would really su*#. The clinchers would likely run about 1400-1450 g. So going from the 1150 set to the 1450 set...that's 300g give or take. I haven't purchased the clinchers yet, but seriously considering them....Knights 35 carbon clinchers with Aivee hubs (just FYI). #14 · Jun 4, 2016 What's with all the guessing? You can directly calculate these things. Go to analyticcycling.com For reference: 150 lb rider, 6% grade, 250 watts, saving 1 lb. (454 gm) increases speed by 0.1 mph. That's 34 seconds per hour of climbing, or 550 feet. That's how much you would be ahead of an identical rider carrying the extra 450 gm. Show more replies 0 Reply #17 · Jun 5, 2016 We also need to consider where that extra pound is located. I think that one would notice the extra weight more if it were in the wheel set as opposed to a heavier frame? #18 · Jun 6, 2016 I believe we are just referring to the weight of the wheels here. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Reply #19 · Jun 6, 2016 any aluminum clincher wheelset less than 1400 grams will probably sound like chaching$$$, the sound of money you'll be forced to spend sooner rather than later for a replacement. For light aluminum clinchers 1400g-1500g is the equilibrium point between reliability and lightweight. 1300g? no thanks. <1200g? GTFOH! #20 · Jun 6, 2016 (Edited) Cni2i, Hola. I've had good luck with and been very happy with Boyd Wheels. I have two sets of their aluminum clinchers (Vitesse and Altamont) and one set of their 44mm Carbon Clinchers with a PowerTap rear hub. I've been toying with the idea of getting a set of their 28mm Carbon Clinchers for my No. 22 build. They fall into the 'lightweight' category at 1,311 gramms for the set. you may want to check them out. The Boyd peeps are very responsive to questions. 2016 28mm clincher wheel set - Boyd Cycling Very respectfully, Tim P.S. My LBS has had no luck getting my eTap groupsets (one for the No. 22 and I'm gonna put another set on my Madone 7s ... The latest ETA is sometime in June #23 · Jun 6, 2016 Thanks for the info. Tim. I will check them out. BUMMER about your No. 22 build...but you waited long enough...what's another few weeks

. Wow you are getting two sets before trying them out? Show more replies 0 Reply #25 · Jun 8, 2016 Lite Weight? I myself went with Zipp 202 Firecrest at 1385g. Running 25 mm tires at 90 lbs because my bike is so stiff. I have seen them going for as low as $2000. They are a great uphill wheel and have noticed just a minor difference in braking power (less braking power), but not enough to be dragging my feet trying to stop. The weight of the bike makes a difference, which no one seems to be mentioning. My bike weighs in at 16 lbs (Vellum). Go up a hill on your bike, then get on a 16 lb bike and see if you can feel the difference. If not, then lighter wheels or frame is not going to make any difference for you. Have ridden on De Rosa's and Tomasinni's for many years (20), and this bike made all the difference in the world. Sometimes I actually have to pedal the bike to make it go forward! #26 · Jun 11, 2016 I think less than 1500 gr is where lightweight starts. PS: I do not know my wheel weight. I guess it is close to 2000 gr. #27 · Jun 11, 2016 2000g is close to what a hybrid or touring wheelset weighs. The road wheelset I built up is a conventional 32 spoke 3x laced to HED Belgium C2 rims and Shimano Ultegra 6800 hubs. They weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 1800-1900g. I built them for durability, not weight. Most budget road wheelsets weigh around the same. 0 Reply Insert Quotes Post Reply

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