I'm 6'4'' and a healthy 225lbs. Just bought a 2008 Specialized Allez tripple. Do i need a stronger wheel set?

Question

Any recommendations as to if I will even need a stronger wheel set?

Ive logged over 100 miles already with no problems.

Also, I want to build myself up, and begin competing in some fashion (marathons / triathlons.) What upgrades, if any, do you all recomend for my bike?

Advise in general is also helpful...

Answer 1

I'm sure what you're using for wheels will do fine. Medium priced road bikes come with fairly light and strong wheel sets. 225 is within the wheels limits.

Your bike is ready to race, but you likely aren't. Don't fall into the fallacy that 100 oz off your bike will make you a fast rider. You have a good bike, you need to match it as a good rider. Miles in the saddle is what gets you there.

Answer 2

Very light race wheels might not be strong enough for your weight, but the stock wheels that came with your bike should be just fine.

The main things I would consider upgrading over time are the "touch points" on the bike.  Those are the areas where you are connected with the bike - so that's the saddle, the pedals, and maybe some aero bars so you can ride in a more aerodynamic position on the bike.

Upgrade the saddle if you're not comfortable on the one that came on the bike.  No saddle will feel like a recliner, but some saddles are less comfortable than others, so if you're not happy with the stock saddle, it's a worthy upgrade.  Also keep in mind that a saddle with lots of padding will not necessarily be the most comfortable.

Adding clip-in style pedals will give you more power, but I wouldn't mess with these until you're pretty confident on the bike.  It will take a couple rides before you learn how to clip in and out without worrying about falling over.  

If you're brand new to cycling, I would also wait a while before adding aerobars because they take some time to get used to and you're better off getting comfortable riding without them first.

The best advice I can give you is to sign up for a race or two.  Try it out on your bike as is.  Then figure out what you like and don't like.  In the long run, the engine is much more of a factor than the bike - so work on your fitness first.. You can always upgrade the bike a bit at a time.

Answer 3

right now your bike is most likely adequate to take your weight. at that level of components, the wheelset should be quite sturdy. if you had just gone higher-end, I'd be more concerned about a lighter whell set with fewer spokes. train with the bike as is, when you start losing some pounds, and start doing better in your races, then consider the upgrades..