<Road Cyclists Only> Frame or Wheels?

Question

You have exactly $3,000 to upgrade either your wheels or your frame. You cant do both for the sake of argument. What do you think is the most important upgrade to improve the performance of your bicycle. Choose either frame or wheels. Cant choose both. Explain your decision.

Answer 1

cervelo frame

3000 for just wheels is a joke

Answer 2

Dollar for dollar, wheels are a far better investment for one simple reason; rotating weight vs. dead weight.  A cheapo $300 Motobecane (www.bikesdirect.com) aluminum frame will be very decent vs. a $1500 frame, though you give up some longevity in ride quality.  A high quality set of wheels will be smoother (sealed bearings of high quality) and lighter (spokes, hub, rims) than a cheap set, and probably more durable.  They will spin up faster (climbing, sprinting).  The most I could ever see spending is about $2500 for Cosmic Carbone Ultimates but for $1500 you can get a set of Zipp 404s that are world class racing wheels.  Happy trails.

Answer 3

I&#039;d buy a giant trinity A2 &gt; and a zipp solid carbon rear disc

Answer 4

I have been lusting after a carbon wheel set since I bought my road bike last year.  However, I feel that the price for any upgrade from a bike store is just too much for the benefit.  When my current bike breaks or is worn out, I will buy an entirely new bike with all of the trimmings.  The package deal is the way to go.

Answer 5

No upgrades just get a new bike.

Answer 6

That&#039;s really difficult to answer, because there are no specifics about the status of the current bike.  $3000 tires on a cheepy bike won&#039;t do much good.  I have an older road bike sitting in my garage that must weigh in at around 28 lbs or so.  So adding race wheels to it is useless.  In that case, I&#039;d rather ride a carbon on rusty walmart rims than the other way around.  But assuming you have a passable bike that you like to ride...wheels 1st.  But you have to have a good frame for the foundation in my opinion.