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RoadBikeReview.com's Forum Archives - General
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decisions, decisons (6 posts)
|  decisions, decisons | nodima
Feb 24, 2003 12:45 PM | | I have a stock 2000 Specialized Allez Elite. I have a burning desire to get something new, but new bike is not an option right now.
I am considering upgrading the wheelset to Ultegra/Open Pro from the stock ritchey/CXP23. The other option is a carbon fork. The stock fork is aluminum. I can get either a fork or this wheelset for ~$200.00.
What would I like most? A bit more comfortable ride is my first priority, as I do get some "buzzing" in my arms. I am not as concerned about saving weight, though it is a secondary consideration. From some of the reviews of the Allez, folks have been happy with either choice.
Which way do I go? Is there another question to ask myself before purchase? |
| Choose the fork | MrDan
Feb 24, 2003 1:19 PM | | Changing wheels won't make much difference in your comfort.
The carbon fork will give you the bang for the buck. |
| Yeah, a steel one. nm | OldEdScott
Feb 24, 2003 3:22 PM | | |
| The wheels (nm) | TREKY
Feb 24, 2003 2:53 PM | | |
| The wheels | russw19
Feb 24, 2003 10:03 PM | | Contrary to Mr.Dan's advice, nothing makes a bigger differnce in the ride of a bike than a good wheelset. The wheels that came on your bike are nice, but they are machine built. Make sure what ever you replace them with is a well built hand built wheelset. Have a reputable builder make you up a nice set of wheels custom built to your body type and riding style. It will make all the difference. The catch is that I don't think you would get that nice a set of hand built wheels for $200. You will probably get another machine built wheelset. My advice to you is to get a friend or riding buddy who has a nice set of wheels loan you them for a ride. See if you can tell the difference.
As far as the buzzing in your hands. There are two very simple and much cheaper ways to solve that. One is get a nice set of gel gloves that you are comfortable with, or if you don't like gloves, try even cheaper option number two, change your handlebar tape. Stella Azzura makes a cyclecross specific tape that has a lower density than most, it's soft and spongy and sweet.
I would recommend you find a buddy to loan you a nice wheelset for a ride. If you can't afford them now, save up for them, they make the biggest difference. But don't take my word for it, ride a good set of wheels and make up your own mind. |
| correction | russw19
Feb 24, 2003 10:17 PM | | I just looked around and you actually can get a good hand built Ultegra/Open Pro wheelset for $200. Sorry for the confusion, I was wrong. For that price, go for it. You have nothing to lose. |
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