Upgrade road wheelset for about10K?

[NixM]

This is not my area of expertise and diff LBS give me diff opinions.

 

My mom of over 60 yrs wants a new set of road wheels because "her friend at cycle lab got new gears and wheels and now goes faster than her". She is rides about 3 times a week and does all the PPA races. She takes her riding very seriously but is no racing snake.

 

She currently has Mavic Aksium S on a mid level Silverback carbon with 105 groupset.

 

What can she get that she will notice a difference riding?

 

Suggestions so far:

Easton EA90

Mavic Ksyrium elite

Mavic Ksyrium SLS

 

 

 

[Baaisikilist]

Plenty of very good options in the classifieds.

Can get an awesome set of carbon clinchers for less than 10k.

[Baaisikilist]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/69649-concept-full-carbon-50mm-clincher-wheels/

 

One example.

[NixM]

Am just worried about deep section wheels in Cape Towns wind. She tends to jump off her bike coming down Chappies if there is any wind gusting., bravery is not her strong point.

 

Will carbon wheels, say 38 mm, give a much better performance than out of the box alu wheels?

[Winstonian1984]

Carbon wheels 20% performance, 80% looks....after all what good is it if you don't look good as a cyclist LOL       

 

Personally Id go with the Ksyrium Elites.

[splat]

American Classic Argent ?

 

or wait for the new Ksyrium 25

[J∆kk∆ls]

EA 90 all the way. Mavic make great wheels but support for Mavic products in SA is shocking.

 

I weigh 81kg and ride hard on my EA 90 RTs. They are bulletproof and roll much faster the my Mavic elites.

 

Don't get deep section or bladed spokes if your mum fears a bit of wind. And deep section suck for climbing to.

 

Good luck with your decision!

[Long Wheel Base]

Am just worried about deep section wheels in Cape Towns wind. She tends to jump off her bike coming down Chappies if there is any wind gusting., bravery is not her strong point.

 

Will carbon wheels, say 38 mm, give a much better performance than out of the box alu wheels?

They did for me, But I only use them for racing and put the standard alu wheels on for training. I agree with you on the wind story, riding crosswinds with deep sections can be a mission sometimes, Last thing you want is to have a deep section on the front and a cross wind take the wheel away from under you. I went for 38 up front and 50 at the back ( https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/146003-where-giants-roampostem/page-16) The faster you go the more they help. But a decent set of light alu shallow section wheels would be fine for your mom.

PS:kudos to your mom for still riding at that age