


Hello. Long time lurker 1st time poster and 1st time guy into bike repairs. After 4 years, and many many kms, last summer I damaged my tubeless wheelset (giant sr2 wheels) for the 3rd time. I ride on a 2021 Giant Contend AR gravel bike. I am looking to replace my wheelset as winter is ending and riding season is upon us. I have a Shimano tiagara group set, through axle, 6 bolt disc brake design. I have a few questions before I make a purchase for a new wheelset.
CARBON OR ALLOY WHEELSET?
Are carbon wheels really worth it? Do they make that much of a difference? I do alot of gravel cycling (often on heavy trails) and I can be quite hard on my bike (hence the wheelspoke damage). Before weight, my biggest factor for a wheel would be durability.
TUBELESS OR TUBED WHEELSET?
I have used tubeless and tubed wheels before. Would a tubed tire be more suitable for a gravel setup? A tubeless setup is nice, but they can be a headache when repairs are required.
IS AMAZON A SUITABLE OPTION FOR PURCHASE?
I have checked Amazon for both carbon and alloy wheelsets. It is a cheap price, but cheap can also mean low quality. I have bought valve stems, saddle bags, lights on amazon and they worked pretty well as intended. On Amazon its difficult to select which brands are at least ok
MY OLD GIANT SR2 WHEELS……ARE THEY WORTH FIXING AND KEEPING?
on 3 seperate occasions I have experienced spoke breaks. Would it be worth it to replace all the spokes and have a second set just in case?
Another thing to consider, I would say I am a average to intermediate rider. Around 1000km a year riding on a mix of road, light atv trails and at times thick dirt trails. On paved roads, my normal speed range is between 22-35km/h. I would say my budget is around 500-700 cad. I think I also need a new chain and this would be in the budget as well.
I am open to any suggestions. Thanks 👍
by garbagefartguru
1 Comment
Just get some hunt 4 season gravel wheels: https://us.huntbikewheels.com/products/4season-gravel-wheelset
They’re cheap and will save almost a pound off your bike.
Combined with a better tire that bike will be transformed. And you’ll probably cut more weight in tires….