The Best Road Bike Wheels

The Best Road Bike Wheels
Road bikes are meant to be ridden primarily on pavement or asphalt. Road bike tires are stronger and more durable, capable of withstanding the heat of the road and the harshness of its surface. If you're interested in turning your bike into a road bike, you'll need the best wheels available. Ultegra wheels from Shimano, attached to DT Swiss RR 1.1 rims, fit the bill.

Price

Shimano is known for quality cycling pieces, but those pieces usually come with a high price tag. As of 2009, DT Swiss RR 1.1 wheels retailed for $265, significantly less than those from other retailers and less than other wheels made by Shimano. For similar road wheels from another company you might pay upwards of $1,000.

Weight

When you start looking at road bike wheels, you may notice some are significantly heavier than others. However, these DT Swiss wheels are fairly lightweight at just 840 g for the whole set. This includes both the wheels and rims, which makes for a smoother ride because you're not weighing down the bike. You'll also notice the bike is easier to carry and travel with.

Feel

These road wheels also are the best because of the way you'll feel when riding your bike. They have 16 spokes--other road bikes have fewer than 10--causing less tension when riding down the road. You'll also notice that on uneven pavement you'll have a smoother ride, because the wheels absorb more vibrations.

Stability

Shimano and DT Swiss road wheels give more stability to your bike and to you than other wheels. You'll notice the stability when taking a corner quickly, descending the side of a hill or riding on different types of terrain, including grass. Expect to get more wear than other road bike wheels.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword