The 14 Best Road Bike Wheels From Low to High-End (Ultimate Buyer’s Guide)

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This article includes some of the best road bike wheels on the market. I tested some of the models included and spent dozens of hours researching and evaluating owners’ reviews, wind-tunnel results, and more to help you decide which ones are right for you.

You will mainly find carbon wheels for disc-brake road bikes here, as rim brakes are outdated. I also included a few aluminum ones. You might also be surprised by the number of Asian alternatives included. Well, that’s because they provide a much better price-value ratio than many Western brands.

If you don’t know where to start or how to choose, don’t worry. I will guide you through the selection process, as there are many features to consider when buying new wheels, but only a few of them are essential.

So, let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Carbon Road Bike Wheels?

Skip to the comparison table…

The best carbon road bike wheels meet quality standards such as ISO 4210, are UCI-approved, or are certified by 3rd-party authorities.

They also should provide the right combination of weight (aim for around 1400g or less for a 50mm deep wheelset), stiffness, aerodynamics, and durability, depending on your preferences, riding style, and the terrain you ride in the most often.

Read my buyer’s guide to learn more (e.g., how carbon wheels differ from aluminum wheels, etc.).

YOELEO NxT SL2 (Best Value for Money Road Bike Wheels)

Surprisingly capable yet affordable wheels…

My NxT SL2 C60 wheels scoring at a glance:
Crosswind Stability 4/5 | Stiffness 4/5 | Riding Comfort 5/5 | Speed Maintenance 5/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 4/5 | Spoke Tension 5/5 | Dishing 5/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5
More about this road wheels scoring.

YOELEO produces UCI-approved, quality, easily serviceable, and reasonably priced wheels that you can use in official UCI events. I tested the C50|50 PRO wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs, the PRO 2022 with YOELEO 230 S hubs, and the latest YOELEO NxT SL2 with YOELEO 230 NxT hubs. My experience with all these wheelsets was that they were almost perfectly true and well-made.

YOELEO introduced NxT SL2 in 2024. They lowered the weight and increased the rim width. I’ve tested the C60, not the 50mm option as usual. Thanks to an average 200g lower weight, they feel more lively and accelerate faster. They are more suitable for climbing. I’ve opted for the C60 as the weight penalty is minimal (20g) compared to the C50, but the looks and aerodynamics should outweigh it.

Unlike many other Chinese manufacturers, YOELEO stays true to steel spokes. They use the Pillar WING 20 Aero spokes. I guess this is because of better serviceability, lower costs, and better riding comfort.

Luckily, the current YOELEO hubs are not as loud as the previous generation. They had the most annoying hub sound I’ve ever heard. So, this is a promising improvement. I’m also pleasantly surprised by the crosswind stability. Of course, these wheels are not as stiff as some carbon-spoke alternatives, but this is a benefit if you live in an area with bad roads.

It’s honestly hard to find any negatives considering the price. But I have one. I was not able to seat a tubeless tire without an air compressor on the rim. It might be because of the rim shape or width, which could also be slightly wider in 2025.

Roval Rapide CLX II

The latest and greatest wheels from Specialized…

Roval Rapide CLX II wheels are designed for all-out racing and fast riding, combining the aerodynamics of deep-section wheels with the stability of a climbing wheelset. The front and rear-specific rim profiles are engineered to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and crosswind stability, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions.

The use of DT Swiss EXP internals and SINC ceramic bearings ensures durability and low rolling resistance. The wheels are tubeless-ready and feature a hooked rim design for secure tire fitment and high-pressure compatibility.

The Rapide CLX II is a top-tier aero wheelset, but it was succeeded in 2025 by the Rapide CLX III and Rapide Sprint CLX, which offer further weight and aero improvements. However, the CLX II remains a highly respected and competitive option for those seeking a reliable, well-balanced aero wheelset.

Elitewheels DRIVE 2 (Best Road Bike Wheels for Climbing)

Responsive, lightweight, and crosswind-stable wheels for a surprisingly low price…

My DRIVE II wheels scoring at a glance:
Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 5/5 | Riding Comfort 4/5 | Speed Maintenance 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 4/5 | Spoke Tension 5/5 | Dishing 5/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5
More about this road wheels scoring.

If you’re looking for lightweight, responsive, and affordable road bike wheels with carbon spokes, the Elitewheels DRIVE II are worth considering. I also tested their first generation, and they were one of my favorite climbing wheels. So, what’s new?

The new DRIVE II features several key updates, including a wider internal rim width without added weight, new Kinetic hubs with a 50T conical ratchet replacing the 4-pawl system, and wider 4.5mm spokes for improved stiffness and aerodynamics. It also introduces enclosed flanges, a redesigned black-and-gold decal, and a hybrid rim design that combines hooked and hookless features. The wheels are now disc-brake only, with rim brake options discontinued, and the price has increased from $1199 to $1299.

I find the DRIVE 2 wheels responsive and stiff, delivering quick acceleration and efficient power transfer. Every pedal stroke feels direct, and the wheels feel like they maintain speed better than the first generation. However, that stiffness also means the ride is a bit harsher on rougher surfaces than on steel-spoked wheels, such as the YOELEO NxT SL2. Compared to the first-generation model, the differences aren’t drastic, but the overall performance feels more refined and composed.

What stands out most is the improved stability and handling. The wider rim and better tire-rim transition give me more confidence on fast descents and in corners, even at speeds over 70 km/h, with no hint of wobble or nervousness.

The new 50T conical ratchet hub works flawlessly throughout my rides, engaging quickly and smoothly without skipping. While the upgrade doesn’t completely transform the wheelset, the DRIVE 2 feels like a well-thought-out evolution. They come with pre-installed tubeless rim tape to save you some time installing it, valves, and spare spokes.

Scope Artech 6.A

Probably the most aero wheels on the market…

The Scope Artech 6.A sets a new benchmark for aerodynamics and lightweight construction. It uses Algorithm Enhanced Aerodynamics (AEA) and Aeroscales surface technology to maximize airflow stability and reduce drag. The rims are optimized for 30mm tires, making them perfect for modern road racing.

They feature 3D-printed hubs and a titanium engagement system that delivers durability and a direct feel, while the carbon spokes add stiffness and further reduce weight.

What’s the catch? The Scalmalloy hubs can show signs of surface corrosion if not carefully dried after wet rides, and their complex shape can make cleaning harder. The rim decals may chip over time, and the deep yet very light profile can feel twitchy in crosswinds. On top of that, the pricing places these firmly in the premium category.

Nepest NOVA

Wheels that include a nice and helpful surprise in the box…

My NOVA wheels scoring at a glance:
Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 5/5 | Riding Comfort 4/5 | Speed Maintenance 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 4/5 | Spoke Tension 5/5 | Dishing 5/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5
More about this road wheels scoring.

The Nepest NOVA wheels stand out for their well-thought-out packaging and extra touches, such as a quality wheel bag, multiple spare spokes, and a spoke adjustment tool, which is needed due to the hidden nipples. They also feature a unique, patented open-hub flange design specifically engineered to prevent spoke slippage, enhancing safety.​

In my in-house tests, the NOVA wheels scored impressively across key metrics: trueness, spoke tension, and rim centering all showed high levels of consistency. The wheels use 3.2mm Vonoa carbon spokes that are narrower than some alternatives but less harsh, contributing to a responsive yet reasonably comfortable road feel. The internal and external rim widths support wider tires, providing a smooth transition and better cornering grip.​

NOVA wheels are stable in crosswinds and provide a comfortable ride. They feel fast and nimble, especially in a mullet setup (45mm front, 55mm rear). The hub’s 32T ratchet system is quiet and reliable. The riding experience is very similar to other top Chinese carbon wheels, such as the Lún HYPER 5 and Elitewheels DRIVE II, with differences so marginal that most riders, including me, would struggle to tell them apart in blind tests.​

Overall, the Nepest NOVA wheels are a well-rounded choice, balancing stiffness, comfort, and stability, and stand out for their safety features and generous accessory package. Their price is competitive with similar high-end Chinese carbon-spoke wheelsets, and the choice mainly comes down to design preference and brand trust.

ENVE SES 4.5 Pro

Tadej Pogačar’s wheels of choice…

The ENVE SES 4.5 Pro is an aero wheelset ridden by Tadej Pogačar. Its rim design (49/55mm) offers excellent aerodynamic performance while keeping weight relatively low.

The hubs are an ultralight straight-pull design with 40T engagement and ceramic bearings. Previously, the hookless rim profile design was often criticized for a higher risk of tire blowouts, so ENVE introduced the “mini hook” similar to the one on Elitewheels DRIVE 2. Thumbs up!

If you are looking for pro-looking wheels that offer pro performance at a high-end price, these are the ones to consider.

Lún HYPER 5

The best wheels from Lún (Winspace) yet…

My HYPER 5 wheels scoring at a glance:
Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 5/5 | Riding Comfort 4/5 | Speed Maintenance 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 4/5 | Spoke Tension 5/5 | Dishing 5/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5
More about this road wheels scoring.

The Lún HYPER 5 are high-quality carbon wheelsets with similar performance to Nepest NOVA. They are stiff, yet relatively comfortable despite the carbon spokes. They have completely redesigned hubs compared to HYPER 3. The other differences include lower weight and hidden nipples. They excel in build quality, trueness, and spoke tension.​

The HYPER 5 feel marginally more comfortable than the HYPER 3. I think this is due to the slightly longer carbon spokes (thanks to the hidden nipples), making them more compliant. They are also stable in crosswinds and provide a confident, fast ride.​

Other details worth mentioning are the titanium ratchet, which should last longer and be more corrosion-resistant; wider spokes; and better aero optimization, making the 5th-generation 2.2W faster than the predecessor.

Zipp 303 S and 303 Firecrest

When it comes to mainstream wheel manufacturers, Zipp is among the first that most people think of.

Zipp’s 303 ‘S’ and ‘Firecrest’ series are some of the most popular due to their versatility, durability, and performance.

These wheelsets are not only perfect for road cycling but also for gravel. Their wider rim widths make them suitable for wider gravel tires.

The main difference between the ‘S’ and ‘Firecrest’ series is that the S series is more affordable but slightly heavier. According to Zipp, the Firecrest series is the best they offer, and their wheels are faster.

Another notable feature is the hookless design of the rim bed. It offers several benefits, such as lower weight, a better transition between the rim and tire, and a lower risk of blow-off at high pressures*. Note that you also need to buy hookless-compatible tires.

*The maximum allowed pressure is 72.5 PSI. (Source)

Buying Zipp wheels is a status symbol since they are more expensive than many other brands. Furthermore, they have a lifetime warranty. However, their price-value ratio is still often questioned.

Farsports C and S Series

Premium wheels backed up with clever engineering…

My C5 wheels scoring at a glance:
Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 4/5 | Riding Comfort 5/5 | Speed Maintenance 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 5/5 | Spoke Tension 5/5 | Dishing 4/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5
More about this road wheels scoring.

Farsports has specialized in developing and manufacturing carbon wheels since 2004. In 2022, I bought and reviewed their Ventoux S wheels, which I still have as my backup wheels. But in 2024, I also tried the updated C Series 2025 wheels. I simply had to include them because of their price-value ratio.

The difference between the C and S series is that the C series has steel spokes, and the S series has carbon spokes. Another important thing you have to know is that Farsports slashed the prices, weights, and increased the rim width. For more details, I recommend checking out this comparison of Farsports wheels.

The C5 wheels are comfortable, surprisingly stable in crosswinds, and also pretty stiff. They feel almost as stiff as carbon-spoke wheels while maintaining great comfort on rougher roads. There is a difference in stiffness, but it is so marginal that I probably wouldn’t notice it in a blind test. I honestly don’t know how they achieved that.

On the other hand, it seems to me that they don’t maintain their momentum as well as heavier wheels, especially on flats or in rolling terrain. However, considering their affordability and high-end specifications, I think these will become pretty popular. And, if you don’t want to sacrifice stiffness, you can opt for the carbon-spoked version. I don’t recommend upgrading to CeramicSpeed bearings, though, as their benefits are questionable, and their price is high. You can learn more information in my Farsports C5 review.

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Wheels	Depth	Weight (F | R | Pair)	Rim width (I | E)	Price range	Shopping link	Average score	Crosswind stability	Stiffness	Comfort	Speed maintenance	Tire on¹	Trueness	Spoke tension	Dishing	Price
YOELEO NxT SL2*	60mm	623g, 736g, 1359g	23.3mm 31.1mm	$$	CHECK PRICE Use code CYCLISTSHUB to get 10% OFF	4.2	4	4	5	5	3	4	5	5	3
Roval Rapide CLX II*	51/60mm	710g, 810g, 1520g	21mm/35mm (FW) 21mm/30.7mm (RW)	$$$$$	CHECK PRICE	n/a
Elitewheels DRIVE II*	50mm	602g, 720g, 1322g	23.2mm 29.4mm	$$$	CHECK PRICE Use code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF	4.2	5	5	4	4	3	4	5	5	3
Elitewheels DRIVE*	45mm	562g, 718g, 1280g	21.4mm 28.8mm	$$$	CHECK PRICE Use code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF	4.0	5	5	3	4	3	4	4	5	3
Scope Artech 6.A*	65mm	1319g	25mm 33.7mm	$$$$$	CHECK PRICE	n/a
Nepest NOVA*	45/55mm	567g, 691g, 1258g	23.4mm 29.6mm	$$$$	CHECK PRICE Use code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 8% OFF	4.1	5	5	4	4	3	5	5	4	2
ENVE SES 4.5 Pro*	49/55mm	1295g	23.5mm 30.8mm	$$$$$	CHECK PRICE	n/a
Lún HYPER 5*	50mm	630g, 684g, 1314g	23.1mm 30.6mm	$$$$	CHECK PRICE Use code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF	4.1	5	5	3	5	3	5	5	5	2
Zip 303 S*	45mm	1538g	23mm 27mm	$$$$$	CHECK PRICE	n/a
Farsports C*	50mm	602g, 726g, 1328g	24.2mm 30.4mm	$$	CHECK PRICE Use code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF	4.2	5	4	5	4	3	5	5	4	3

List of the best carbon road bike wheels that includes info about their weight, rim width, price range, and my scoring (if available).
*Tubeless-ready

What Are the Best Aluminum Road Bike Wheels?

The best aluminum road bike wheels meet all necessary quality and safety standards, are durable, stiff, and have shallow rims of around 25mm. Aim for a weight as low as 1500g.

Click here to learn more about aluminum wheels and how they differ from carbon wheels.

Skip to the comparison table…

Shimano Ultegra WH-RS500

Shimano is a top manufacturer of groupsets, and their wheels are among the best on the market.

The Ultegra WH-RS500, released in 2019, are excellent aluminum wheels for climbers and riders who want durable, high-quality wheels.

Thanks to their well-designed construction, these wheels not only look great, but they will also last for years with minimal maintenance.

They are also tubeless compatible, so you can use them with tubeless tires and keep up with the latest trends.

Considering their price and the positive reviews from riders who have used them for thousands of miles, it’s hard to find better wheels than these.

Also available at jensonusa.com

Fulcrum Racing 3 C17

Fulcrum has been manufacturing bicycle wheels since 2004. They have multiple road bike wheelset series with varying numbers. The lower the number, the higher the quality of the wheels.

The Racing 3 is a mid-range wheelset series, perfect for riders who want to upgrade their stock wheels or are looking for spare training wheels.

Owners claim these wheels are reliable, durable, and have reasonable performance. Moreover, they weigh about 100g less than Shimano Ultegra WH-RS500.

You can select the freehub body for Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo cassettes according to your groupset.

Fulcrum offers a 2-year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

TIP: See these best budget road bike wheels.

HUNT 4 Season Disc

HUNT, established in the UK in 2015, is gaining popularity due to its direct-to-consumer model. This allows them to offer quality products at competitive prices.

One of their most popular models is the HUNT 4 Season Disc wheelset. It’s affordable, versatile, and durable.

This wheelset is compatible with tubeless tires and is also used on gravel bikes as it can fit up to 45mm tires and is durable.

The extended warranty, 60-day ride & return policy, and crash replacement program are nice bonuses.

Another noteworthy feature is the reflective decal, which improves visibility and safety in low-light conditions.

The main drawback of this wheelset is the weight limit of 100kg (220lb).

Included with the wheels are tape, valves, spare spokes, and axle adapters.

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Wheels	Weight ±15g	Type	Brakes	Warranty	Buy
Shimano Ultegra WH-RS500 Road Wheelset	1649g	Clincher*	Rim	2 years	Check Price Check Price (jensonusa.com)
Fulcrum Racing 3 C17	1560g	Clincher	Rim	2 years	Check Price
Hunt 4 Season Disc Wheelset	1579g	Clincher*	Disc	3 years	Check Price

List of the best aluminum road bike wheels that includes info about their weight, type, brake type, and warranty. *Tubeless-ready

My Verdict

When purchasing new road bike wheels, there are many factors to consider. For instance, you may prioritize brand or performance based on your preferences.

I suggest considering wheelsets from lesser-known or Chinese brands to get the best value for your money.

Mainstream brands often charge higher prices due to their marketing efforts and sponsorships of professional cycling teams. However, purchasing from these brands may also provide a sense of social status.

How to Choose the Best Road Bike Wheels?

Buying a new wheelset for your road bike can be a significant investment, so choosing wisely is essential. Below is my consolidated guide on how to choose the right road bike wheels.

Material: Carbon vs. Aluminum

When it comes to road bike wheels, you have the option of choosing either carbon or aluminum wheels. But how do they differ, and which is better suited to your needs? Here’s a table of pros and cons to help you decide. In short, thanks to the increasingly more affordable carbon wheels, I don’t think aluminum wheels are too relevant anymore.

Wheels (Rims) Material	Pros	Cons
Aluminum (or Alloy)	• More affordable¹ • Better braking performance in wet conditions or long descents (rim brakes) • More durable	• Heavier than carbon wheels • Not as stiff (assuming the same rim weight) • Less aero
Carbon	• Lighter • Stiffer • More aero (widely available in various rim depths) • Look cool	• Less affordable² • Worse braking performance in wet conditions or long descents (rim brakes) • The braking track of the rim brake carbon wheels wears off over time. • Less durable

This table compares the pros and cons of aluminum vs. carbon road bike wheels.
¹The price of aluminum wheels ranges from dozens of dollars to $1500.
²The price of carbon wheels starts from around $300 and can easily exceed $2000.
Please, keep in mind that these price ranges may vary. I included them to give beginners a better idea of what they can expect.
Source: cyclistshub.com

NOTE: There are also wheels with carbon rims and aluminum brake tracks. They are lighter than standard aluminum wheels and provide better braking performance than full carbon rims.

Brake Type: Disc vs. Rim

Today’s bikes use rim or disc brakes. You can’t buy disc-brake wheels and use them on a bike with rim brakes. These two types of wheels differ. Wheels for rim brakes use quick release, and wheels for disc brakes use a through-axle (also called a thru-axle).

Fun Fact: Did you know that around 85% of new road bikes in 2021 were equipped with disc brakes? (Source)

Clincher vs. Tubular vs. Tubeless

Wheels (and their rims) exist in 3 types: clincher, tubular, and tubeless.

Nowadays, tubeless wheels are the most popular and can be used with tubeless tires, as well as with standard tires and tubes. Tubular and clincher non-tubeless wheels are on the decline. The following table summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Or read this article to learn more.

Wheel/Tire	Pros	Cons
Clincher	• Easy to replace • Easy to repair	• More prone to puncture • Heavier than tubular or tubeless
Tubular	• Allows very low and high tire pressure • Less prone to puncture • Lightweight	• Difficult to replace • Difficult to repair • More expensive than clincher
Tubeless	• Allows lower tire pressure • Self-repairing capability (sealant fills out small holes, quality sealant required)	• Tricky installation without an air compressor • Difficult to replace • Difficult to repair • More expensive than clincher

Pros & cons of clincher, tubular, and tubeless wheels/tires
Sources: cyclistshub.com, theproscloset.com, cyclingtips.com

Rim Depth: The Deeper, the More Aero

Another essential feature to consider when choosing road bike wheels is the rim depth. This affects the wheelset’s aerodynamics, stability, and weight.

Generally, deeper wheels are more aerodynamic and thus faster but less stable in crosswinds. The most versatile wheels have a rim depth of around 45mm, balancing aerodynamics, weight, and stability.

So, if you live in a mountainous area or prioritize a lightweight bike, consider shallow rims with a depth of around 25mm. For mixed terrain, wheels around 50mm are the best choice. For flat areas, I recommend 60mm or deeper wheels.

Watch the following video to understand how bike wheels’ aerodynamics work. Aerodynamics expert Hambini explains how factors like rim depth, wind, and other elements impact aerodynamics. You can also read my in-depth comparison of aluminum vs. carbon wheels for more info.

Rim Width: The Trend Is Clear, Go Wider

The rim width affects, among other things, how wide tires you can put on them, the transition between the tire and rim (which affects aerodynamics), and stability.

In general, wider tires with large air volume are more comfortable. In the past, narrow tires (19mm or 20mm) were used on the road. However, studies have shown that wider rims and tires (25 and 28mm) are faster, more comfortable, and more efficient. From about 2023 onwards, riding 30 to 32 mm tires and, therefore, wider rims started to become trendy. You can learn more about the benefits of wide rims and tires here. In short, aim for an internal rim width of around 24mm and an external one of over 30mm.

I can’t get enough of the transition from 25mm to 28mm. I also tried 32mm tires, and they are even more comfortable, yet they don’t feel slower. Greater ride comfort with wider tires is mainly due to increased air volume and lower pressures.

Remember that a more pressurized tire does not necessarily mean lower rolling resistance! This is a widespread myth. You can read more on the Silca website. I recommend their calculator to determine the ideal pressure.

Hooked vs. Hookless

When buying road bike wheels, you may encounter so-called hooked and hookless rims.

Hookless rims are less common in road cycling than in mountain biking. They may not securely hold the tire due to the high pressures used in road cycling, which increases the risk of blow-off.

Additionally, not every road bike tire is compatible with hookless rims. As a result, many riders do not consider the advantages, such as the better transition between the rim and the tire and lower manufacturing costs, worth the downsides. (Source)

Weight: Lighter Doesn’t Always Mean Better

How much should a good road bike wheelset weigh?

While the lightest carbon road bike wheels can weigh under 1000g, such as the Meilestein Obermayer from Lightweight, a more realistic expectation is between 1200 and 1500g (for 50mm rims).

Cheaper aluminum road bike wheels weigh around 2000g, while the more expensive ones weigh around 1500g.

Check out my road bike wheels weight market research to learn more.

Remember, lighter wheels are not always better. They tend to be less stable in crosswinds and don’t maintain speed as well as heavier wheels. So, consider your riding style and the terrain you ride in most often.

Hubs: Choose Wisely!

The hub is the heart of a wheel, so it must be of high quality. Established and experienced companies like DT Swiss or Novatec make quality hubs, so you can’t go wrong with them.

However, many wheel brands have started designing their hubs in-house. If a brand takes this step, it says much about its expertise and experience. However, eventual repair or bearing replacement might be more difficult. Remember that some manufacturers buy 3rd party hubs and just slap their logo on them.

Another question is whether paying a premium for ceramic bearings is necessary. Based on this comparison of the pros and cons of ceramic vs. steel bearings, I don’t think so, but I will leave the final decision up to you.

Hub Flanges

Hub flanges are the parts of a bike hub where the spokes attach. They play a key role in distributing load, supporting the rim, and affecting the wheel’s strength and stability. Enclosed or closed flanges, unlike cutout designs, are usually heavier but offer better structural integrity and safety.

Wheels with open or cutout flanges that lack a system to hold the spokes in place can risk spoke detachment if one or more spokes fail. While these cases are rare and are usually caused by external factors, such as a crash or a hard hit on a pothole, it’s still something to consider when choosing a wheelset.

Stiffness: Responsivity or Comfort?

Stiffness is one of the most abstract features of wheels. It can be quantified, but how do you know if one wheel is 5% stiffer than the other without measuring it? Can you really notice the difference?

When it comes to stiffness, if you ride on a super smooth racing circuit-like surface, the stiffer, the better. However, most of us are unlucky, as our local roads are bumpy and full of potholes. In that case, it’s good if the wheels aren’t too stiff. They can better absorb vibrations, making the ride more comfortable.

Ultimately, it also boils down to your weight and personal preference. Heavier riders should go for stiffer wheels so that when they ride out of the saddle (or accelerate), the wheels won’t flex.

My experience is that carbon-spoke wheels are stiffer and less comfortable than steel-spoke ones. Read more below.

Spokes: Steel or Carbon? Rounded or Bladed?

There are multiple spoke types. Here are two basic categories:

You can read my in-depth article comparing the benefits and disadvantages of carbon and steel spokes, or watch the following video for more information.

Nipples: From Exposed to Hidden

Once marginal gains accumulate, they make a difference. One of these marginal gains is the extent to which the spoke nipples are exposed.

Brand: Should You Even Care?

When speaking of a brand, I want you to realize the following:

“The brand is part of the price.”

Established, popular brands are more expensive because they invest heavily in marketing and sponsorships.

As a result, the cost of these activities is passed on to us. Western brands are, on average, more expensive than Asian brands.

However, the quality of wheels from these Chinese brands can be just as good, if not better, than that of wheels from mainstream brands that cost more.

So, if you’re not attached to a particular brand, consider giving them a chance.

Did you know?
Some bike/accessories brands also have wheel (sub)brands, such as Roval from Specialized, Zipp from SRAM, Bontrager from Trek, and Lún from Winspace.

What’s in the Package?

When buying rim brake wheels, ensure they come with four braking pads and quick-release skewers.

Deep-section wheels should come with tubeless valves or valve extenders for inflating the tubes/tires.

Wheelsets should also come with tubeless rim tape and spare spokes. The spare spokes can be handy if one or more spokes fail, such as when hitting a deep pothole. The tubeless rim tape should also be already installed to save you some time.

Extra Services (Warranty, Crash Replacement, etc.)

When spending a significant amount of money on new wheels, it’s important to have a warranty. Most manufacturers offer at least a 2-year warranty, with some offering extended warranties of up to a lifetime.

Crash replacement programs, which provide a discount on your next wheelset if you crash with the current one, are a nice bonus if available.

Choose a brand with helpful and reliable customer support in case you need assistance.

Cassette Compatibility

When ordering a wheelset, choose a freehub body based on your groupset. The most common freehub types are Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. Shimano and SRAM 11spd groupsets have compatible cassettes, while the 12speed groupsets require different freehubs.

Road Bike Wheels FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.

Preview picture: Sirotti (edited)