When you first get a new bike, you’re likely to fall in love with every last detail. The stylish frame, the ergonomic handlebars, the comfortable seat, and of course the fast-moving wheels. However, as time goes on, you might feel like the wheels aren’t up to speed with the rest of your equipment. That’s when you should start trying to find the best road bike wheels for your setup.
Changing out an old set of wheels for a new one undoubtedly will improve the overall performance of your bike, but did you know that even brand new bicycles could sometimes use improvement? You can switch them to a different material, appearance, thickness, and so many more different alterations.
Instead of making you do all the research for yourself, we went ahead and compiled a list of the best road bike wheels around. After digging through YouTube videos, review blogs, and personal studies, we’ve found what we believe are the greatest options for you. If you’re in the market for new wheels, or you’re simply curious about what other options are out there, check out the selections below!
View The Best Road Bike Wheels Below
1. Superteam Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels 700C Clincher
Made by one of the most well-known brands in bicycle wheels, the Superteam Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels (700C) is a serious bargain for what you get. They’re clincher wheels, which means the tire will set within the outside of the wheel. This is typically much more efficient and easier to handle for cyclists of all experience levels.
Let’s be real for a second; We all love the appearance of our bikes, and wheels are no exception. These wheels definitely have a unique style of their own, coming in several different color and decal options. These designs include 3D Red and White, Blue and White, Glossy Black, Green and White, and a couple more choices.
One of the first things you’ll notice about these carbon fiber road bike wheels is that they’re incredibly sturdy. You don’t have to worry about them bending in case of a crash like you would with most aluminum wheels. In fact, they’re also super lightweight which gives you more overall control while riding.
Pros:
+ Clincher style wheels generally are much easier to repair and replace
+ Comes in a wide variety of color options
+ Super lightweight and very durable
Why We Like It – We like these wheels because they work well with pretty much any setup. Carbon fiber wheels are typically pretty pricy, but these ones are affordable without sacrificing integrity.
2. Queen Bike Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels 50mm Clincher
For a much more minimalist approach to a new set of wheels, try out the Queen Bike Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels 50mm Clincher. Again, the clincher style is optimal for cyclists who just want a quick fix and easy maintenance. The carbon fiber works wonders by giving you a higher level of handling thanks to its natural lightweight.
Depending on what style of bike you have, there are a couple of different options to make these wheels go perfectly with your specific model. The black exterior looks sleek with any set of tubes, creating a low-profile, textured design. The natural appearance of carbon fiber is more than enough to turn heads.
Brake pads are included with these wheels, which isn’t rare but it’s definitely essential to save you some money. The weight limit on these wheels works all the way up to a little over 260 pounds, with a maximum PSI of 125 in the tires you choose. They provide a much smoother ride than most competitors, which is an obvious plus!
Pros:
+ Simple all-black design with appealing carbon fiber texture
+ Made to be long-lasting, but easy to repair if necessary
+ Works for cyclists up to 260 pounds with a max 125 PSI setting
Why We Like It – We like the Queen Bike Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels because they’re stylish, but not too flashy. They get the job done exactly as you need it, with zero problems along the way.
3. Vuelta ZeroLite Road Comp 10sp Wheelset
For cyclists searching for that classic aluminum wheel, you’ll fall in love with the Vuelta ZeroLite Road Comp 10sp Wheelset. It’s crafted with heavy-duty aluminum alloy for a trust-worthy, lightweight wheel. Designed to bend on impact instead of shatter, you’ll be able to pop them right back into shape, unlike the other styles that simply break into pieces upon impact.
Much like the two previous wheels on the list, these Vuelta ZeroLite wheels are clincher style. They’re ultra-convenient in emergency situations, allowing you to get home without having to stop in the middle of your ride due to a flat tire. They also use stainless steel spokes to hold a much higher weight capacity.
The classic, stylish ZeroLite logo on the side of the wheels is aesthetically pleasing, without flashing too much. The wheels themselves come in one color style, which consists of red, green, white, and black. They come with 24 bladed spokes to keep riders supported and in charge of the trails and roads ahead.
Pros:
+ Comes in one stylish, brand-stamped design
+ Ultra-lightweight, highly-durable aluminum alloy
+ 24 bladed spokes
Why We Like It – We like these wheels because they take all of the deciding out of the equation. With a one size fits all mentality, road biking beginners will find comfort with this set.
4. ICAN 700C Lightweight Road Bike Carbon Wheelset Clincher
Back to another fantastic carbon fiber edition to the list, the ICAN 700C Lightweight Road Bike Carbon Wheelset Clincher is a perfect addition to any cyclist’s collection, regardless of their experience level. The appearance is better than most, with a low-profile logo that flashes white streaks as you cruise down the road.
These wheels come with two brake pads and a bike skewer to help you get the new wheels on with ease. The addition of a skewer with your delivery shows the customer service and care given by ICAN, as most other companies don’t seem to add it in the package. You’ll also get a roll of rim tape as well.
Carbon fiber wheels are excellent for climbing hills with noticeable increases in momentum when compared to many other materials. They’re also great for sprints, which is why they’re used by almost every single professional cyclist in the short and long range competitions. The even better news is the fact that this set won’t break the bank!
Pros:
+ Low-profile appearance with a company logo
+ Made out of lightweight, fast carbon fiber
+ Designed for quick acceleration over short distances
Why We Like It – We like these wheels so much because they’re professional quality without causing you to spend too much on them. They’re also designed to withstand impacts and to protect the rider in case of one.
5. Retrospec Mantra 700c Deep V Fixed-Gear/Single-Speed
The Retrospec Mantra 700c Deep V Fixed-Gear/Single-Speed wheels are an excellent choice for beginners and casual riders searching for a better, more efficient set. These clincher wheels are made out of a durable, lightweight aluminum alloy, which is perfect for regular cycling activities through almost any terrain.
If a style is high up on your list, you’ll love the multitude of color options that come with this set. Choose from Black, Pink, Gold, Purple, Orange, and several others to pick out the one that suits your style the most. The company logo on these wheels is hardly noticeable, but it corresponds to the design you choose.
One of the best features about this set of wheels is that they actually include their own tires as well. Kenda Kwest tires are supplied to you, should you choose the Retrospect Mantra wheels. They’re designed to be a great solution for commuters or cyclists who find themselves riding their bikes often.
Pros:
+ Choose from one of the many different colors and design options available
+ Made out of aluminum alloy for cyclists who enjoy their classic performance
+ Includes their own set of tires with the purchase
Why We Like It – We like these wheels because they’re perfect for a beginner or casual rider who doesn’t want to invest thousands of dollars into their set. They work perfectly fine, and you’ll even be able to customize the style a bit.
Road Bike Wheels Buyer’s Guide
There are literally thousands of different road bike tires that you could buy across the world. With so many options, you might be too confused to buy any of them! We don’t blame you though, which is why we’ve decided to make a little buyer’s guide to assist you through the process and answer any other questions you might have.
For example, how do you know if you should choose carbon fiber wheels or aluminum alloy wheels? Or what about the difference between clincher and tubular wheels? Again, don’t stress over it. We’ve got you covered below!
Should you choose aluminum alloy or carbon fiber wheels for your road bike?
The materials that your bicycle wheels are made out of can have a much greater impact on your bike’s overall performance than you might think. Carbon fiber generally ways a bit less than aluminum, but that can change with certain alloys.
Also, many casual cyclists prefer aluminum because it bends upon impact instead of completely breaking as some carbon fiber wheels do. That being said, it takes a whole lot more force to break a carbon fiber wheel than it does to bend an aluminum wheel.
The main thing you should consider when purchasing your new road bike wheels is what type of cycling you’ll be doing. For casual riding or commuting, aluminum wheels will work a charm. If you’re riding your bike for exercise, sport, or speed, then carbon fiber should definitely be your choice. So, what will it be, the classic aluminum or the new-age, pro-quality carbon fiber? The choice is yours!
Are clincher wheels or tubular wheels better?
The difference between clincher wheels and tubular wheels is absolutely worth noting. You wouldn’t want to end up with a pair of tubular wheels if you have no idea how to change a tire and sew it back up. Clincher wheels allow the tube tire to set within the wheel itself, bracing the tube in case of impact. When a clincher tire flattens or pops, you can remove it and replace it with a new tube in under a couple of minutes.
On the other hand, when a tubular tire pops or flattens, you have to slice it open, patch the hole, and sew it back up if you want to get back home without walking much. As you can probably assume, this takes a whole lot more time and it’s not the easiest task to take on. That being said, some people are experts at tubular tires, and they can get the job done in no time! For convenience purposes, clincher wheels are usually the best option out there.
Does appearance matter to you?
Some of the worst cases of buyer’s remorse come from choosing the wrong appearance or settling for one. When you’re spending your hard-earned money on a passion you love, always go for the appearance you love, too! Many of these wheels come with several selections, or you could simply opt for the low-profile looks of the mono-colored sets. It’s all up to you and how you want to look when you’re cruising down the road!
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