Carbon Wheels, MTB or Gravel?
- Thread starter Cole
- Start date
MTB
I am speculating here but the weight loss would be much greater on an MTB wheelset therefore the largest potential for performance gains.
And again assuming here, but lateral stiffness (…if I understand the benefits of carbon rims correctly) would be more noticeable on a MTB especially in the northern NJ/southern NY terrain…
I am speculating here but the weight loss would be much greater on an MTB wheelset therefore the largest potential for performance gains.
And again assuming here, but lateral stiffness (…if I understand the benefits of carbon rims correctly) would be more noticeable on a MTB especially in the northern NJ/southern NY terrain…
Compliant carbon for MTB over weight savings. My we are ones are the same weight as the aluminum DT swiss I took off. But ride feel is so much better.
The short answer is, Its better on both bike for different reasons
The short answer is, Its better on both bike for different reasons
Whichever one I was going to ride more.
Red Mosquito
Formerly RLB the Scrapple Boy
This is how I look at it, and YMMV: Leaving carbon out of the equation, I'd go gravel bike first because that'll be more weight saving bang for the buck. Knowing the exact weights of both wheelsets, my OEM gravel wheels weigh more than my MTB wheels. Also, my MTB wheels are not anchors, and I'd have to spend quite a bit for meaningful weight savings. There's other benefits of carbon as mentioned above, but having never ridden carbon wheels I thankfully don't know what I'm missing.
Cole
Well-Known Member
So where would Hunt carbons fit in this equation?
Cole
Well-Known Member
This makes a ton of sense. Any chance you know if it's going to be a dry or wet summer?
Red Mosquito
Formerly RLB the Scrapple Boy
Actually the correct answer is both. Order today, because you don’t know what tomorrow’s tarrifs are going to bring.
Cole
Well-Known Member
Like most...Just because...
Want to trade MTB wheels?
No desire to trade wheels.
Over the years, like many, I have chased lighter/faster/stronger. If I'm speaking objectively, I tend to doubt any of the things I did made much of a difference. In cross racing, I was faster with a heavier, non-carbon bike. My best MTB racing days were, by far, when I was on the SS. I had my best racing results before I started training with power. You could probably analyze my career and say that almost always, technology didn't make me objectively better.
Now, you may not be trying to get faster but if you say to me that you're ok getting slower with these upgrades, you'll be the first person ever to utter those words in the history of humanity.
Maybe you like to spend money? I mean, well shit, I totally get that. I suggest investing in overly elaborate and expensive coffee brewing equipment.
Cole
Well-Known Member
Of course I am trying to get faster. Yes that comes with fitness, but if upgrades and nicer stuff help keep me on the bike, it's worth it IMO. It certainly can't hurt even if the perceived change is in my head...
Then upgrade whatever bike you ride more.
zmartene
Well-Known Member
I recently put light carbon wheels on my XC bike and they spin up unbelievably freaking fast compared to the cheap stock boat anchors I've been riding my entire life.
Am I faster? Not meaningfully (that's related to my skill and fitness). Do my legs make it longer before fatiguing? it feels like it.
To answer your question, though, I upgraded the bike I ride most often.
Am I faster? Not meaningfully (that's related to my skill and fitness). Do my legs make it longer before fatiguing? it feels like it.
To answer your question, though, I upgraded the bike I ride most often.
Cole
Well-Known Member
I'm maxed out on with on the gravel at 45s.
I have never ridden with carbon wheels so idk what I'm after, besides that all the cool kids a doing it. I do think better hubs will make a difference though. The MTB has Newman wheels/hubs.