$1000 road bike vs $1000 road wheelset

[CMiller]

Having a custom all-road/gravel bike built, 72 degree head tube angle, 70mm bottom bracket drop, 43cm (need to get my metrics straight, sorry for previous error!) chainstays, asked for it to ride comfortable but fun. Steel frame, steel fork, ultegra hydraulic, should be fun!

I built a 650b wheelset with dynamo hub and 42mm tires for mixed SF bay area rides. Now thinking about pure road riding, a bit faster. Would you build up a parts bin Soma Smoothie/All City Mr Pink, or invest that money in a lighter 700c wheelset with skinny tires? Just ride the 650b wheelset and pedal faster? I like the idea of investing in one bike that fits well, and reduces space too!

[makoti]

Wheels. That was easy!

[CMiller]

But... N+1!

[Clean39T]

I have both too many bikes AND too many wheels...teach me your ways when you find your answer...

[ltwtsculler91]

There is something really nice about having 2 (or more) bikes. You'll always have something to ride, even when one is in the shop and you can tailor each bike to its purpose and not have to worry about changing wheels and getting everything set up right for each ride.

[false_Aest]

Bruh,

With the geo posted, you might want to consult a frame builder. I'm just worried about your rear wheel toe overlap.

[CMiller]

Tucked rear wheels for life!!

[zennmotion]

Bruh,

With the geo posted, you might want to consult a frame builder. I'm just worried about your rear wheel toe overlap.

No dude, he got it right, this is the future and it looks awesome!

[zennmotion]

I'm still learning about East bay area riding as I'm in a long transition from East to West, but for me I'm happy I have both a bike good for gravel roads with supa low gears and fat tires, and a light weight dedicated bike for all that awesome pavement. I could put lighter wheels on the all rounder and be fine, but there's still something very fun about a 17 lb lightweight going up Mt Diablo and the like... If I had only the space or budget for N=1 then I would choose the all-rounder for sure (Spectrum, steel frame/fork, centerpull rim brakes, space for 38-40mm tires, and could probably put in 650b wheels to get to 42c). But, I have the space and as much as I love rough gnarly roads, I'm a roadie at heart and my dedicated pavement road bike is an older carbon Cyfac bought used (from a forum member) and built with 6800 ($300 Ultegra 11 speed wheels are incredible for the price!), probably ~1200 bucks total investment and it's great fun to ride something so light and lively on pavement,trying to hang with the younger faster kids, and with 27mm (max) tires it's fine on the occasional stretch of pave if it's not too loose or rutted. So go N+1, but no need to spend too much- the used market is great for buyers who know what they're looking for!

[zambenini]

I’m doing what you are thinking of doing (not w/ wheel overlap, but with two aets). White Ind to TB14 hard ano with 38mm g-ones, then CK/new Open Pro with a roadier tire. Before the new set I just had CK/w DT rims and 35mm Bon Jons and got by fine with one wheelset for both! Two wheel sets will be up town living.

[rnhood]

I would get a cheap carbon or aluminum road bike, with cheap wheels. It will make a much bigger difference than putting carbon wheels on some heavy relaxed steel bike. Nothing wrong with a heavy relaxed steel bike, they have their element, but for fast road riding you want a fast road bike. They don't have to be expensive now days.

[pjbaz]

As someone who's trying to get rid of bikes and cull my own pile, I say go n+1 if you have the resources. I have several roadies ready to go and when one has a mechanical I can literally grab and go and not lose a ride, or barely the momentum of having to switch steeds.

[beeatnik]

Bruh,

With the geo posted, you might want to consult a frame builder. I'm just worried about your rear wheel toe overlap.

His bika be Ultra Tukt!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLtcVKXhy76/?taken-by=bicyclepubes

[palincss]

Having a custom all-road/gravel bike built, 72 degree head tube angle, 70mm bottom bracket drop, 43cm (need to get my metrics straight, sorry for previous error!) chainstays, flat mount thru axle, asked for it to ride comfortable but fun. Steel frame, steel fork, ultegra hydraulic, should be fun!

I built a 650b wheelset with dynamo hub and 42mm tires for mixed SF bay area rides. Now thinking about pure road riding, a bit faster. Would you build up a parts bin Soma Smoothie/All City Mr Pink, or invest that money in a lighter 700c wheelset with skinny tires? Just ride the 650b wheelset and pedal faster? I like the idea of investing in one bike that fits well, and reduces space too!

So, you think you're going to put narrow 700C tires on that 650B all-road bike and go faster?

[CMiller]

So, you think you're going to put narrow 700C tires on that 650B all-road bike and go faster?

Not really a wheel size thing, more of a lighter vs more robust wheel and corresponding tire difference. The 650b wheels I want to ride offroad aren't the same I want for a smooth road ride. The other build could easily be 650b, but 700x25 is fun sometimes.

[mhespenheide]

If it were me, and I had the money and room, I'd go for the full bike.

Especially used, you can get stupidly good bikes for under $1000. Like, CAAD10 + 5800 or 6800 + decently nice wheels. Or older titanium. Or 9-speed Shimano and killer wheels...

[jtakeda]

Not really a wheel size thing, more of a lighter vs more robust wheel and corresponding tire difference. The 650b wheels I want to ride offroad aren't the same I want for a smooth road ride. The other build could easily be 650b, but 700x25 is fun sometimes.

If you want to wait a couple weeks I can give you some feedback.

Doin the same thing.

I have a sport touring bike they currently has 700c road wheels and I’m getting 650b wheels built that should be ready later this week.

The plan is 700s for fast 650b for rando.

[Ken Robb]

It's personal preference but I'd want more BB drop than tocm. Heck, I like 80cm drop but I can live with 75cm.

[CMiller]

If you want to wait a couple weeks I can give you some feedback.

Doin the same thing.

I have a sport touring bike they currently has 700c road wheels and I’m getting 650b wheels built that should be ready later this week.

The plan is 700s for fast 650b for rando.

Keep me posted!

[oldpotatoe]

Having a custom all-road/gravel bike built, 72 degree head tube angle, 70mm bottom bracket drop, 43cm (need to get my metrics straight, sorry for previous error!) chainstays, flat mount thru axle, asked for it to ride comfortable but fun. Steel frame, steel fork, ultegra hydraulic, should be fun!

I built a 650b wheelset with dynamo hub and 42mm tires for mixed SF bay area rides. Now thinking about pure road riding, a bit faster. Would you build up a parts bin Soma Smoothie/All City Mr Pink, or invest that money in a lighter 700c wheelset with skinny tires? Just ride the 650b wheelset and pedal faster? I like the idea of investing in one bike that fits well, and reduces space too!

Wheels but they don't need to be $1000...PM me..I can design and build ya a set..DT350, DT411 rims..sweet..about $700...

[Wayne77]

My .02

If various combinations of the following apply, go for a second road bike:

- You want to do fast group road-rides or do some racing
- Your road routes include lots climbing, descending, AND flats
- Your Gravel bike is 1x

Otherwise I'd go for another set of wheels. hands down / no-brainer. (assuming doing so expands the capability of your gravel bike)