$1000 road bike vs $1000 road wheelset

[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]

Originally Posted by CMiller

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]

Originally Posted by jtakeda

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]

Originally Posted by 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, 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)