After accumulating a certain amount of riding experience, road cyclists usually have a clear understanding of their abilities and the performance of their bikes. Cyclists naturally want to improve their performance in any possible way, such as average speed, average power, average cadence, and so on. If you think the same way, SUMLON strongly suggests that you spend most of your time and effort on properly organizing aerobic and anaerobic training. Doing so can fundamentally improve your physical fitness, thereby enhancing your riding performance. If you don’t have enough time to train, or if you have already reached a plateau in your daily training, then attempting to upgrade your bike or some components of your bike will be a highly effective way to significantly improve your performance.

Here we won’t discuss upgrading the frame because replacing the frame is almost equivalent to getting a completely different road bike. So, aside from the frame, what is the most efficient upgrade that can enhance your performance the most, assuming the performance of all components is relatively balanced? The answer is upgrading your wheelset.

As a single upgrade, compared to upgrading your drivetrain, shifting system, braking system, a lighter handlebar, a longer stem, or a lighter seat post, upgrading your wheelset will undoubtedly most effectively enhance your performance. Simply put, a better wheelset can prevent more power loss.

Different wheelsets significantly affect a bike’s performance. Lightweight wheelsets can reduce the burden of climbing, while high-strength wheelsets are more suitable for rough terrains. In the realm of road cycling, riders strive for extreme lightweight, and the most mentioned concept is carbon fiber wheelsets. Wheelsets made of carbon fiber are lighter than aluminum alloy wheelsets, and they also improve rolling efficiency to the next level.

Additionally, the aerodynamic performance of the wheelset affects the rider’s speed and stability on flat roads. Among carbon fiber wheelsets, we usually call those with a rim depth of less than 35mm climbing wheelsets because they are light enough, but they offer almost no aerodynamic advantage. Wheelsets with a rim depth of more than 50mm are usually referred to as aero wheelsets, as they provide excellent aerodynamic benefits, though they tend to be heavier and less stable in crosswinds. Wheelsets with a rim depth between 35-50mm are called all-round wheelsets. You need to choose the right wheelset based on your goals and your role within the team.

By the way, SUMLON has been manufacturing bicycle parts for over 15 years. Contact us if you are looking for a bike parts factory or a one-stop wholesaler. Peace