”The lighter the wheels, the better”
There was a time when I used to think that way too, but wheels, focused solely on being lightweight, weren’t all that comfortable, especially considering the effort and cost it took to achieve that weight.
Lightness is certainly a major advantage, but it’s not enough on its own when it comes to street riding. In this blog, I’ll introduce “the performance aspects you should really pay attention to beyond just weight” and a wheelset built with those elements in mind.
-The Situation in The Streets-
Unlike the race scene where there’s almost no stopping, city riding is a constant cycle of stop-and-go. A lighter rim offers better response and makes initial acceleration, so a certain level of lightness is essential.
Ok, let’s think about the road surface.
Uneven asphalt, seams, bumps, and rough patches-city streets aren’t always in perfect condition. These small vibrations slowly wear you down like a body blow that takes its toll over time.
Additionally, urban areas have many curves, and wheels that lack stability and control require extra effort, making the ride more stressful.
In real street riding, the balance of “lightness + comfort + control” is very important.
-A Wheel That Meets Those Conditions-
While meeting these conditions, I also wanted to pay attention to the look. This time, I built a wheelset that is both high-performing and stylish.
HED Belgium R x DURA-ACE HB-7710 Track Hub
HED consistently provides high quality.
The Belgium R combines light weight, stiffness, and wide rims, making it a wheel that can meet high demands for any use.
The rims’ high precision ensures stable handling. It responds exactly as expected, so you don’t need to use extra effort to control it. Additionally, the wide rim allows for wider tires with greater air volume.
The high shock absorption on bumps and rough roads increases stability, allowing you to feel improved control. By reducing fatigue, you’ll have more energy and options after work or on your days off, efficiently “saving” time and physical strength.
I’m also particular about the spokes and chose SAPIM LASER this time.
They are 2mm and 1.5mm double-butted spokes, said to perform almost as well as CX-RAY spokes. What’s more, they cost about one-third of the price. Rumor has it that LASER spokes are the original version of CX-RAY before they were flattened.
This means the wheel can be built to be lightweight and stiff, resulting in excellent responsiveness. However, to avoid sacrificing comfort by making it too harsh, I chose small-flange hubs and used slightly longer spokes. The ride should feel smooth and flowing, providing a pleasant experience.
SHIMANIO DURA-ACE TRACK HUB HB-7710
7For the most important part―hub―I went with the trusted DURA-ACE for its exceptional rotational performance. There’s nothing that spins better than a properly set cup-and-cone bearing system. This is a high-performance hub even used in Keirin racing. Its smooth rotation gives a sense of propulsion that goes beyond just lightness.
-Summary : Is simply making your wheels lighter really enough?-
Lightweight wheels certainly have many advantages. However, in real-world street riding, comfort, control, and a sense of security are what truly matter. If you want to ride through the city for longer, more safely, and more enjoyably, it's worth looking beyond just weight.
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your ride, feel free to reach out anytime.