I ride a 2020 Canyon Endurace CF 7 (carbon frame, 105 mechanical). Love the bike. I ride about 3,000 miles per year on that bike.
I am thinking about trying out a new wheelset—a Chinese type carbon set like Elite Wheels ENT 2.0 that are under $400.
Why? I’d like to see if they make a difference for me (thinking in terms of making the bike more responsive, if it’s that simple). I’ve never had carbon wheels, and I am curious, and at that price, it won’t hurt me if they don’t pan out (I know, I am lucky — actually just old, 59, and not paying too many bills anymore).
My bike currently has the stock DT Swiss E1850 that came with the bike. I run 32 mm Continental GP 5000s. I am also not the lightest rider, usually in the 185-190 lbs range. When I get out of the saddle on climbs I sometimes hear the disc brake rub slightly, and I am guessing the wheels are flexing a touch.
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Here are the questions:
- What rim depth should I get? On an average solo ride I average around 16-17 mph, closer to 15 if some descent climbing in there. Part of me says go 50 mm to really see what it’s like, but half of my year is spent in a pretty flat but windy (10-15 mph steady on some days) area, and I can feel that with the current wheelset. Is that the wheels, or just me getting pushed around?
- Should I care about internal wide beyond 21 mm that seems standard on many of the offerings? I do have a gravel bike, so I won’t be going above 32mm tires on this bike.
- Am I being silly — spending for spending sake? I’ve only been riding for about five years, so I know there are lots of other things that I can do to improve. In my best summer moments, I’m sub-180 lbs, and that certainly makes climbing a lot easier. I’m not expecting these to be a panacea, but I have put roughly 12 to 14,000 miles on these wheels, and I’m curious, especially given the fairly low price of some of the options.
Again, if you read this far, thank you very much! I would love opinions!