Hi all,
I am looking to buy a new set of wheels for my Factor Monza and would love some recommendations. I currently run the Black Inc wheels that came with the bike - FIFTY EIGHT Carbon Aero Wheelset (58mm) | Black Inc.
I am looking for an upgrade that won’t break the bank - something lighter and faster. Open to pretty much anything.
Thanks in advance and let me know if you have any clarifying questions!
Do you want wheels that are measurably more aero, and objectively faster?
Or do you want wheels that feel faster?
Some questions for you:
Some info for all readers: the wheels he currently uses:
Without knowing all of the above: personally, I would seriously consider Reserve wheels. They use DT Swiss hubs, which are reliable, easy serviceable and spare parts are available everywhere. They are also light enough, thought-through from an aero perspective, kinda affordable if you don’t take the higher end hubs. AND… the brand originated in MTB. They should know how to make a robust wheel.
Feel faster is more important
Thanks for the response and help!
I’m completely chuffed with my Reserve wheels.
And to that, wheels that are comfortable, and therefore likely faster, or wheels that feel fast due to being super stiff?
Given the Chinese brands now match, or indeed lead in some instances, you may be missing out on good options taken that stance.
Personally, I’d steer clear of carbon spokes - yes lighter and more responsive, but a harsh ride that likely means slower and certainly means more fatigue/less comfortable.
If you do go the carbon spoke route, make sure the spokes are captive.
Beyond that, there is so little difference between wheels these days - the wattage differences are pretty tiny, so look for 25mm inner hooked rims and outer width roughly matching what your tyres measure, and you can’t go too far wrong.
Seconded on all of ^^ that.
Chinese brand rims (e.g. Light Bicycle) will likely enable you to step up to DT 240 hubs (or potentially even get close to 180s), whereas the Reserve options at the same price will probably only use 350 hubs (still good, but not as nice).
Any custom wheel builder will build Light Bicycle hoops with whatever hubs you want. That’s a non-issue.
Perhaps entertain the warranty differences and issues you might experience with Light Bicycle compared to Reserves.
You might consider wheels from Boyd Cycling (https://www.boydcycling.com) in the U.S. Very high value wheels and outstanding customer service with issues or even simple questions about wheels purchased years ago.
What specific Chinese brands do you feel lead or match in the in the field of CFRP specific hoops? Who are you comparing these to?
Imo, many traditional wheel brands stick with smaller inner and outer rim diameters, with a few bike brand related brands being the exception (Reserve, Specialized/Roval, Newmen, possibly Cadex…)
A number of Chinese brands are not just replicating the traditional brands, but are following modern trends. And they are also very innovative: they have short development cycles and try things out. Of course, when buying a product, you want spare parts to still be available. Even though with Chinese wheels, I just calculate this as a risk that in case of real damage to a rim, I might just need completely different rims.
Personally, I have really good experience with LightBicycle.
I wouldn’t just buy the rims from them, as shipping costs are relatively high compared to the price. Instead, you can look for a local builder with a solid reputation that uses Chinese rims.
I’ve got a set of wheelsfars that have held up really well for over six years, and I got a set of Light Bicycles last March that’s I’ve been beating up and plan to race this CX season, no complaints on either.
Both laced to DT 350 hubs with Sapim CX Rays
The Chinese brands have generally lead on going wider, they were the first with carbon spokes (not necessarily a good thing IMO, but hey), and on mass producing crazy lightweight wheels, all while often being considerably cheaper than anything western. Winspace (Hyper), Lightbicycle and CRW are just three of the brands innovating and leading that charge in different ways.
Lots of good advice here so far. I will add that if you’re riding a lot of hills, you could go to a 50mm or even 40mm deep rim, or a combo like 45/50 to save some weight and reduce crosswind “fun” while keeping most of the aero benefits. On the brand question, there are tons of riders in my area riding Chinese wheels with generally just as good experiences as with western brands, but you definitely get more for your money with the Chinese brands.
Don’t forget to have fun with the upgrade! For example, Light Bicycle can do custom orders with some very cool options for the finish on the rims and fan are there some gorgeous hub options out there.
Not sure where are you based, but these look good: HUNT 5AM Limitless Ti_UD Carbon Spoke Disc Wheelset – Hunt Bike Wheels US
However if I was buying, I’d go with these Chinese: 2026 NEW EVO S Series – FARSPORTS
I’ve hammered my Light Bicycle gravel rims on our chunky Sydney gravel under my almost-90kg frame - I have no reason to believe they’re anything but top notch, and I don’t have any concerns over their warranty from what I’ve heard.
You know the much revered NOBL rims are Light Bicycle, right?
These guys make affordable, light and quality wheels.
They do the same wheelset with steel spokes, which is a much better option IMO as they will be more comfortable, and only have a 130g weight penalty over the carbon spoke version.