A good bike wheelset allows you to enjoy better steering accuracy, maintain the right speed when going through flat terrain, and glide uphill smoothly. It also adds character and performance to your ride.
The best road bicycle wheelsets are the Superteam Carbon Wheelset and the SHIMANO Dura-Ace Wh-R9270 C60. The Superteam has a unidirectional (UD) matte carbon finish that gives the wheels a modern look and enhances durability. The Shimano has carbon fiber rims that offer strength and a lightweight design.
After looking at the best road bicycle wheelsets, I’ve compiled this guide to help you make an informed decision and buy a lightweight, sturdy wheelset that isn’t going to burn a hole in your pocket.
Best Road Bicycle Wheelsets
- Superteam Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels
- SHIMANO Dura-Ace Wh-R9270 C60 Carbon Road Wheelset (High End)
- CyclingDeal Road Bike Bicycle 700C Wheelset (Budget Buy)
- Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 Wheel Set
- SunRise Bike 25mm U-Shape Wheelset
- Whool Alloy Rim Carbon Hub Wheels
- Superteam Carbon Wheelset (Top Pick)
- Origin8 700C Fixie Wheelset
Compare Top Wheelsets for Road Bikes
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superteam Carbon Fiber Road | 83 | Reliable and high-quality wheelset | Check Out On Amazon |
 SHIMANO Dura-Ace Wh-R9270 | 85 |  Carbon fiber rims that keep weight minimal without sacrificing strength | Check Out On Amazon |
 CyclingDeal Road Bike Bicycle 700C | 83 |  Double-wall rim design enhances strength and adds to the durability | Check Out On Amazon |
 Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 | 79 | Tubeless setup minimizes the risk of punctures | Check Out On Amazon |
 SunRise Bike 25mm U-Shape | 80 | Useful when climbing uphill and racing | Check Out On Amazon |
 Whool Alloy Rim Carbon Hub | 75 | Constructed from lightweight and long lasting materials | Check Out On Amazon |
 Superteam Carbon Wheelset | 89 |  The unidirectional (UD) matte carbon finish gives the wheels a modern look | Check Out On Amazon |
 Origin8 700C Fixie Wheelset | 76 | Ideal for quick acceleration and agility | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Road Bike Wheelsets
As promised, we’re going to bring you the best road bicycle wheelset reviews based on research and testing.
That’s how we do it here to make sure that we provide you with a super detailed review and useful tips on how to effectively narrow down your options as we did.
1. Superteam Carbon Fiber Road Bike Wheels
Overall Score: 83
First, in our best road bicycle wheels reviews, we decided to explore this full carbon fiber set from Superteam.
With 700c clincher tires made from carbon fiber, this wheelset is one of the most popular on the market.
It’s no surprise to learn that it has passed the EN quality standard test and it has been shown to be much stiffer and faster than alloy and aluminum versions.
However, where carbon wheels really shine is in their aerodynamic performance. It’s perfect for the powerful rider. That’s why this is considered to be an incredibly reliable and high-quality wheelset.
This wheelset comes with 23mm by 50mm wide wheels. Although heavier than some other options in this category, they’re super durable.
We also found when testing this wheelset that it offered incredible braking performance.
This was surprising considering that its rim comes with a 6-laver carbon and a brake track with 12-layer carbon construction.
Advantages
- Has passed the EN quality standard test.
- Several speeds available.
- The hub comes with Powerway R13 J bend spokes.
- Features a simple carbon fiber 3K weave matte finish.
Disadvantages
- No warranty.
2. SHIMANO Dura-Ace Wh-R9270 C60 Carbon Road Wheelset
Overall Score: 85
The SHIMANO Dura-Ace Wh-R9270 Wheelset is one of the best road bike wheelsets to have if you’d like to have a responsive bike that goes from 0 to 100 quickly when you accelerate it.
It features an updated hub design, stiffer spokes, and a deep-section rim allows us to push harder in corners and ensure that every bit of our effort is translated into forward motion.
Throughout all of this, its wheels remain stable and responsive which in turn helps with lowering drag force.
The WH-R9270 uses carbon fiber rims, which keep the weight minimal without sacrificing strength.
The lightweight build allows for rapid acceleration and reduces overall bike weight, essential for climbs and quick sprints.
With a 50mm rim depth for enhanced aerodynamics, this wheelset is engineered to cut through the wind, reducing drag.
The rim depth provides a balance between aerodynamic advantage on flat terrain and manageable control in crosswinds.
The improved speed capacity of this wheelset though is made possible by its efficient and aerodynamic design. It makes for a comprehensive and lightweight wheelset.
Advantages
- 50mm rim depth.
- Carbon construction keeps it light, benefiting climbs and sprints.
- 700c wheels.
- High-quality Dura-Ace hubs ensure minimal power loss.
Disadvantages
- Very expensive.
3. CyclingDeal Road Bike Bicycle 700C Wheelset
Overall Score: 83
The next road bike wheelset review we’re going to make is that of the famous CyclingDeal Road Bike Bicycle Wheelset.
The wheels are constructed from durable aluminum alloy, making them strong yet relatively lightweight. This material choice keeps the wheelset affordable while still capable of handling everyday wear and tear.
This wheelset comes with quick-release skewers, making it easy to install or remove the wheels, which is convenient for commuting or frequent transportation of the bike.
It has a double-wall rim design enhances strength, providing added durability and resistance against impacts.
As a standard 700C size wheelset, it’s compatible with a wide range of road bikes, and it fits tires between 23mm and 28mm widths.
Advantages
- Most budget-friendly wheelset on the market.
- Compatible with a 6-8 speed screw-on freewheel.
- Sturdily built using quality alloy aluminium.
- Comes with quick-release skewers, making setup and removal convenient.
Disadvantages
- Heavier than other options.
4. Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 Wheel Set
Overall Score: 79
The Bora Ultra 35 features a full carbon fiber rim that is not only incredibly lightweight but also provides high stiffness, enhancing overall power transfer during pedaling.
Weighing in at approximately 1,350 grams for the pair, this wheelset is among the lightest on the market.
The 35mm depth strikes an ideal balance between aerodynamic efficiency and stability in crosswinds.
The Bora Ultra 35 is tubeless-ready, allowing riders to run lower tire pressures for enhanced grip and comfort.
The tubeless setup also minimizes the risk of punctures, making it a practical choice for long rides.
This unique spoke pattern enhances stiffness and helps to balance the tension between the drive and non-drive side of the wheel.
Advantages
- This is a comfortable and lightweight wheelset.
- It improves acceleration.
- Stiff and flexible design.
- Offers superior traction and better control thanks to increased predictability.
Disadvantages
- Premium wheelset and comes with a high price tag.
5. SunRise Bike 25mm U-Shape Wheelset
Overall Score: 80
Like most people who’ve tried it, we can’t get enough of the SunRise wheelset which is made from carbon fiber.
As such, it only weighs about 1,635g making it a lightweight and portable option that’s perfect for a life on the road, whether you need it for the daily commute or trail biking.
However, we found the best all around road wheelset to be especially useful when climbing uphill and racing.
That’s because it’s made with 700c carbon clincher wheels and the wheelset as a whole has passed the EN quality standard test. This way, you know that it measures up to the best on the road.
What makes these carbon fiber rims unique is the fact that they’re effective and useful for all riders. They’re also durable and super strong.
The great thing about carbon rims like these ones is that they simply bounce back to their original round shape after use so you don’t have to worry as much about maintenance.
Advantages
- Backed by a 1-year normal use condition warranty.
- Comes with a V-brake compatible road bike wheel braking system.
- The wheels are all approved by the UCI.
- Made from carbon fiber-toray T700 material.
Disadvantages
- Poor quality.
6. Whool Alloy Rim Carbon Hub Wheels
Overall Score: 75
Road bike wheel comparisons always mention the Whool wheelset with its carbon hub and alloy rim wheels that measure 26 inches and are perfect for outdoor trail biking and mountain biking.
This wheelset is exactly what you need to maintain sturdiness and reliability under even the most difficult conditions.
That’s because they’re constructed from the best and most unique materials that are both long-lasting and light in weight.
If you participate in competition mountain biking races and want a wheelset that will keep you competitive by allowing you to go fast and brake effectively when you need to, then these Alloy Rim Carbon Hub Wheels are going to be ideal.
In our research, we also found that these wheels are incredibly popular with off-road cyclists as well as riders of all different types of experience levels.
Not only that, but the wheel itself weighs just 1,800g which means that it can handle a lot more traction than your average wheelset.
Advantages
- Offers a 350kg tensile strength and flat spokes.
- Sealed bearing carbon hub makes for a lightweight and strong wheelset.
- Compatible with 1.0 to 2.3-inch tires.
- Works with several different speeds.
Disadvantages
- We found that they don’t hold true as expected.
7. Superteam Carbon Wheelset
Overall Score: 89
The Superteam Carbon Wheelset offers a range of rim depths (38mm, 50mm, 60mm, and 88mm) to cater to various riding styles.
It is available in multiple rim depths wherein the 38mm is lightweight and ideal for climbers or those looking for versatile performance in mixed conditions
The 50mm is a great all-rounder, offering a balance between aerodynamics and manageable weight, suitable for both flat and rolling terrain.
The 60mm is more aerodynamic for higher speeds on flats, though slightly heavier than shallower options and the 88mm is built for maximum aerodynamic efficiency in time trials and triathlons, but more challenging in crosswinds.
The unidirectional (UD) matte carbon finish gives the wheels a sleek, modern look and enhances durability against minor scratches and abrasions.
The matte finish is popular for its subtle, high-end aesthetic.
Superteam wheels come with sealed bearing hubs and bladed spokes, which improve aerodynamics and ensure a smooth, low-resistance ride.
Advantages
- Great design.
- Offers the benefits of carbon fiber construction.
- Available in many sizes.
- Extremely strong.
- The UD matte finish provides a premium look.
Disadvantages
- The 60mm and 88mm options can be harder to control in crosswinds.
8. Origin8 700C Fixie Wheelset
Overall Score: 76
The Origin8 700C Fixie Wheelset is designed specifically for fixed-gear and single-speed bicycles.
The wheelset is built with strong aluminum alloy rims, ensuring durability and resistance to deformation under stress.
The hubs are equipped with sealed bearings, providing smooth rotation and reducing maintenance needs over time.
This feature enhances overall performance by minimizing friction and wear. The wheelset features a track-style hub, which is essential for fixed-gear setups.
This design allows for direct power transfer and ensures a responsive ride. The clean, minimalist design, often available in various color options, adds a stylish touch to any bike.
Advantages
- Sturdy aluminum rims that can withstand urban riding conditions.
- Lightweight and responsive, ideal for quick acceleration and agility in city environments.
- Useful and reliable 700c clincher wheels.
Disadvantages
- Wheelset may not perform as well on rough trails or off-road conditions.
How to Get the Best Road Bicycle Wheelsets
There’s so much to keep in mind when looking for a new wheelset.
From aerodynamic deep-section carbon wheels to durable alloy wheels that can handle potholes and instant braking, and lightweight climbers.
Here are just some of the features that we prioritized when going through all the different wheels that we tested to bring you the above selection of options.
Material
You should also think about the types of materials of the wheel. Most wheels are made from steel. It’s the most durable and recommended material.
Then there are alloy wheels that are lightweight and efficient, perfect for being able to stop on a dime.
While alloy offers impressive acceleration abilities, carbon wheels have been shown to make a dynamic and durable wheel that works better in some respects than alloy and steel.
The only downside is that you can’t ride carbon wheels in rainy weather. This is because they become unsafe and they don’t do well with downhill riding in hot and humid weather conditions.
Width
Rim width is one of the most commonly mentioned features in a lot of best road wheel reviews. That’s because the wider the rims are, the more effective your wheels are at slicing through the air.
Thus, leading to a more comfortable ride that runs on lower pressure. It’s important to understand that there’s a difference between external rim width and internal rim width.
For instance, the internal width refers to the tire’s distance across the rim which is designed to ensure that the casing is supported.
External width, on the other hand, depends on the internal width and has to do with the tire’s aerodynamics.
We’ve observed over the years that the latest wheel designs don’t really fit into older tire frames. This is because large wheels are becoming broader and wider overall as time progresses.
Depth
Another feature that comes up is rim depth. Basically, aerodynamic tires typically feature deeper rims and are different from a low-profile box-section rim.
On the other hand, deep-section wheels are heavier and perfect for anyone that typically traverses flat terrain.
But, if you plan on getting a wheelset for your mountain bike or for trail riding then you’re better off with a shallow or low profile rim.
It’s worth noting that crosswinds tend to affect deeper rims because of the amount of sheer material that they possess.
But, clever wheel manufacturers are designing their rims to have a V-shaped profile instead of the regular toroidal shape.
Compatibility
Brakes are an important safety component to your wheelset whose design and construction will depend on your bike frame.
Most wheels either come with rim or disc brakes. While certain brands have been known to incorporate several end caps that accept 12mm to 15mm thru-axles.
Tires
Tires are essential to the wheelset and the wheelset’s rim will determine the types of tires that are compatible with it, whether that’s tubeless, tubular or clincher tires.
Each tire system has its own caveats and benefits, but we’ve found that tubulars are usually more lightweight and they don’t require a tire bead.
Weight
You must also consider weight when looking for a new wheelset because it will affect the quality of your ride.
For the most part, low-weight wheels make for a much lighter bike overall thus reducing wind resistance and making it easier to accelerate your bicycle.
Lightweight wheels are always recommended. But if you’re on the heavier side, then you might require a much heavier wheelset to help support your body weight.
Otherwise, you won’t benefit from the speed potential of a lightweight wheelset.
Extra Features
Once you’ve found a wheelset that ticks all the boxes we’ve mentioned, make sure that there are compatible brake tracks to go with it.
The good news is that cutting-edge technological advancements make it possible for manufacturers to treat and customize their brakes to handle all types of conditions, regardless of the materials that they’re constructed from.
However, you should always defer to materials that make for a lightweight and durable product overall.
Types of Road Bike Wheels
Similar to the categories into which road bikes are placed, so are the wheels used to propel them.
You have adventure, road, aero, endurance, and mountain bike wheels that cater to different types of riders. As soon as you understand what category you fit into the easier it’ll be for you to make a pick.
Climbing Wheels
It’s mostly when climbing uphill that you notice the weight of your bike and that’s why you want lightweight wheels with fewer spokes and a shallow profile rim that can handle going uphill without taking their toll on you.
Such wheels make for a good quality ride and a more aerodynamic performance.
Look for a wheelset that’s 1,500g and below as that means that it’s suitable for climbing.
If budget isn’t a problem then you can even find a super lightweight climbing wheelset that only weighs 900g to about 1,300g.
Deep-Section Aerodynamic Wheels
For those with a need for speed, you’ll want to look into a deep section rim that measures 50mm or larger. This reduces aerodynamic drag while making it easier to cut through the air effortlessly.
But, the deeper aero wheels are, the heavier they are, thus making it harder for you to ride in high cross-winds.
That’s why an increasing number of cyclists are opting for mid-depth wheels instead because they offer the best of both worlds. That is unless you plan on doing fast spring courses and time trials.
If you have deep aerodynamic wheels you’ll most probably have a pair of training wheels aside from them which you can use for more leisurely riding.
Mid-Section Aerodynamic Wheels
Aerodynamic wheels are all the rage right now. This is due to their ability to lend a professional feel to one’s bicycle. They typically come with deep rims that measure about 30mm or more.
Thanks to their aerodynamic design, mid-section wheels offer the perfect balance between wind performance, ride quality, and low weight.
To keep them lightweight, most aerodynamic rims are constructed from carbon fiber. But some manufacturers such as Mavic make aluminum rims with bonded carbon fairings.
As a result, these are typically much heavier in comparison to their carbon counterparts.
Training Wheels
Although we could write a whole article on the importance of lightweight racing wheels with lower frictions and more speed potential, they’re not realistic for daily use.
For days in between races, you’ll want to have durable training wheels that can handle different types of terrain.
Keep in mind that rims tend to suffer wear and tear over time due to frequent braking, especially if you own a rim brake bike.
That’s why it’s better to have a separate pair of training wheels to help keep your main wheels in good shape for longer.
Most wheels in this category boast a weight of about 1,500 to 1,800g at a moderate price range. But, if you’re shopping on a budget then the best you can do is probably something that weighs about 1,900g.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Bike Wheels?
Here are some of the advantages that come with upgrading your basic wheels to something better:
Lower Bike Weight
The great thing about a road bike wheel upgrade is that it’ll instantly reduce the weight of your bicycle and the effort required to pedal and use your bike.
This can really affect your performance, especially if you’re a professional biker.
Higher Speed
Another benefit of upgrading your wheels is enjoying a faster speed, especially when climbing uphill.
I have a guide on the Best Single Speed Wheelset designed to showcase top options and boost your bike speed effectively.
Aerodynamic
A normal and older wheelset won’t offer the aerodynamic features of a newer and upgraded model. Upgraded wheels literally cut through the air due to their ability to reduce drag.
As a result, you end up putting less effort to achieve better results.
Improved Performance
It becomes so much easier to accelerate your bicycle and climb uphill when you have the right set of wheels on your side.
The easier it is for you to control your bike the more confident you will be and the better your performance.
Higher Durability
Obviously, newer wheels will be more durable than older ones. Newer tires are also less likely to get flat.
More Comfortable
Most people assume that the stiffer a bike’s wheels are the more uncomfortable it will be.
However, wider wheels offer less pressure thus reducing the amount of rolling resistance while providing a more pro aesthetic to your bicycle.
You can enhance your wheelset with modern wheel lights that add visibility without extra weight. Check out my guide on the Best Bike Wheel Lights for top recommendations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Road Bike Wheelsets
How long do road bike wheels last?
Since you’re going to be spending so much money on a wheelset, it’s worth knowing that it’s going to last more than a few rides.
For the most part, road bike tires typically last for about 1,000 to 3,000 miles, while the more high-end models can reach up to 2,500 miles or more before they give up.
But, road bike rims have a more unpredictable lifespan, to say the least. They can last for 1,500 to 12,000 miles depending on how well you look after them.
Maintenance is everything when it comes to them. All you have to do is clean and lubricate the brake calipers and wheel rims regularly and Bob’s your uncle!
Here are some tips to help you effortlessly maintain your wheels rims using simple implements like a scourer sponge and isopropyl alcohol.
What’s the right size of road bicycle wheelsets?
Aside from the size of your road bike wheels, there are some important things you need to know about their measurements.
Manufacturers decided to unify two different systems of standard size measurement in order to cater to the increased popularity of cycling.
For instance, you have the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization or ETRTO for short. This works through a cohesive system under the approval of the ISO (International Standards Organization).
You’ll be glad to know that a vast majority of adult road bikes come with 700c wheels that are part of the ETRTO/ISO measurement system.
As such, they typically feature a measurement of internal width x 622. Most bikes have an internal width of 13mm to 25mm with a regular measurement of 18/19 mm.
Riders with short legs have to make do with small-sized road bikes with 650c wheels that fit under the 571mm category of the ETRTO/ISO measurement system.
When to replace your road bike?
It’s a well-known fact that the older your bike gets, the harder it is to clean and fix and maintain it.
Maintenance simply costs more when your bike gets older, especially if it’s taken a lot of abuse during its lifespan.
It typically starts at about 5 years for a bike that sees daily use. You have to replace the cables and chains, put in new tires and brake blocks.
You’d also have to make do with the now torn saddles and worn out wheel rims at this point.
Changing these components every month or even every week, it’s better to replace your bicycle when everything breaks down as it all comes down to the same cost anyway.
The Superteam Carbon Wheelset Has a 23MM Width That Allows for Compatibility With a Range of Tire Sizes…
That was our list of best road bicycle wheelset reviews for your consideration. If we were to pick one option, it would be the Superteam Carbon Wheelset.
This wheelset is made from lightweight carbon fiber and has 700c clincher tires which are EN quality certified.
The Superteam Carbon Wheelset offers a range of rim depths (38mm, 50mm, 60mm, and 88mm) to cater to various riding styles.
The unidirectional (UD) matte carbon finish gives the wheels a sleek, modern look and enhances durability against minor scratches and abrasions.
The matte finish is popular for its subtle, high-end aesthetic.