5 Of The Best Road Bike Wheelsets Under $500

Wheels. Nothing improves your bike’s performance and handling like a new set of wheels. Check out the best road bike wheelsets under $500!

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2 Road Cyclists

Can a sub-$500 upgrade make you feel like you’re pedaling a Tour de France-worthy steed? Absolutely! In the realm of cycling, a quality wheelset is a game-changer. Whether you’re an amateur cyclist or a seasoned veteran, our exploration into the best road bike wheelsets under $500 will make you rethink your riding experience.

Nothing improves your bike’s performance and handling like a new set of wheels. Unless you purchased a high-end bike, yours probably came with an average set. This is generally where manufacturers make cuts to ensure they’re within budget.

Stay tuned as we delve into the exciting world of affordable wheelsets that promise to upgrade your cycling experience.

Let’s roll on!

In A Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks…

Top Pick
Lightest Wheelset
Easiest To Install
Pros:
  • Prestigious name - rolling around in a set of Campy’s is pretty awesome
  • Versatile for various cycling
  • Weighs 1,596 g
  • Fast-rolling
  • Durable
Pros:
  • Lightweight - best road bike wheels for climbing in this roundup
  • Robust
  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Comes with extra skewers/adaptors
Pros:
  • Ready for tubeless tires
  • Good rolling speed
  • Durable
Top Pick
Pros:
  • Prestigious name - rolling around in a set of Campy’s is pretty awesome
  • Versatile for various cycling
  • Weighs 1,596 g
  • Fast-rolling
  • Durable
Lightest Wheelset
Pros:
  • Lightweight - best road bike wheels for climbing in this roundup
  • Robust
  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Comes with extra skewers/adaptors
Easiest To Install
Pros:
  • Ready for tubeless tires
  • Good rolling speed
  • Durable
Lasso Brag

Best Road Bike Wheelsets Under $500 On The Market

Due to our budget for this review, none of the following wheelsets are carbon fiber.

In fact, if you find new carbon fiber wheels for under $500, remember: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Bearing that in mind, let’s get started.

Top Pick

Campagnolo Zonda C17 Wheelset

Pros:
  • Prestigious name - rolling around in a set of Campy’s is pretty awesome
  • Versatile for various cycling
  • Weighs 1,596 g
  • Fast-rolling
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Changing spokes is challenging - due to the design that keeps the spoke heads hidden.
View On Wiggle View On CRC

Ahh, Campagnolo, the Italian patriarch of contemporary cycling.

This aluminum wheelset is designed for wider tires (like 25-28MM). Even in the world of racing, this size is becoming standard. And wider tires generally mean a more comfortable ride.

One of the biggest selling points is its durability. Many users have reported that these wheels can withstand a lot of wear and tear without losing their shape or becoming damaged.

The Zonda C17 is also known for its smooth ride and excellent handling, making it a great choice for training and racing.

The unique design of these wheels eliminates the need for rim tape. Designed for 11-speed cassettes, the Zonda is reportedly fast but stiff. Some say it gives them an uncomfortable ride.

Additionally, riders have reported that the braking performance is not as good as they would like, especially in wet conditions.

Lightest Wheelset

Prime Attaquer Road Disc Wheelset

Pros:
  • Lightweight - best road bike wheels for climbing in this roundup
  • Robust
  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Comes with extra skewers/adaptors
Cons:
  • Issues with bearings, giving it a harsh ride
  • Can be noisy
  • Not for bikes with caliper brakes
VIew On Wiggle View On CRC

If your bike has disc brakes and uses tubeless tires, and you want to go faster, then the Attaquer wheelset may be for you.

Weighing in at 1,470g, they are the lightest wheelsets in our review. This means if you want to climb better, it will help.

One of the things I love about these wheels is how responsive they are. I feel like I have greater control over my bike. The wheels’ aerodynamics are also impressive (using DT Swiss spokes). This allows riders to pick up speed quickly and maintain it over long distances.

One of the main complaints is that they can be a bit noisy when riding on rough roads. Some users have also reported issues with the bearings, which can lead to a less smooth ride.

And although classed as a racing wheel, riders have used these for cyclo-cross, gravel, and even commuting.

Easiest To Install

Shimano WH-RS500 Road Wheelset

Pros:
  • Ready for tubeless tires
  • Good rolling speed
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Not fast per acceleration
  • Doesn’t handle corners well (at high speeds)
View On JensonUSA View On Competitive Cyclist

Shimano has produced top-quality components for years, so it’s no wonder they also manufacture wheelsets.

What I instantly admired about the WH-RS500 wheelset was its steady performance, despite its low spoke count (16 on the front and 20 on the rear).

Durability is also a plus for the Shimano’s. I’ve taken them on some rough rides, and they have held up exceptionally well. They are also lightweight, which is great for those long rides where every ounce counts.

Another feature I appreciate is the ease of installation. I could install them myself without issues, and they fit perfectly on my bike. The braking performance is also top-notch, providing me with the stopping power I need when I need it.

If you are interested, this aluminum wheel (for rim brakes) is designed for tubeless tires. Riders comment that although the wheelset is not quick at accelerating, they maintain momentum quite well once up to speed.

Fulcrum Racing 5 C17 Road Wheelset

Pros:
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Servicing is relatively easy
Cons:
  • Freewheel is noisy
View On Wiggle View On CRC

Another Italian manufacturer, Fulcrum, brings a titan to the fray: the Racing 5 C17. Noted for delivering superb performance, comfort, and efficiency.

The wheelset is lightweight and durable. Exactly what I look for in a wheelset! The sleek design and matte black finish add a stylish touch to any bike, making it stand out.

These clincher wheels are priced not to break the bank. The Racing 5 C17 is ideal if you’re considering racing, sportifs, or Gran Fondos. The wheels are compatible with Shimano or Campagnolo cassettes and disc brakes, so order the correct wheelset for your bike.

Vittoria Alusion Alloy Road Bicycle Wheelset

Pros:
  • Fast
  • Stiff
  • Nice freewheel noise
Cons:
  • Heaviest wheelset of the roundup, weighing 1,791g
  • Higher rim can catch crosswinds, making for an uncomfortable ride
View On Amazon

This aluminum wheelset has a striking look; even the skewers have the Vittoria logo.

Like many wheelsets, the Alusion is tubeless-ready. Vittoria describes them as “fast and semi-aero wheels” that make for a “rigid, durable, and reliable wheel.”

The wheels felt fast and responsive during my rides, adding an element of agility to my otherwise average bike. The freewheel has a pleasant mechanical sound, but that is quite a subjective topic!

While the 32mm-deep semi-aero rims gave the bike an aerodynamic advantage, they also made the wheels susceptible to catching crosswinds. Granted, this might not be an issue for heavier or braver cyclists. I was pushed around a bit in windy conditions

Another disadvantage I noted was the weight being the heaviest in this roundup.

The Basics About Road Bike Wheelsets

If I have you excited and you’ve done a quick search on the web, the first thing you’ll encounter is sticker shock. Some wheelsets cost more than what you paid for your bike…maybe even for your car! Fear not. Here are a few key things you should know.

Aluminum vs. Carbon Rims

Wheels are either constructed of aluminum or carbon fiber.  The pros only race on carbon fiber wheels these days.  It’s been a very long time since the Tour de France winner used a set of aluminum wheelsets!

Manufacturers have ironed out most of the problems with the early carbon fiber wheels. As with all cycling tech, this is now trickling down to everyday riders, albeit at a premium!

This means that we have quite a few options available to us.  Here are some of the pros and cons of each type of material:

Aluminum wheels are:

  • Affordable
  • Easier to repair or true (i.e., straighten when there’s a left-to-right wobble)
  • Support all tire types

Carbon fiber wheels are:

  • Top-end ones are VERY expensive
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Absorb road shock better
  • Trickier to repair
Road Cycling Race

Freewheel Or Cassette?

When looking for new wheels, be sure they’re compatible with your current freewheel or cassette. If unsure, check the manufacturer’s website or watch the video guide below.

Freewheels are:

  • Typically found on older bikes
  • Gears are one unit that screws into the hub

Cassettes are:

  • Found on newer bikes
  • The gears are usually individual pieces and screwed onto the hub.

Are you still confused? Check out this short video by Park Tools for clarity.

Tires

Another thing to consider is what type of tire you will be using. Not all wheelsets are compatible with all tires. There are three types of tires to choose from.

Clincher

Universally used and standard on all bikes. The tire “clinches” onto the lip of the wheel’s rim. Within the tire is an inner tube.

Pros
  • Because they’re popular, they’re easier to find when it’s time to replace or upgrade
  • Wide variety and manufacturers
  • Cheaper
Cons
  • More prone to punctures and pinch flats

Tubeless

Popular with mountain bikes, gravel, and cyclo-cross, they’re becoming more common on road bikes.

These tires attach like a clincher, but there’s no tube. Instead, a sealant is squeezed into the tire, which helps reseal the tire should you have a puncture.

Pros
  • They can be inflated to lower PSI (pounds per square inch) making them more versatile for various terrain
  • More puncture resistant than the other two types
  • Cheaper
Cons
  • Flats do occur and dealing with the sealant is messy
  • If you are flat and don’t have an inner tube to use as a quick fix, you may be stranded

Tubular

These are popular among racers because of their lighter weight and resistance to pinch flats. 

The inner tube is sewn inside the tire, which is why they’re called “sew-ups.” The tire is then glued (or taped) to the wheel.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Provide a more supple, smoother ride
  • Ideal for racing
Cons
  • Expensive
  • If one goes flat, changing tires is time-consuming

Here’s a video explaining these tires.

What Wheelset Do I Need?

Answering this question is far more important than those we just looked at. For instance, if you’re interested in racing or doing triathlons, then I suggest looking into:

  • Carbon fiber wheels
  • Consider going with tubular tires

Remember that these extremely lightweight wheels typically have higher rims than standard wheels. These types of rims can act like sails in crosswinds. This can be unnerving when it feels like your wheels are being kicked out from under you.

If you’re a commuter, I’d suggest:

  • A good set of aluminum rims that are lighter than what you currently have. Check out the five we’ve reviewed below!
  • Stay with clinchers, or try tubeless.

Note: don’t assume tubeless tires never go flat. I recently changed a flat for a new rider who had tubeless tires. I swabbed the sealant out, installed an inner tube, and he was back up and running. Personally, I’m not sold on them, but that’s just me!

If you’re the “roll to the pub” type of cyclist, save your money and stay with what you have. Getting faster, lighter wheels is pointless if all you do is ride for fun. However, you will owe me a pint for this financial advice if I’m in the UK!

Lastly, you can find killer deals on used wheels. In fact, all of my recent wheel purchases are used. One of the nice things about being a cycling club or team member is that riders are swapping or upgrading gear religiously. And since these are friends, you can trust their word (hopefully!) concerning:

  • How many miles are on them?
  • Have they been in a wreck?
  • Why are you selling them?
Group Ride Along Ocean

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Carbon Fiber Wheelsets Worth The Extra Cost For Road Biking?

Carbon fiber wheelsets can offer significant benefits in weight savings and aerodynamics. However, they can also be significantly more expensive than other wheelsets.

For riders on a budget, a high-quality aluminum wheelset can offer many of the same benefits at a more affordable price point.

Can I Upgrade My Road Bike Wheelset Myself, Or Should I Have It Done By A Professional?

While it is possible to upgrade your road bike wheelset yourself, it’s generally recommended to have it done by a professional bike mechanic. This will ensure the new wheelset is properly installed and adjusted for optimal performance and safety.

How Do I Maintain My Road Bike Wheelset To Keep It In Good Condition?

To maintain your road bike wheelset, it’s important to keep it clean and properly lubricated. 

Regularly inspect the wheels for wear or damage, and have them trued and tensioned as needed. Store your bike in a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent corrosion and other wheel damage.

Can I Use These Wheelsets For Gravel Riding?

While some road wheelsets may handle gravel roads, they are not typically designed for this purpose.

If you often ride on gravel, look for a wheelset designed for gravel riding. They will offer better durability and support for wider, more robust tires.

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