5 Of The Best Road Bike Wheelsets Under $500 - TCP (2024)

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

Frequently Asked Questions