Why you should upgrade your wheels

With an industry-wide switch to disc brakes, there's no longer an onus on wheel manufacturers to produce rims that are both load-bearing and include heat friction brake surfaces. Like all things in cycling, wheel design is in a constant of evolution. With new technologies and techniques being sought to seek the ultimate advantage over the opposition. But, what advantages are there to upgrading a set of hoops?

• Weight - You can reasonably expect an entry-level set of alloy wheels to weigh somewhere in the region of approximately 2kg. Therefore, upgrading to a pair of lightweight alloy or carbon wheels can save you as much as half a kilo or more! As a result of this weight reduction acceleration is improved.
• Stiffness - Premium quality wheels make use of more advanced construction techniques and higher-grade materials to produce wheels with greater structural rigidity. Increasing their stiffness also results n a bike with better handling and agility. This is especially true when cornering, when the forces applied to the wheels are at their most extreme. It also enables the power to be laid down much more efficiently. This will have a dramatic effect when giving your all on those out of the saddle efforts (climbing and sprinting).
• Aerodynamics - Wheels with a deeper rim profile carve through the air more efficiently, which translates into less drag and more speed.
• Durability - As a general rule of thumb, the higher the cost of a wheelset, the better the quality of materials. High-end wheelsets will usually include high-grade stainless steel bearings. Towards the top end of the spectrum, ceramic bearings may also be employed for their ability to reduce friction and improve longevity. The better the quality of the bearings, the less maintenance is required to keep them in tip-top condition.

As a novice or seasoned veteran, the potential to ride faster, for less effort and reduce fatigue over long distances seems too good an opportunity to refuse. And rightly so. After all, who doesn't want free speed? In conclusion, wheels are the best single-component performance upgrade you could ever possibly apply to your bike.

Upgrading your wheelset in cycling can often be a more cost-effective and impactful improvement than getting a new bike. Here are several reasons why:

• Performance Gains – a lighter wheelset means a weight reduction and less drag, making it easier to accelerate and climb hills
• More Cost Effective – Upgrading wheels is typically less expensive than purchasing an entirely new bike. High-performance wheels can provide significant gains at a fraction of the cost of a new bike
• Customisation – Swapping wheelsets allows you to tailor your bike to specific riding conditions or preferences, such as choosing different wheels for road racing, time trials, or off-road cycling
• Incremental Improvement – Upgrading components like the wheelset allows for incremental improvements, letting you optimise specific aspects of your bike gradually rather than making a single, large investment
• Compatibility and Fit – If your current bike fits you well and meets your needs in terms of frame geometry and overall comfort, upgrading the wheelset can enhance performance without the risk of losing the perfect fit and comfort you have with your current setup
• Technology and Material Advancements – Advances in wheel technology, such as wider rims, better braking surfaces, and tubeless setups, can significantly improve ride quality and performance. These advancements can often be integrated into your existing bike with a wheel upgrade
• Immediate Impact – The wheelset is a critical component affecting the bike's handling, speed, and ride quality. Upgrading wheels often yields an immediate and noticeable improvement in how the bike feels and performs

Focusing on upgrading your wheelset can target the most critical aspects of cycling performance and enjoyment, providing a high return on investment.

Discover our Wheelsets Collection

LEVEL is a brand that has been designed, developed and tested in-house to complement our range of performance bikes. Each model listed below is an available upgrade option in [https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-endurance-sl-r-series-disc/build/#Bike). LEVEL wheels are subject to extensive wind tunnel and real-world testing by our team of testers, developers and bike addicts. To simplify identification, rim brake compatible wheelsets carry the designation 'RB' and disc brake wheels 'DB'.

Most models of carbon wheels within the lEVEL range are available in a Sport or PRO variant.

LEVEL Sport wheels are built using traditional j-bend spokes and include sealed cartridge bearings which deliver outstanding year-round reliability and durability.

Pro carbon wheels are built using straight-pull spokes rather than the traditional J-Bend. As a result, the wheels are stiffer for enhanced structural rigidity. Stiffer wheels are more efficient at laying the power down making pro wheels more advantageous for those out of the saddle efforts of sprinting or climbing. The hub internals includes the finest quality sealed Japanese Stainless Steel bearings offering an unparalleled level of performance and durability. Similarly to the sport version, they are designed to deliver a ride smoothing quality, no matter the season and in the very worst of conditions.

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Available for disc brakes only, the shallow 40mm rim profile results in the lightest LEVEL carbon wheelset available in Bike Builder. A generous internal rim diameter has been aerodynamically optimised for 25mm tyres and offers seamless integration with tubeless tyres. Providing access to the many advantages that tubeless tyres deliver. Including improved aerodynamic efficiency, less rolling resistance, improved cornering grip, extra shock absorption and enhanced puncture protection.

The semi-aero profile of the rim offers a significant improvement in drag reduction when compared to standard rim profiles. Providing additional stability in mixed wind conditions. Thanks to their lightweight construction and reduced rim profile, the LEVEL40 wheels are the perfect option for aspiring climbers.

• Rim Material: HI-TG UD Carbon, UD Finish.
• Rim Profile: 40mm depth, 26.5mm external, 17.5mm internal.
• Tubeless Ready: Yes.
• Spokes: Straight pull, Pillar PSR 1423 Aero.
• Spoke Count: 24H Front/24H Rear.
• Weight: 1610g pair - Front 750g/860g Rear.