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Step 1
Weigh your tires properly. A wheel's weight will factor into everything from how well your bike takes hills to how quickly the rider may fatigue. In many cases, you are giving up strength and durability by picking lighter wheels, though this is not always the case.
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Step 2
Budget for your wheels. Decide ahead of time how much you are willing to invest in your wheels, because there are an incredible amount of choices if money is no object. Budgeting will help narrow your search and find the perfect set of wheels for the right price.
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Step 3
Look into carbon fiber wheels. Traditional wheels are made of aluminum and are very heavy. Newer carbon fiber wheels provide an increased strength at a lower weight. These are the top of the line as far as wheels are concerned. However, they come at a premium cost.
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Step 4
Consider spokes. Spokes provide rigidity in your ride as well as support for the wheel. There are numerous combinations of spokes, each with their own feel. Additionally, some carbon fiber wheels have large carbon fiber bars for support. Look into these wheels, and see if they meet your needs.
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Step 5
Test your new wheels. Determine how your ride feels. Ideally, if you are upgrading, the ride will be smoother and your efforts should be simpler. If you find this is not the case, it may be in your best interest to try another kind of wheel. Pay close attention to the small window of time you have to test wheels.
