best road cycling shoes under 150

Looking to replace your worn-out wheels, upgrade the basic hoops that came on your bike or save your posh rims from taking a beating this winter? These moderately priced wheels are happy to be all things to all riders. Wheels have a huge effect on the way your bike rides so a phenomenal amount of research and design is poured into top-end models. But how much of this trickles down to more attainable price points? We took seven pairs out for a spin to find out. What the makers say: Featuring a 24mm semi-aero profile rim with DT Swiss competition spokes and a sub 330g hub set, these wheels are super lightweight. What we say: First impression is of conventional looks and a slightly dated narrow-width rim that won’t play well with wider tyres. However, the inescapable laws of physics say light wheels will always feel quick and these are certainly light. They are more fragile than some, though, so treat them nicely and don’t ride too hard. Despite the minimal spoke count, there’s little flex.

One of the two genuinely fast wheelsets on test, they’re a blast to ride on. Verdict: Impressively lightweight for the price, these will inject a serious dose of speed into entry-level bikes - 9/10 Available now from £185 at Cycle Division What the makers say: Durable, agile and aerodynamic. They excel on all-weather rides, steep twisty sportive climbs and high-paced club rides. What we say: Only just released, it’s no surprise that these wheels pack in plenty of modern thinking. Wide rims lend tyres a nicely aerodynamic shape, which marries well with the broad profile of the deep-section rims. At 32mm, they’re deep enough to give you a noticeable speed boost. They’re also the lightest wheels on test. Fast pick-up from the hub, easy servicing and great looks make these our winners. Verdict: Fast enough to put a smile on your face. A great training wheel for race heads or a fantastic first upgrade. Best in test - 9/10 Available now from £187 at Wiggle

What the makers say: An entry-level wheel with a race-ready soul. The same Fulcrum quality and performance as the rest of the line. What we say: Not super light but not super heavy, the Fulcrums invest their extra weight wisely. Broad rims fit with modern aero trends and lend tyres a pleasingly bulbous profile, which should increase grip and comfort. The steel freehub body might give away a few grams compared to an alloy alternative but it’s far less likely to cause trouble down the line when it comes to servicing. Stiffness is good and the hub is quick to engage. Verdict: Well thought-out wheels with above average performance. A good bet for long-term durability - 8/10 Available now from £124 from Chain Reaction Cycles What the makers say: A fit-and-forget tough, durable and weatherproof training and heavy-duty wheel for your road bike. The chase is on. What we say: These mix traditional looks with modern design features such as wide rims and tubeless compatibility.

What we say: Although it doesn’t have a huge effect on the road, a hub that engages the moment you stamp the pedals feels much nicer than one that lets your legs free-fall before clunking into action.
nike basketball shoe bagSadly, the Garda has the second type. They are plenty stiff enough under power though, and the depth of the rims imparts a small aero benefit, although they’re heavy and a little lifeless. Verdict: Cheap but a little apathetic. More of a replacement when your stock wheels wear out than a genuine upgrade - 6/10 Available now from £119 at Wiggle What the makers say: With durable angular contact bearings and straight-pull spokes, these offer excellent quality and durability. What we say: Old-school cup and cone bearings mean the hubs are very durable, as long as any problems are nipped in the bud. Spares availability from Shimano is unimpeachable too, so they should be serviceable for years to come.

Stiffness is respectable but the package is too heavy to translate into a nippy-ride feel, exacerbated by the slow pick-up from the hub. Verdict: A sensible if uninspiring choice, they’ll still make good winter wheels if you prize reliability above sprightliness - 8/10 Available now from £120 at Chain Reaction Cycles What the makers say: Characterised by rigidity and aerodynamic requirements which make them unique both at competitive and amateur levels. What we say: With mid-profile rims, high-flange hubs and bladed spokes, these wheels certainly look capable. Their relatively low bulk shouldn’t hold you back either. Pick-up from the hub isn’t massively fast but they’re relatively stiff. Once on the bike, they feel solid but not particularly lively. All considered, they’re a decent wheelset although next to a lot of great similarly priced products, they’ve been pushed slightly into the shade. Verdict: Performance doesn’t quite live up to the fast looks but stiffness is impressive - 7/10