文章導覽
Best Alloy Wheelsets Under NT$20,000 for 2026
Not every rider needs carbon fiber wheels. Within a budget of NT$20,000 or less, there are plenty of excellent alloy wheelsets that deliver a noticeable upgrade in ride feel. This article recommends the best alloy wheelsets worth buying in 2026 for riders in Taiwan.
Why Choose Alloy Wheels?
Alloy vs. Carbon Fiber
| Item | Alloy Wheels | Carbon Fiber Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Price | NT$5,000-20,000 | NT$25,000-150,000 |
| Weight | 1,500-2,000g | 1,150-1,500g |
| Durability | Excellent | Good |
| Repair cost | Low | High |
| Brake track wear (rim brake) | Visually monitorable | Difficult to monitor |
| Impact resistance | High (dents but doesn’t crack) | Low (may crack) |
| Recyclability | Yes | Difficult |
When Alloy Wheels Are the Right Choice
- Limited budget: Not enough for carbon but still want an upgrade
- Daily commuting: Need a durable wheelset that can take a beating
- Harsh conditions: Frequently riding rough roads or gravel
- Backup wheelset: A training wheelset alongside race-day carbon
- Beginners: Still learning the fundamentals of bike handling
2026 Recommendations Under NT$20,000
Top Picks (NT$15,000-20,000)
1. DT Swiss PR 1400 DICUT 21
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 21mm |
| Internal width | 18mm |
| Weight | 1,540g |
| Hub | DT Swiss 240 EXP |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Aero Comp |
| Price | NT$18,000-22,000 (occasionally on sale below NT$20,000) |
An alloy wheelset built around the premium DT Swiss 240 EXP hub, which alone accounts for more than half the retail price. At 1,540g, the weight is outstanding for an alloy wheel, making this the top performer in the alloy category.
Best for: Riders chasing the best alloy performance who may consider a carbon upgrade down the road
2. Shimano Ultegra WH-R8170-C36
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 36mm |
| Internal width | 21mm |
| Weight | 1,650g |
| Hub | Shimano Ultegra |
| Price | NT$15,000-18,000 |
This is actually a carbon-alloy hybrid wheelset — a carbon fiber rim body paired with an alloy brake track. Getting a carbon rim at this price point is quite competitive. Shimano’s build quality and service network in Taiwan are its biggest advantages.
Best for: Riders using Shimano groupsets who want a carbon rim on a limited budget
Mid-Range Picks (NT$8,000-15,000)
3. Fulcrum Racing 3
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 30mm |
| Internal width | 18.5mm |
| Weight | 1,650g |
| Hub | Fulcrum in-house hub |
| Price | NT$10,000-13,000 |
The Fulcrum Racing 3 is a perennial favorite in the alloy wheel world, loved for its consistent quality and reasonable price. At 30mm, the rim depth is relatively deep for an alloy wheel, offering some aerodynamic advantage.
Best for: Riders who want a reliable everyday wheelset and occasionally race
4. Mavic Aksium Elite
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 24mm |
| Internal width | 17mm |
| Weight | 1,750g |
| Hub | Mavic in-house hub |
| Price | NT$8,000-11,000 |
The Mavic Aksium series is a classic choice for entry-level alloy wheels. It isn’t the lightest or fastest, but Mavic’s reliable quality and brand history offer peace of mind.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners and riders focused on commuting and casual rides
5. Campagnolo Scirocco
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 35mm |
| Internal width | 19mm |
| Weight | 1,720g |
| Hub | Campagnolo in-house |
| Price | NT$10,000-14,000 |
At 35mm, this is one of the deepest rim profiles available in an alloy wheel, offering a clear aerodynamic edge. Campagnolo’s Italian heritage and G3 rear-wheel spoke lacing are highlights.
Best for: Riders who love Italian brands and frequently ride flat terrain
Entry-Level Picks (NT$5,000-8,000)
6. Shimano RS100
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 24mm |
| Internal width | 17mm |
| Weight | 1,890g |
| Hub | Shimano basic hub |
| Price | NT$4,000-6,000 |
The most affordable Shimano-branded wheelset, offering stable quality at a friendly price. Great for replacing a heavier stock wheelset.
Best for: Beginners on a very tight budget who need a reliable basic wheelset
7. DT Swiss P 1800 Spline 23
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Rim depth | 23mm |
| Internal width | 18mm |
| Weight | 1,780g |
| Hub | DT Swiss 370 |
| Price | NT$7,000-9,000 |
An entry-level alloy wheel built around the DT Swiss 370 hub, where the reliability of the Ratchet system is its biggest advantage at this price point.
Best for: Entry-level riders who prioritize hub quality
Overview Comparison Table
| Wheelset | Weight | Rim Depth | Hub | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT Swiss PR 1400 | 1,540g | 21mm | DT 240 | 18,000-22,000 | Excellent |
| Shimano Ultegra C36 | 1,650g | 36mm | Ultegra | 15,000-18,000 | Excellent |
| Fulcrum Racing 3 | 1,650g | 30mm | Fulcrum | 10,000-13,000 | High |
| Campagnolo Scirocco | 1,720g | 35mm | Campagnolo | 10,000-14,000 | High |
| DT Swiss P 1800 | 1,780g | 23mm | DT 370 | 7,000-9,000 | Medium-High |
| Mavic Aksium | 1,750g | 24mm | Mavic | 8,000-11,000 | Medium |
| Shimano RS100 | 1,890g | 24mm | Shimano | 4,000-6,000 | Medium |
Buying Advice
NT$5,000-8,000 Budget
Go with the DT Swiss P 1800 — its hub quality is unmatched at this price point.
NT$8,000-13,000 Budget
Go with the Fulcrum Racing 3 — a well-rounded choice with consistent quality and a reasonable price.
NT$13,000-20,000 Budget
If you’re chasing low weight, choose the DT Swiss PR 1400. If you want the carbon-rim experience, choose the Shimano Ultegra C36.
When to Upgrade from Alloy to Carbon
Once you’ve accumulated enough riding experience on alloy wheels (at least 5,000km is recommended) and start feeling that your alloy wheels can no longer keep up with your speed demands, that’s a good time to consider upgrading to carbon.
Conclusion
Alloy wheelsets remain a sensible choice for many riders in 2026. They offer reliable performance, low repair costs, and rugged durability. Under NT$20,000, you can absolutely find a quality alloy wheelset that dramatically upgrades your riding experience. Don’t let carbon marketing get in your head — for many riders, a good alloy wheelset paired with the right tires delivers just as much riding enjoyment as carbon.