New wheels, in the literal sense

[jasonw]

Well, fellow cyclists, the time is upon me to purchase new wheels. Actually, the time was about a month and a half ago (I can almost hear you all gasping at my blasphemy), a third spoke in the back finally gave, and I've been dying to ride again. I currently have an 06 Allez Sport Triple and rode about 2000 miles in just over a year. I plan on riding more this year (don't we all?)

So, unnecessary back story aside, I'm looking to go for a least a moderate upgrade - something a bit more durable, and lighter (of course) and considering the the bike I have - what's a worthy and worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks in advance for your input/suggestions.

[Jackson Amburn]

Josh Whitmore pointed me towards Neuvation wheels. For the best set of wheels it costs 500$. Don't know much about wheels, but take a look. You'll spend a good 600-1200 bucks for a good pair of brand name wheels.

[Scott Baker]

What is your budget?

[cujo]

Check out Williamscycling.com Great wheels even better price. We raced them all year last year, no problems. The 19's are 1400 grams ceramic bearings and 499. I really like the 30's as well. He has carbon clinchers and tublars that are in the 700-900 range. If you use the coupon code Manulife you will get 50 bucks off. and teh maxxis tire deal for free. The code should still be good.

[jasonw]

Yeah, I realized after posting that I hadn't included any sort of budget... My bike cost ~$900, so I was kind of thinking that anything over $350 might be overkill. I still have to buy proper road pedals (a year after the fact, heheh) so the budget is fairly important - I might be able to go to $400 if there's something really wonderful at that price point. I want some good wheels, though I probably wouldn't know the difference between a $900 set and a $400 set apart from the weeping of my checking account. Sorry if I have posed a paradox, but sometimes working with a budget is the most fun (at least, it is with computers).

[btiben]

I have to say I've been pretty happy with my Reynolds Solitude wheels. I have about 10,000 miles on them and haven't had to do any kind of maintenance to them. They are a semi-deep rim at about 30mm so they slice through the wind pretty well without being a handful in crosswinds. The hubs roll smooth, and utilize common cartridge bearings. They are at the upper end of your budget at about $425-$450 but keep in mind the wheels are maybe the most important upgrade you can make.

[irish]

For what it's worth, a quality set of wheels can "transform" a good bike (which you have) into a really great riding bike. Plus, by keeping the stock wheels, you can always keep the new wheels when/if you upgrade frames/bikes.

Now that Mavic has a new top-of-the-line wheel I would save up some extra cash and wait for a local rider to upgrade from their Ksyrium ES or SLs (you should be able to pick up a good set of used SLs locally for around $400-450)

[mvi]

Concensus is that Mavics are overpriced for what they are. I like mine, but would never pay $800 for them. You can do much better with that money at a good custom builder or look at Cujo's advice.
Check out the weightweenies website.