Upgrading wheels for first triathlon

[TomBouch]

I have a Specialized road bike with ksyrium equippes (1840 grams.) I would like to upgrade my wheels for my upcoming first tri. I don't want to spend more than $500 and am looking at used wheelsets on ebay. It appears that my best options are:

1. Rolf Prima Vigors, $500
2 .Neuvation R28 Aero, $400 new
3. Bontrager Race X-lite Aero, $500
4. American Classic 420, $500

Any suggestions or better options? I will be training and racing on the same wheels.

[TomBouch]

I am also considering some less expensive options.

1. Bontager Race Lite, $250
2. Performance Titan $130 (supposed to be the same as Neuvation M28 Aero's)

[munckee]

How long until your first tri? You best bet may be a set of velocity 30mm rims built with some decent hubs. If you have a little while before your race, you could probably piece them together by shopping on ebay and then paying someone to build them. Either way, I don't think finding a set $500 (even new, built to your specs) should be out of the question.

[jrennie]

of the wheels listed I would go with the 420s, it will be a nice blend of a more aero wheel that can also be used daily for trainning and regular road use. If you want to try a set of ultra zoomy high end race wheels, there is a company that rents them for just one race or a whole season.

You also listed a weight for the ksyrium equippes. Are you worried about weight or aero? Also have you adjusted your road bike for a more TT/tri position with aero bars(this will make much more of an impact than the wheels, provided you get some trainning in that position)

[jrennie]

www.racedaywheels.com

$135 to rent a set of wheels is kinda spendy but if you really want to see if they are going to make you faster without dropping $2100 then give it a whirl. same price for 404 or 999 so go big if you do it.