Road Cycling - 2003 allez 24 wheel upgrade

Hello, this is my first post. I love this site!

I've had an Allez 24 since last August and put about 1000 miles on it so far.
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5865&JServSessionIdroot=xw4c0aerft.j27004

I love the bike for the price. It seems to me that the best upgrade to invest in is a good set of wheels, but I don't have a whole lot to spend. I am looking at Mavics offerings.
http://www.mavic.com/servlet/srt/mavic/road-prod?lg=uk

I am confused about machined vs. hand-built wheels. For example, what are the pros/cons of a Cosmos wheelset vs. a Open Pro/Ultegra wheelset? What wheels would be worth putting on this bike? Any comments on the Alex wheels that I am currently riding?

Thanks,
Russ

Basicaly Machined wheels can come from the factory not properly tensioned. So is a good idea to have a LBS check them out and relieve and retension them. I think you would be hard pressed to find a negative against the mavic's or ultegra/open pro wheelset.. you might also look at velomax wheelsets they have gotten some good reviews and price is very good.


What is your budgent on wheels would be a good starting point? The Alex wheels are not bad wheelset at all, you cand find lighter and more aero wheels out there though.

I think maybe $200-300. How noticeable a difference do you think I could get for that price?

In $300 price range you have choice of open/ultegra wheelset, Shimano R540.. Mavic Cosmos.. Campagnolo Proton.. Cane Creek Crono.. Velomax Circuit.. to namea few choices.. How big a difference.. will be a decent differences.. Each person is different and I have not riden your wheelset so I can't say how much you will notice to be honest though.

the stock 03 low end allez wheels stink. I would say look on ebay if you want some "nice" wheels only a season old. I have Rolf Vector Pros and i love them. I would say anything is better than the ones you have on there now, and for 200-300$ you can get/make a good set of wheels.

I would ask your lbs, what they can offer for building them, it might be cheaper than buying them.

good luck!

-Ross

Colorado Cycle has a sale running on Cosmos that would keep the wheels below $200 if you can live with silver rims. I may get a set as I like the price and dont worry too much about weight. Havent tried the Cosmos but have the Clasic SSC wheels and think they are great.

CC does an excellent job on wheels. I have purchased two sets of Open Pros they built up for me and was very pleased with both. The Cosmos is a good deal. I am currently on a Ksyrium Elites and think they are great, as well. But I hear good things about Campy, Velomax and Bontrager, as well.

the stock 03 low end allez wheels stink. I would say look on ebay if you want some "nice" wheels only a season old. I have Rolf Vector Pros and i love them. I would say anything is better than the ones you have on there now, and for 200-300$ you can get/make a good set of wheels.

I would ask your lbs, what they can offer for building them, it might be cheaper than buying them.

good luck!

-Ross

I wouldn't get wheels off of ebay. its hard to know what type of condition they are in. there might be flat spots, etc from mistreatment.

That said, I got the excel sports "cirrus" wheelset for $295. It is an open-pro, dura-ace, and DT revolution combo. I really like it a lot, and it is really light.

Thanks for all the advice!