Hybrid Bicycles - upgrade tires and wheels OR drivetrain?

I own a Cannondale Quick 4.
I love the bike and have no complaints.
...and I have some in-store credit at my lbs.

If my desire is to make my Quick faster...
Would you upgrade the tires and wheels?
or
Would you upgrade the drivetrain?
I have about $250 in store credit and am willing to add another $50.

Specs:
Frame - Quick, butted 6061 alloy, SAVE
Fork - Quick Carbon Blades, 1 1/8 steerer
Crank - Shimano M151, 48/38/28
Chain - KMC Z72
Rims - Element Xero C3 Wheelset
Spokes - DT Aluminum Nipples
Tires - Kenda Kwick Trax 700X38c
Pedals - Quick Reinforced Compostie w/ Kraton, by Wellgo
Bottom Bracket - Tange Cartridge
Rear Cogs - Sunrace CSM668, 11-32, 8 Speed
F Derailleur - Shimano M191
R Derailleur - Shimano Alivio
Shifters - Shimano Alivio
Handlebars - Cannondale C4, 6061 Alloy, 25mm rise
Stem - Cannondale C4, 6061 Alloy
Headset - Tange Custom Si
Brakes - Tektro TX 120 V Brakes
Seat Post - Cannondale C4 6061Alloy,27.2mm
Wheel Rims - Element Xero C3 Wheelset
Nipples - DT Spokes
Saddle - Cannondale Quick Ergo Performance

It sounds to me like your biggest concern is going faster, and not an issue with the existing drive train. Therefore, I cast my vote for wheels. Wheels are always a noticeable improvement.

Wheels (tires).
You can upgrade the drivetrain as it wears out/play with gearing, but wheels/tires you will notice/feel immediately.
That is all.

I would also research tires... Maybe a place like this is a starting point:

http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires

Check out the marathon racer half way down the page...

Mikey

If my desire is to make my Quick faster...
Would you upgrade the tires and wheels?
or
Would you upgrade the drivetrain?

Get an Easton Circuit wheelset off eBay for about $200. These are even better than the current 70 series and retailed for $500 to $600. But, if you are serious about riding faster, then just follow the great Eddy Merckx's advice .... "ride lots". It will pay greater dividends.

Tires (700 x 28 ish), compact road crank, shorter BB to correct chain line, and Shimano R440 front derailleur (road bike radius with mountain cable throw). Depending on choices should be $250-300. BB will prolly be a 107mm length.

The OP said he had store credit so I don't think ebay purchase suggestions help. I could be wrong however.

A computer with heart rate and cadence. It'll help you upgrade the engine. ;)

I usually don't bother "upgrading" anything on a bike until it's broken.

The OP said he had store credit so I don't think ebay purchase suggestions help. I could be wrong however.

Oops ... right you are, although $300 at a brick & mortar LBS won't get one much of a wheelset.

You got me looking for Circuits by the way. I have Easton EA 50's now and really like them, and I know that the Circuits should be a nice step up. Finding a deal on them gives me another reason to build another bike.

Tyres definitely - wheels maybe but at that price you probably won't notice a huge difference. Clipless pedals and shoes would probably help you acheive your higher speed goal as well.

If it were me, I'd be getting some thinner tyres (28mm will probably fit, any thinner and you'd probably run into problems), clipless pedals and shoes.

Daven

I ride a trek 7.2fx that came with 700x35 invert tread tires ( wire beads) that would max at 80 psi. My fastest average for my daily 21 mile loop was 14.5 mph. I swapped them out for 700x30 almost slicks with kevlar beads that inflate to 100 psi. I now average more than 16 mph and didn't sacrifice any stability or comfort. Skinnier and harder will be faster and you can spend the rest when you need to fix something.

I also say go with tires.....and clipless pedals and shoes.
This tire comes in 28,32 & 35 pick your poison and have fun.

Michelin Pilot Sport 700x35c Reflective Tire

The important thing is the 'SPORT' in the name....

Thanks for all the info.

Do you think upgrading to these very affordable wheels would be a noticeable improvement over the stock wheels on the Quick 4 (Rims - Element Xero C3 Wheelset)?

http://www.mavic.com/en/product/wheels/road-triathlon/wheels/Aksium