Originally Posted by
SkinnyLegs
It makes perfect sense not to invest in $1000 race wheels if you've never done a race. Most new racers find they have very big holes in their fitness or handling skills which no amount of trick gear will overcome. So racing with expensive wheels is just a liability to their wallet at that point. Especially in Cat 5 which is the most crash prone of all categories.
OP if you walked up to a bunch of cyclists at a race around here and explained that you wanted to buy some race wheels before doing your first race, the overwhelming response would be "Just get out there and race, don't worry about the equipment." I doubt you'd find even one guy who thinks it would be a good idea for you to drop $1000 on wheels beforehand.
I started my comments with he doesn't need them,and he can race what he's got. I also prefaced my comments with don't race what you can't afford to break.
All that said, if he has the coin, and wants new wheels, its a reasonable expenditure that has multiple benefits, including being able to trian when a wheel is being repaired, not having to fix a flat when you find your tire flat and you have 45 minutes to sneak in a ride, and having a set of wheels for the wheel pit.
So it's not necessary, but its nice if you can afford it.
THe answer in part depends on how much $699 means to you. If that is a major out lay, then you start falling into the "Don't race what you can't replace..." If its a fraction of a week's pay, then its not a big deal.