Originally Posted by badamsjr

After re-reading maddmaxx's post, I remembered another possibility. I got a set of Williams '19' wheels which are light and strong, and come stock with ceramic bearings. They might be a little higher than your stated $450 budget, but are semi-custom, and I doubt you will get better service from lesser wheels. I have mine set up with Tufo tubular clinchers, and save them for events. The Mavics I earlier posted about are my everyday riding/training wheels.