This time last year I purchased a used Specialized Allez Sport that had the original stock wheels on it. There was evidence on at least 1 spoke that had been replaced on the rear wheel. I now have about 1200 to 1300 added miles on the bike and I have to replace my old stock Alex rear wheel off my bike. Richtey hub is worn and it is shearing spokes, so not worth the hassles. I have read most of the recent wheelset threads like the $300 wheelset discussion recently on here, as well as some of the reviews and discussions on some other forums.

I am looking at somewhere in the $200-$250 dollar price range for these wheels. They would be my only (for now at least- no backups) wheels ( the stock Alex front wheel could be a back-up but I have never had any front wheel problems in all my years of riding -23 or so- some mountain biking back in the days- now most all road miles). Been through 3 or 4 rear wheels in that time.

I weight 170 pounds and maybe fluctuate 5 pounds each way. I do not race- 3 to 4 days a week max of group rides during the season. I do not figure up the weight of each item on my bike in grams and worry about the total- as a matter of fact I have not even weighted the bike I am on. But do hear many comment that a light weight wheelset can be a big improvement. Black would be nice but not willing to pay substantially more for it over Silver.

So the options found in the end of year sales are:

Safe but heavy choice- Mavic Open Pro with Shimano Ultregra, 32 spoke count on these from everything I have read. $250 or so depending on the sales and shipping.

Mavic Askuim - read some so-so comments on these from Mavic, but the price is right.

MAVIC KYSRIUM EQUIPE probably the last of the Mavic that would be in my price range, a few deals out there

Easton EA50 Wheelset- price is right around $200 including shipping with a closeout sale out there right now

Easton Circuit (EA70 I think??) - I think this is the next step up in the Easton line

Neuvation - Probably the M28 series with many lovers of this wheel, but not sure on the low spoke count and longevity (Sure would be an issue for heavier riders from what I have read) Very competitive price wise- but not the cheapest out there for sure.

Fulcrum Race 5- red hubs would be nice and flashy, but everything I have looked at seem to be solid wheels for their price. Seeing mostly closer to $300 and up price range for these.

Fulcrum Race 7- seem to be heavy for the price range- not sure if there would be any reason for these over say the Race 5 wheels.

Bicycle Wheel Warehouse Blackset Race Ten Wheel Set- 28 spoke rear, 24 spoke front that are a little on the high side of my price range- $350 but hand built from what I have read.

Vuelta- know little about their offerings but some great deals out there with their stuff- Zerolite Comp Wheelset 24 spoke front and rear w ball bearing hubs

PSIMET- sent him a request for a price with his reply - Front=Novatech A141 hub laced to a Kinlin XR-300 rim 28f/2X using DT-Comp-Black spokes and DT-12mm-Brass-Silver nipples
Rear=Novatech F162 hub with Shimano freehub body laced to a Kinlin XR-300 rim 32r/3X using DT-Comp-Black spokes on the Drive Side and laced 3X using DT-Comp-Black spokes on the Non-Drive Side and DT-12mm-Brass-Silver nipples
Estimated weight should be in the neighborhood of ~1760g for the set and the quoted price is $299. Not sure of his back-order and delivery time either at this point.

So spoke count and hub are some of the factors that make this way too hard for me to come to a final decision. I am not sure I need 32 spoke count, but some of the other extremes of 20 front and 24 rear could be an issue- unless it is a good hand build from what I have concluded in many discussions on here and elsewhere. Between weight and reliability I have to go with the reliability due to not having a full set of back-up wheels.