Originally Posted by
littlewing6283
my experience with Forte Titans is they were very flexy. I was not satisfied with them so I returned them. I assume it would be an ok training wheel but those are my thoughts
OP I was in a similar position with a similar budget. I ended up going with Easton EC90SL's from a friend and had a custom wheelset built. Still waiting for the custom wheelset.
I test rode some Zipp 101s this weekend and they were great. Great enough to spend 1300 on ? Not for me. They rolled really well though.
In the end its your money but out of all the bike goodies ive purchased a new set of hoops always makes me happy.
Are wheels worth it ? imo yes. I have a couple sets of wheels and I do notice a difference. When you talk times it may not be a huge difference. Some wheels are stiffer, some wheel accelerate better, some wheels I can hold speed just a little easier.
If everything else is in top condition (motor, components, rider skill...) then maybe wheels would make a SLIGHT difference to a competitive racer. But the OP would NEVER notice a difference as a casual rider doing the occasional century and local fun rides. Sounds like he just wants to spend some money.
To answer the OP's question...a rider like you (casual, fun, local rider) gets bling and maybe some oohs and ahhhs. That is all.