Originally Posted by
pgjackson
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.
I disagree here, just because OP is a casual rider and doesn't race doesn't mean he won't see a difference in a quality set of wheels. Stiffness while climbing, spin up speed from a dead spot, hub quality, how aero wheels are at speed are all categories you should notice a difference in depending on what kind of wheels you get. Maybe you don't feel a difference between a set of Forte wheels and some Williams carbon clinchers or any other higher end wheel for example but high chances most will, racer or not.