I've been reading quite a few threads on wheelsets lately. However, since all situations are unique, here's my request for opinions on a new wheelset.

I'm age 50 and started racing this year after a 28 year hiatus from racing. Also, three years ago I weighed 280 lbs. I now weigh 170 lbs. and will lose another 10-15 lbs. this winter. I'm 6 ft. tall. I'm not a particularly fast racer (45+4 category racer and not great genes), but I've been using a PowerTap for the past two years and my training and fitness are improving (265 current FTP). The PowerTap is attached to a DT Swiss 585 rim, 28 spoke 3x. The wheel is solid and bullet-proof. I ride this wheel (and a comparable front wheel) for both training and racing. I have a spare Mavic Kysrium (SL?) wheelset I use as a spare, but I rarely use it since I'm addicted to watts (PowerTap). I train and race in Colorado. I hate crits, but love hills and TTs. I ride a lot of hills and mountains. I like TTs, but I race so few of them that a deep aero wheel isn't what I want/need. My bike is an old Vail Cycle Works custom Ti frame. The fit is good.

I want lighter wheels. Come March or April, I plan to sell my PowerTap and buy the new Garmin Vector; I know - new and expensive technology. However, I need new pedals (I have old Keywin pedals now), so this option sound intriguing compared to Quarq. I have nothing against PowerTap, but I would like the option of using other wheelsets and still ride with power. To offset the cost, I'll sell my PowerTap, leaving me with the Kysriums. Most likely I'll use the Kysriums for training and buy a new wheelset for racing/summer training. As a teacher I have some disposable income, but not a lot. I'd like to keep costs reasonable.

So, given my history what wheels would you recommend for me and why?

Aluminum? Carbon? Hybrid? Brands? Weights? Clincher? Tubular (I used to ride tubular in the 1970-1980s)?

Other options? Perhaps I'm just a "fred" for wanting to sell my PowerTap for lighter wheels. Thoughts on this matter?

Thank you.

Michael



Wanting to ride lighter wheels