Originally Posted by
cplager
I would be surprised if you kept the same hub, tires, and pressure if you could really tell the difference. I can easily imagine that a better hub makes a huge difference. And I certainly know that different tires/pressure makes a huge difference as well.
(I suppose it's only fair to point out that I have been surprised in the past...
)
I've got a bunch of different wheelsets from the lightest at 1175 grams up to probably 1700 grams. A bike definitely feels lighter and more responsive with lighter wheels.
For example I have a pair of Zipp 404 clinchers, with Al rims that are reasonably heavy. You can feel a difference getting them up to speed compared to a light set of conventional wheels.
Admittedly, my anecdotal accounts of "feel" aren't scientific, and you could argue there's a plecebo effect. But even if it is a plecebo effect, whatever the ccause, lighter wheels are more fun to ride.