I dropped just about a pound with my new wheels, from 2000 grams to 1550. I did notice a quicker steering response when I was avoiding stuff on the road. They "feel" a little faster, I suppose. But the difference in weight is less than a full water bottle, which is 650 grams. I can't tell the difference on climbs when my bottle is empty.
My old rims had some cracked spoke holes, after 18,000 miles. I paid extra for strong hubs (White Industries) and strong rims (the usual narrow rims from a few years ago)
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For ride comfort, air pressure makes much more of a difference than the wheels do.
I weigh about 170 pounds, and use 105-110 psi rear and 95-100 front with 23c tires. Lately, I've been riding 25c Continental GP4000 tires at 100-105 rear, and 85-90 psi front. It's a very plush ride that really soaks up rough roads. About the only downside is I think I can see a little slower steering response.
The new wider rims are one good reason to upgrade. They allow more air volume in the tire, so the pressure can be lowered. A 23c tire on the wide rims should be similar to a 25c on older narrow rims.
Last edited by rm -rf; 02-12-14 at 06:43 PM.