I bought a 2013 Cannondale Synapse 5 105 in September. Since I have ridden 1035 miles. All hilly and several true mountains. I currently have a 11-34 cassette and on the mountains I am using the 34 cog (50/34 compact). However on the hills stuff I have stopped using the 34 and use the 30 cog at most.

I am beginning upgrading at LOW budget. I have already replaced the stock tires with Michelin pro4 service 25mm. I gained 1 mph. I am averaging just over 15 mph on 30 mile rides (elevation changes of around 1400feet).

I am thinking about getting new wheels. I'd really like to get Fulcrum Quattros, but I do a lot of crosswind stuff. I thought about the Fulcrum 5s but now I am thinking I better just get Mavic Aksuims as that is what I can afford. I just want to know if you think the Maviks are an upgrade worth it from the stock tires of Shimano RS10s. I just want to get faster. Or what do you think of the Quattros? Plus I think I will change tires again to the 23mm as nearly all my riding is smooth roads - still Michelin Pro4 Service.

Also on the cassette end. I am getting stronger, but I am a mountain climber. I am thinking about putting back the stock cassette on 12-30. Or do you think I should go with a 11-32 as I am still struggling on the mountains. Although we have steeper I am concentrating on the mountains with average of 8% grades (over 3-5 miles). Planning on doing a lot of mountain training this winter/spring. I am working up to my first century in May - the 3 State 3 Mountain out of Chattanooga, TN. I have already completed a 70 miler with over 5,000 feet of elevation.

I am not a small girl although I am smaller than when I first started riding my hybrid in May - changing to road bike in September (total of 2000 miles with 104,000 ft elevation hybrid+road bike) I have lost 30 lbs - I was a big girl then. I could still stand to lose 20lbs more

So what do you think?