Originally Posted by
Wheever
Well, first off, if he was giving me "objective advice" it was gratuitous because I was *specifically* asking for recommendations for my *very specific* needs in a *very specific* price range. I wasn't asking "do you think I should buy new wheels?" Or, "will lighter wheels make me faster?" Or "do you think new wheels are a good investment?" I was asking if there were any great wheels that fit my specifications that I had missed on considering, before I pulled the trigger. (As it turned out, there was, and finding out about those wheels completely changed the wheels I was leaning towards, and made me hold off my purchase until they are available. These wheels are so interesting and so advanced both in engineering terms and target lightness--if they hit their spec--that they are a game changer for disc wheels. They aren't released yet, but I'm so intrigued that I put my money down so as to get in line.)
Second off, again, riding a bike is a *sensory* experience, and better, lighter wheels add to this. It isn't about "faster", it's about stiffer wheels improving handling, and wider wheels give many benefits and, though overall lighter wheels don't make one "faster", they do spin up more easily, and through that give a *sense* that one is accelerating faster and more easily. (Now, in fact, one is, but in reality not by much, but it is all about *perceived effort* and the overall experience. And contrary to the common wisdom that "once they spin up, all wheels are the same", we on bikes are *always* accelerating against drag and gravity.) And, finally, more aerodynamic wheels have a real, objectively demonstrable effect on aerodynamics and thus speed. And while I don't spend a lot of time over 20mph yet, I will. (I've only been riding a couple of years.)
As I said to the guy who was being such a curmudgeon: I like nice things because I like nice things; Riding for me is as much about taking pleasure in the overall experience as it is about improving my fitness or increasing my speed. That's why I have a nice bike, and a nice saddle, and nice shoes...etc.
Again, I really doubt you'll be any faster to any measurable degree with a new set of wheels.
All of your noticeable gains will come from becoming stronger, gaining more endurance and becoming more limber/flexible.
We all enjoy creature comforts and refinements, that's for sure. But that's a different issue from performance gains in terms of speed. I doubt new wheels make any difference for a recreational rider in that regard.
Are you racing? If so, faster wheels (more aero, rather than lighter) can help. Stiffer wheels are more predictable and safer.
There are tangible benefits to be sure, but if speed is the key concern, the benefits will be minute. Getting in shape is really the only way.
Also note that disc brakes exact a very large aero penalty and weigh at least a pound more than rim brakes.
In other words, you've already taken one or two measurable steps backwards because of your brakes. And new wheels may or may not be able to partially rectify that significant disadvantage.
That is is problem with gadgetry-itis. You are trying to fix one problem with new gadgetry, yet you create even more problems with new gadgetry. It's like watching a dog chasing it's own tail.