I agree with this. The first bike I bought new (in 2006) came with entry level, but reliable wheels. They were heavy, but they rolled just fine. After riding some friends' bikes with higher end aluminum wheels, I decided to get a set, and bought some good used wheels on ebay. The difference in feel on the same bike with the same tires was dramatic. The handling of the bike changed immensely for the better. It turned in more quickly and seemed to accelerate better out of slow corners. It almost felt to me like the bike wanted to wheelie compared to the stock wheels. The lighter, stiffer wheels made no measurable difference in my actual speed, but the improved responsiveness made riding that much more enjoyable.


Now, I also have a set of 45mm carbon wheels. While they are stiffer still than the aluminum wheels, they weigh almost exactly the same, so they don't feel any more responsive. I can feel the extra stiffness when riding, but they don't really alter the overall feel of the bike. They do move around when it's windy, and they don't brake as well from high speeds. But they sure look awesome!


So, I agree, for most people, decent aluminum wheels are a really good choice for all around riding.