Wheels won't help you on an A group ride. If it is a group ride and not hammer ride, the load share should be pretty regulated. Meaning you'll work the front minimally and surging isn't so bad.

In other words, aero and lightweight wheels in a peloton mean ****.

In a race, you might be on front in a breakaway let's say with two others. On front, an aero wheel and good tire/tube could mean the difference between being comfortably numb and hanging on by your fingernails.

I wouldn't buy wheels for an A group ride. Ours often has "A", and a few of us "hammer" the hill sections. I've dropped the group while riding my cyclocross bike with some pretty large Gatorskins.

I got some used aero wheels locally for $400. I use them on the road bike and to train on the TT bike.

If you have the money anyway, by all means get what you want. Some light aero wheels look great. But don't be surprised it not making any difference on the A group ride.

Come to the "33" forum to talk equipment for racing.

For recreation riding, it boils down to what do you want and can afford. Not any real effectiveness.