Originally Posted by jamesdak

Well, I love light, aero wheels as much as the next rider and sweet newer 11 speed setups.

But look at all the bikes above and what I've been able to do with them as an average rider who obviously cannot ride a bike to it's full potential. See anything above that says for an average rider the wheels and components make a difference?

I mean when my 7 speed DT, boxed tubular equipped Opus III can equal or better the times of bikes several pounds lighter with aero carbon wheels and 11 speed modern components I think it means for most of us mere mortals there really isn't a lot to be gained by new tech.

That said....I am still going to configure and buy those super light carbon wheels for the Cannondale. Gotta have at least one bike in the 16 lb range even if it doesn't go any faster.