I have a cheap set of SuperTeam wheels on one of my bikes. An old aluminum frame job. The wheels are 50mm deep and weigh about 1600 grams. They're UCI approved, stiff, the Powerway hubs are robust, and with clincher GP5000s the bike frickin' flies. The wheels are faster and stiffer than a high-end pair of aluminum wheels that weigh less. So, I think it's more about aero dynamics and maybe the "flex" of a rim. You can get a basic set of Superteam Classic wheels - the ones I have - for under $400. Look at Light Bicycle also. Or go to the used market. I picked up a sweet set of DT 1400's for under $1,000, lightly used.