I have been following some of the wheel threads for a while.

I have a Giant OCR2 that came with Xero XSR-4 Lites. These weigh out about 2040 and have been solid as can be for 2-1/2 yrs and 5000+ miles. No maintenance, no worries.

It doesn't pay to upgrade much else on my bike but the wheelset and even then, I cannot spend a bunch of dollars. For argument' sake, let's say $350 max.

What I realize is that I'm not well versed in exacly goes into a wheelset. Yeah, yeah, I know it's a WHEEL, but where I always thought that you just get a finished product, I'm reading about different rims, with various hubs, spoke counts, etc. that can be mixed and matched.

So, I'd like someone to briefly explain to me how all of this fits together.

Secondly, as has been asked before, I think the OP/Ultegra product at Performance is in my price range, however doesn't that weigh out around 1800 gm? If so, I'm saving the difference of a water bottle. Is it worth it? The current wheelset seems okay.

After completing my Century last weekend, I'm having an easy week of little riding so far so this is how I'm staying in touch!

Thanks.

Sheldon