Spend my money - new wheels
 

So I'm thinking of buying a new set of wheels.

In the past I've mainly done TT-type stuff; but my favorite race by far is RR; and I'd like to do better. On the other hand, TT's and Crits around here outnumber RR's about 10:1.

I currently have a set of clincher American Classic 350's and a CXP 33 with a standard powertap. I'm going to buy a used PT SL 'soon' and plan on lacing it in to a rim... which is where this thread comes in.

So what would you buy for your (almost) only set of wheels? Zipp 404's (or equivalent)? Let's throw away anything that costs over $2K to begin with, and see how things go.

I'm in serious need of some placebo effect, people. Help me satisfy my need.

All around wheel under $2000. Zipp 404 tubulars FTW.

Pick your rear rim before you buy a PT hub. The vast majority of PT SLs that come up for sale are 32 hole, and the vast majority of rear aero rims are not 32 hole. :(

I bought a 32 hole "Clydesdale" version of the 404 (can't remember the number) with a PT Pro hub recently. I've got another set of training PT wheels, but I have found myself riding the carbon rims quite a bit just for the bling effect. :)

Why would you race a PT hub?

for the wattage data in a race

kind of heavy.

Kind of flat around here, too.

If it is fairly flat where you are, I'd go with a deep section carbon clincher - like a Zipp 404 clincher. That gives you a good stiff, aero wheel and you won't have to deal with tubulars. The only drawbacks are that they are heavier than the tubular equivalent, and maybe the feel or handling isn't quite as good, depending on your tastes.

You could also do just fine with less expensive, slightly less aero aluminum clincher wheels.

Yeah, I know. I've got half a thought to just buy some 30 mm aluminum rims and call it a day. Of course, I already have 25 mm aluminum rims, so I'm not sure what it'd buy me.

Here's where I say: I'm not convinced I should buy anything; and you say: WHAT? How could you NOT consider some more bike bling?