Hello guys:

I appreciate your experience and knowledge. I recently purchased a 2006 Cannondale Aero Slice Ironman series tribike. The wheelset on it currently is as follows: Mavic 75 Ksyrium Sl. I am happy with the wheelset for training purposes but am cornfused on which direction to go with purchasing a set for raceday. I'm strictly an amateur but enjoy speed especially during raceday. I have done only Olympic distance but am considering moving on to Full Ironman. Anyway, I weigh 165 lbs. With the current wheelset, I have had the bike up to 35.6 mph (slight downhill, mostly straightaway) and am very out of shape having recently recovered from shoulder surgery. Back to training and racing! So, here is my question: I want to be able to compare wheelsets by price and return on investment. How much improvement on performance and speed am I getting for my money? Do you know of any website that has charts, ratings etc...? I know you get what you pay for and if I had lotsa piles of cash I'd just go spend a couple grand and I'm sure I'd be satisfied. However, I paid $700 for the bike and I want to be careful that I don't overspend when buying racing wheels. I want the largest jump in performance for the least amount of money. I will not spend more than $1000 for a raceday wheelset. I'd prefer to spend much less if possible (this is where a comparison chart would be really helpful). What are your thoughts? Thanks for your input in advance!

Despite the claims of manufacturers, hardware differences play a small roll in performance times.

However, since you want spend, consider aero profiles as more important than weight since you're basically time trialling on a fairly flat course. If these are going to be reserve strictly for competition, you can go with low spoke count wheels, since their lack of easy serviceability won't be an issue (unless you crash).

I don't get involved in brands so won't steer you, except to remind you that as you get into better wheels, the differences as you move up become very expensive quickly, for only marginal benefit. So don't feel compelled to go beyond what you have budgeted. The rest is a matter of getting the engine working at full power.

Thanks for the quick response! That's exactly what my wife said ("...hardware differences play a small role...getting the engine working at full power").

Safe riding!

Dan

You may be able to find other competitors "hand me downs" for very reasonable prices as you work up in the sport.

Hands down, your fitness is by far that greatest single factor in your speed.

That being said, if you're considering a wheelset, I highly recommend Neuvation Cycles. I've bought wheels from them several times. The quality and price are great, but the customer service can't be beat. They have carbon wheelsets for around $1000.

https://www.neuvationcycling.com/prod...-clincher-1364