So I finally decided to make the plunge and get a road bike. (I have been lurking here for months). I went to my local Performance Bike shop and they have a 2008 Fuji Roubaix they are willing to sell me for $700. I can get the 2009 Roubaix for $800. The only difference between the 2008 and 2009 (besides color scheme) is the wheelset.

2008: Formula (XeroWheels) CXR-6
2009: Alex Alx-200

I am trying to figure out which wheel is considered more valuable, but I'm not finding any real info from my internet searches (including this forum). If the Alex Wheels are worth more than $100 more than the Formulas, then the deal is better on the 2009. Personally I like the black color on the Alex wheels over the silver of the Formulas, but that is the only comparison I can make between the two, which is too superficial to really make a decision on.

Can anyone please provide some input on how to figure this out? I plan to keep this bike for a long time (hopefully 10+ years) so I don't mind paying an extra $100 for the bike, especially if it's actually a better value.

Neither are great wheels. Im sure both work equally well.

You'll almost certainly replace the wheels before ten years have passed. Stock wheels on intro level bikes usually aren't too good. You'll either replace them because you'll want something better, or if you're riding enough miles they'll eventually wear out.

Then again, if you really get into riding on the road you'll probably get a different bike before then, too.

The wheels are inexpensive wheels on a sub $1000 bike so I wouldn't stress too much over the differences. Performance will true them every month for you if you need.

To be honest- Just buy the bike that fits better and start saving for new wheels. Neither of the sets mentioned are top rate but they will do for a year or so. When you have to retrue them frequently-Get better wheels. By that time you will be riding hard enough to need them.

My OCR3 came with formual hubs and Alex rims. It took 6 monthe before I needed better wheels

I wouldn't pay $100 extra to get the Alex wheels, for less than $200 you could buy a much nicer wheelset.

Get the cheaper one.

If it was me, I'd be buying a better wheelset soon anyway, so I'd save the $100.

My bike actually has those Alex Alx 200 wheels and they're adequate. Their stated weight is 1980 grams, about as much as many 32-spoke wheels which is interesting because the alex wheels have 20 front/24 rear spokes.

I don't see much reason to pay $100 get them.

Excellent feedback everyone. Thanks a lot.
Being a newb, it was hard for me to tell if saving the $100 was "real" savings or not. It sounds like the wheels are close enough to each other that I shouldn't worry about it. I'm going to save the $100 and buy the 2008 Roubaix! I'm heading to the bike shop right now to put my cash down. I'll post pics when I get it! Thanks again all...

Very Cool! Ride the He#L out of it! Congratulations...... let the spending begin

As promised, here is a pic of my new baby! The pedals are just the test-ride pedals for now. I am having toe-clips put on as we speak. The Performance Bike shop was nice enough to let me use their test pedals until I could come back and have the toe clips installed.

I know toe clips are considered passe by many roadies, but being my first pure road bike, I want to keep costs down and take baby steps. Also, I plan to commute on the bike so it is just more convenient to use regular sneakers for me.

both are probable ultimately made by the same sweat shop... go cheap unless you wanna feel a *little* better about yourself.