The Shimanos look good light weight and durable yet they cost 50% less than a good carbon set-up.

Probably won't be good enough for Pcad Schwag-wise, but a cheaper way to try out the Shimano's would be to get the RS80s (Ultegra level I believe). Basically the Dura Ace Carbon/Alloy rim with Ultegra hubs. A bit over 1500g or so, and under $500 from Wiggle (not sure about shipping etc.)

I looked at those. Intriguing. But not sufficiently Schwagdelic. But I like your thinking, even if your user name is mis-spelled.

This is a hypothetical; however, lets say both the DA clinchers and the RS80s are both lacking.

Worst case, which one would be able to recoup the most money?

It was pretty clear to me which one to get.

Plus, let's face it, wheels that say Dura Ace are better for posing in front of the coffee shop.

The only coffee shop I ever go to after rides is the 7/11 in Hillsdale, NJ, where the NJ clientele sometimes mock us for looking ridiculous. The Zipp and Dura Ace wheels cut no ice with those guys. There's nobody to pose for there. But the coffee is cheap, it's good, and we generally can solve the World Economic Crisis over a cup o Joe and the three chocolate chip cookie packs we scarf down before our return to Wyckoff.

i really liked my Elan Aero's. Looks like this is the current model: https://www.rolfprima.com/products-Elan.php

still nice and light (1345g). I got mine for < $800. If you've beeb packing on the extra pounds this winter and need something a little sturdier, there's this one:https://www.rolfprima.com/products-ElanRS.php at 1420g.

I think the big ZIPP lettering and others are over done, it reminds me of a cheap hot rod a kid would drive with white racing stripes and spinners.

Those Shimano wheels are VERY classy and understated. Sharp looking.

By the way, I'm fitting them with a D.A. 7900 cassette, which shaves another 45 grams or so. So between the lighter wheels and cassette, that's nearly a half pound weight reduction on the Scott. That doesn't suck. That Addict should be under 16 lbs with clinchers and Ultegra, which is light enough for Uncle Pcad.

But still, it's no cervelo.

Regardless, if I'm riding a bicycle the entire brand is imbued in that Pcad Cyclng Zen Aura.

Another term I learned from taking all those Art History classes at NYU. Nothing prepares you for blowhard prose in this life quite like College Art History classes and the stupid essay questions about paintings and art on the midterm and final exams. God help me what a bullshlitfest.

Bad news, man, this is where my generation learned about imbuing: https://www.diablo3.nl/diablo2/