This time last year I purchased a used Specialized Allez Sport that had the original stock wheels on it. There was evidence on at least 1 spoke that had been replaced on the rear wheel. I now have about 1200 to 1300 added miles on the bike and I have to replace my old stock Alex rear wheel off my bike. Richtey hub is worn and it is shearing spokes, so not worth the hassles. I have read most of the recent wheelset threads like the $300 wheelset discussion recently on here, as well as some of the reviews and discussions on some other forums.

I am looking at somewhere in the $200-$250 dollar price range for these wheels. They would be my only (for now at least- no backups) wheels ( the stock Alex front wheel could be a back-up but I have never had any front wheel problems in all my years of riding -23 or so- some mountain biking back in the days- now most all road miles). Been through 3 or 4 rear wheels in that time.

I weight 170 pounds and maybe fluctuate 5 pounds each way. I do not race- 3 to 4 days a week max of group rides during the season. I do not figure up the weight of each item on my bike in grams and worry about the total- as a matter of fact I have not even weighted the bike I am on. But do hear many comment that a light weight wheelset can be a big improvement. Black would be nice but not willing to pay substantially more for it over Silver.

So the options found in the end of year sales are:

Safe but heavy choice- Mavic Open Pro with Shimano Ultregra, 32 spoke count on these from everything I have read. $250 or so depending on the sales and shipping.

Mavic Askuim - read some so-so comments on these from Mavic, but the price is right.

MAVIC KYSRIUM EQUIPE probably the last of the Mavic that would be in my price range, a few deals out there

Easton EA50 Wheelset- price is right around $200 including shipping with a closeout sale out there right now

Easton Circuit (EA70 I think??) - I think this is the next step up in the Easton line

Neuvation - Probably the M28 series with many lovers of this wheel, but not sure on the low spoke count and longevity (Sure would be an issue for heavier riders from what I have read) Very competitive price wise- but not the cheapest out there for sure.

Fulcrum Race 5- red hubs would be nice and flashy, but everything I have looked at seem to be solid wheels for their price. Seeing mostly closer to $300 and up price range for these.

Fulcrum Race 7- seem to be heavy for the price range- not sure if there would be any reason for these over say the Race 5 wheels.

Bicycle Wheel Warehouse Blackset Race Ten Wheel Set- 28 spoke rear, 24 spoke front that are a little on the high side of my price range- $350 but hand built from what I have read.

Vuelta- know little about their offerings but some great deals out there with their stuff- Zerolite Comp Wheelset 24 spoke front and rear w ball bearing hubs

PSIMET- sent him a request for a price with his reply - Front=Novatech A141 hub laced to a Kinlin XR-300 rim 28f/2X using DT-Comp-Black spokes and DT-12mm-Brass-Silver nipples
Rear=Novatech F162 hub with Shimano freehub body laced to a Kinlin XR-300 rim 32r/3X using DT-Comp-Black spokes on the Drive Side and laced 3X using DT-Comp-Black spokes on the Non-Drive Side and DT-12mm-Brass-Silver nipples
Estimated weight should be in the neighborhood of ~1760g for the set and the quoted price is $299. Not sure of his back-order and delivery time either at this point.

So spoke count and hub are some of the factors that make this way too hard for me to come to a final decision. I am not sure I need 32 spoke count, but some of the other extremes of 20 front and 24 rear could be an issue- unless it is a good hand build from what I have concluded in many discussions on here and elsewhere. Between weight and reliability I have to go with the reliability due to not having a full set of back-up wheels.

Save money and get the performance forte's on sale with a coupon. Then save up for better wheels for next year. You will have a better selection and quality if you are willing to go up to 400-500 bucks.

Also look at soul's website.

Delivery time for my order was six weeks. I think that others have had the same experience. Outstanding build quality and, IMO, very good price.

You're a big guy who's looking for a set of everyday wheels. I weigh 155 and went with 32 holes for reliability and longevity. IMO save the low spoke count beauties for your race day set.

He's 170 and that's hardly big. I weight 165 and ride an average of 6 days a week with several thousand miles a year training and racing everyday with Zipps. They are four years old and I've never touched them

I can have any low count spoke wheel for race day- as I do not race any more....but how important would a 2100 gram wheelset be vs say a 1700 gram for training rides and the like.

I'm 215 lbs and have a thousand kilometers on a set of 16/24 spoke Ultegra wheels that I just couldn't pass up. They can be had for $350ish on the bay. I've hit some potholes, branches, RR tracks and expansion joints but so far they are rock solid and perfectly true.

"how important would a 2100 gram wheelset be vs say a 1700 gram"

OP, add your bike, if it weights 20 pounds with the 1700 gram wheelset, to your 170 pound weight, for a total of 190 pounds.

With a 2100 gram wheelset, you'd be at a little under, what, 191 pounds. That's ever so slightly less a 1% difference in total weight of you and your bike.

Thus the importance you ask about, in practical, everyday riding terms, is nonexistent. Which means the list of choices you want us to ponder over is meaningless. Buy some new wheels, any wheels, ride them and enjoy them.

Actually, it's about 0.5%. (1 lb difference in about 200 lbs)

And yes, it's possible that you'll be able to feel the difference, especially accelerating. I know I can feel the difference between a set of wheels that I have that's over 2100 g and another set that's about 1700 g. It's not a significant difference, though, so outside the mental aspects it's not really anything to worry about.

You' might notice the difference when accelerating, tho it looks like Psimet is suggesting a reasonably light set with a spoke count that should give you what would be essentially forever wheels and for a price that you're comfortable with. Unless you see something that would give you even more reliability, they look like a good buy.

Don't forget though that we're talking about rotational weight - which is more significantly felt than a static weight saving. As others have said, notably during acceleration. I don't think you'll find anyone who has regretted purchasing an upgraded, lighter wheelset.

Ride quality a factor for you?

Accelerating quickly is important in a crit or road race. It's not as much of a factor for maintaining a speed that's relatively constant.

The OP doesn't race. Therefore, the .5-1% difference in overall weight reduction with lighter wheels won't make a noticeable difference.

As for climbing, here's a link (I don't know the accuracy of the claim): "On a 9-mile climb up an 8% grade, for example, lightweight wheels that are each about 200 grams lighter [as per the OP's question] than aero wheels will provide you with a 30-yard advantage by the time you reach the top.

I am not discouraging the OP from purchasing a new wheelset, because having nice things brings us pleasure.

Of course- especially in longer rides, previous ride was a Chromoly steel frame and the aluminum with the carbon front fork does have some different feel to it. Do not want a set of wheels that will transmit every little bump and jolt of the road.

Still reading reviews and watching for sales - thinking a 28 spoke rear wheel and 24 spoke front would be a good compromise over the 2 other choices- 32 spoke Mavic or similar beefier or the other extreme- 20 or 24 spoke rear and 18 or 20 spoke front which while lighter in most cases seem to be to extreme.