Debusama

I’m thinking that about $500 of my tax refund this year will to toward a set of race wheels. My OE Wheels are over 2,000g, and not particularly aerodynamic. I’d like to get some wheels that would be both lighter and a little more Aerodynamic. I don’t expect any immediately noticeable aero improvements from any of these wheels, but I am going to try to compete in the GC in some stage races this year, so the non-noticeable seconds gained from a “V” rim or bladed spokes will come in handy for time trials. Here are the front-runners:
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/210...lset--2010.htm
With the deepest V and bladed spokes, it’s probably the most "aero" option that will still offer significant weight savings in this price range.
https://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...-/prod_34.html
The lightest option (I would get the 1405g “Podium” option with the CX-ray spokes) I suspect these would be the stiffest wheels with the higher spoke count.
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...eelset+10.aspx
These are probably at the medium between the two, with the 31mm dish and a 1540g weight.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/131...Compatible.htm
These are an after thought… they look pretty similar to the others on paper (other than the price), and would allow me to use the rest of the money for other upgrades. The reviews I read on these were actually better than the others, but I’m sure expectations are lower for a wheel that costs half as much.

I’m a 165 lb second year cat-4 racer hoping to make cat-3 this year. Riding conditions in my area consist of a lot of rolling hills with occasional bigger climbs and almost always strong winds. I plan to train and do club rides on my current wheels, and throw on the new wheels for races (I already have a second cassette and race tires for them). I would love to hear about any thoughts or experiences with these wheels, or better deals for <$550.

hyperlitenerd

Check out Williams wheels
https://www.williamscycling.com/sys30.html

echappist

A custom made wheelset by psimet would be my choice. Contact Rob, and he'll build you a very nice set of wheels, and the weight is competitive with what these other companies offer.

You can go to wheelbuilder.com for the following spec. The set will be quite a bit cheaper if you spec them from Rob.

Front
20H White Industry W2 hub
Kinlin xr300 rim (all of those rims are probably just re-badged kinlin rims)
Sapim CX-ray spokes with brass nipples (don't go weight weenie on nipples)

Rear
24H White Inudstry W3 hub
Kinlin xr300 rim
Sapim CX-ray spokes with brass nipples

If you spend ~$100 more, you could probably get 38mm deep rims in the form of kinlin xr380 rims. They'll be ~200g heavier per set, but will be pretty bomb proof when done in a 20/24H configuration. If i were you, i'd get 38mm front and 30mm rear to maximize aero (2/3-3/4 of aero benefits is from the front wheel) and to shave 100g.

Edit: the kinlin set will be 1490g according to wheelbuilder.com

Debusama

Thanks, good info, I'll make sure to check out both Williams and Psimet.

brian416

A bit more than your budget, but Neuvation 50mm tubulars are only $600 and ~1450g

hodie21

contact psimet and also check out soul wheels. They have a set of aluminum clinchers that weigh about 1350 grams for $500.

Voyageur_guy

Doesn't get a lot of love around here but i really like Bicycle Wheel Warehouse. Light, high quality, and great prices

Debusama

Thanks for the advice all

After much agonizing, I just pulled the trigger on the Williams system 30s. While I was excited by the idea of custom wheels at first, I emailed Psimet and waited a week without response. I’m sure he is busy with a rush of late-winter orders from people like me who want wheels for the beginning of race season. I noticed that Williams’ claimed weight went from 1520 to 1580. I’ve read a bunch of reviews and the only complaint I’ve seen was that they failed to make the original 1520 claimed weight. The highlight of this wheel set, however, seems to be the hybrid ceramic bearings. For a similar price, I’m sure I’d have been able to get a slightly lighter wheel, but I’m hoping the benefits of the hubs will more than offset the 50-100g weight difference.

M_FactorX19

agreed my williams wheels are very nice. you might also want to check out Soul if you dont mind to wait a while to get the wheels.

edit: sorry just read you already ordered a set of system 30s. good choice. as far as the weight thing goes yes they weigh more than claimed and the reason why is the claimed weight is without the rim tape and the installed rim tape while very nice is heavy. i saved quiet a bit by changing the rim tape to Rox Ultralight tape. the hubs do make up for the added weight though they really are amazing.

you should have your wheels in a few days so let us know what you think.

fishymamba

Soul Wheels
Super Light: https://bikesoul.com/2009/index.php?o...id=2&Itemid=10
In the Middle:https://bikesoul.com/2009/index.php?o...id=3&Itemid=11
Aero:https://bikesoul.com/2009/index.php?o...id=4&Itemid=12

jamesdak 

Yep, I just got me System 30s and they weighed 1646 grams on my scale with the rim tape installed. Hoping to test them today but not certain if road conditions will allow me to.

uncrx2003

Currently riding on Easton EA50 SL that came with my Roadracer. I'm a relatively new rider. I have ridden this set since July last year. I don't know or have any experience about any other wheels. I'm thinking about upgrading to a better set of wheels. Looking to spend about 500-600. I want to get something light and durable (wt = 155lbs). I mainly do group rides and occasional long mountain climbs. I looked at the Soul light wheels recommended above. Seems like a good set. Would this be a significant upgrade from what I'm riding right now? Any other recommendations?