+1

I appreciate all sides of this discussion and come to one conclusion. everyone has a very specific interest and purpose in biking. there is one standing rule though and that is never spend more than you need to get the job done or achieve the desired results. I off this link as an example of that we all want the best without going over board.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Enve-Edge-Co...76758261613259

I say skip the "mid-life" distractions like the Corvette and go with something that will last the rest of your riding life and reap the many benefits even if that means you never intend to stand on that vaulted podium. Regardless, keep riding and enjoy your accomplishments.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Enve-Edge-Co...76758261613259

one of the best and valued priced

So what happens when you throw a curve ball into this wheel equation such as a powertap? That will give you a training advantage over others. I was planning on building up a set of lightweight wheels for my Tarmac, but figured I'd be much better served by building up a Powertap wheel.

I am 57 and got PT last year. Huge difference and with a trainer I can't begin to describe the increased strength and endurance. HR works good and helps you to stay in zone but the PT makes every ride so much more productive for me.

OBTW I passed on the usual adult toys in favor of a solid bike, equipped so that I don't have to keep upgrading every few years. If you can't afford the PT then I would go with a personal trainer for the season. Actually I would get a trainer before the PT and ensure that your form and HR management is good.

I know that none of this is relevant to the OP but still makes for interesting discussions.

There may be reasons for buying really nice kit that can't be measured in fractions of a second.

I have an old KHS beater, with a very cramped riding position, and I have a Secteur Comp. The parts on the Secteur are MUCH nicer, even though the wheels aren't in any way special. I ride MUCH faster on the Secteur, but it's not related to parts, just geometry. I can breathe on it. Since I'm recovering from several years of illness, i know damn well that I don't need a bike even as good as this mid-priced one.

However, there is another factor-for us old guys, there are days when your body just really doesn't feel like riding. Having pride in the object DOES help sometimes, and knowing that those better parts will feel nicer also helps me get out the door. On days where I am feeling less well, I will keep the bike in my office with me; just admiring it will eventually get me going. Also, there is some pressure knowing that having spent all the money, I BETTER get out and ride, or my wife might realize that I didn't really need that bike as such... So there is a way to justify something like new wheels even for a rider who does not race or care about seconds. Of course, if I ride more, then I will likely become faster, but if you are already young, fast, and committed, none of this applies.

Just saying that pride can matter as much as actual performance benefits. Personally I'd have a hard time spending a grand or two on wheels, but I certainly understand it. And knowing me, in a couple of years the bike will just be screaming at me saying that IT needs the wheels, whether I do or not.

I have 3 road bikes and they have different wheels, Easton low profile light-weight clinchers (EA90SLX), Reynolds 32mm carbon clinchers, and 50mm carbon tubulars. I don't think any of those wheels make me ride faster or slower over a whole ride.

I got a TT frame a couple of years ago and started to work on riding with a lowered front end. Since then, I've slowly moved the stem on my road bikes lower and lower. On my main bike, I've got no spacers under the stem and I've just started using a -17deg stem. Doing this has made a big difference in the speed of my rides. Looking at average speeds over similar routes over the last few years, I'm definitely going faster.

You don't have to make the argument for me on this one. I've already ordered the hub a week ago (just waiting on CycleOps, but they're just getting back from Interbike). I've been training using Training Peaks for years and while it works fine, I'm finding my HR to be much more unreliable as a benchmark as I've gotten older. I plan on using the powertap pretty extensively on the rollers and the trainer this winter because for some reason, data keeps me motivated when it's dark and snowy out.

When I got my new boyd 30mm vitesse wheels I hadn't ridden in 3 weeks prior to putting these on which made it difficult to really feel much difference. Today I threw on a set of my friends much heavier eastons and NOW I can finally feel where having a light wheel comes into play.

"eippo1" smiles. I was from Harvard MA and miss it terribly. Not a big fan of AZ now but will take full advantage of the weather and ride at every opportunity. Hang tough this winter! Stay motivated.

I love riding out in the Harvard area. Some beautiful farms and hills out there. Enjoy riding year-round, but be careful of burnout.

Just wanted to ask a question:

My current wheels weigh ~2000g and have no aero profile. I can maintain about 22mph on the flats and I am a pretty good climber.

Would it be more of a benefit if I get a lighter set of wheels(~1300g) or if I get an aero set(51mm deep 1600g)? Both sets are lighter than my current wheels.

51mm aero wheels that weigh 400g less than your current box wheels with definately be faster on both climbs and the flats. I can't tell you how much because it's nearly impossible to measure but you will feel it for certain.

32h Record Open Pros = my next purchase when the Ventos need replacing.

It's not his problem he's using a different reference frame.

The 50cm Psimets I'm considering are going to be ~800g less. I think the difference should be noticeable. Just need to decide if I want to go tubular.

You will feel a big difference especially when accelerating and climbing from that much less weight.

The ones i'm getting have an aluminum outer rim and a carbon flange. I don't wanna deal with the crappy carbon brakes.