Another wheel upgrade thread!
 

I'm looking to upgrade my Bontrager Race Wheels. I don't race, and just do 20 to 50 mile rides. I am 165 pounds. I have been considering the following wheels:

1. Boyd Vitesse
2. Soul 3.0 sl
3. Easton EA90
4. Mavik Ksyrium Equip

I think I can buy any of these for $500-$700. Will any of these be a good upgrade from my current wheels? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Real common question.

If your old wheels are in good tune you shouldn't notice much difference when riding. All those wheels are a good chunk lighter than what you have, but you would need to do a lot of climbing to gain any kind of time difference, and if you are not racing then who cares?

The Vitesse features wider rims then the rest, so if you ride rough roads you could drop the pressure a bit to smooth things out without an increase in pinch flats. You may get better corner grip and braking, too.

I just did exactly what you are doing.

I had Bontrager Race wheels on my Madone 4.6 and my son suggested that I try his Bontrager RXL wheels which are about 1/3 lighter. I immediately noticed how much quicker the bike accelerated, that it roll smoother and was easier on the hills. I was so impressed that I started to research wheels and thought about carbon wheels but they were out of my budget. I was lucky enough to get a great deal on a set of Easton EC90SL which were a bit more than the RXLs but not much more.

Try if you can "borrow" a set of lighter wheels from someone local and see if you can "feel" the difference.

Most local shops will let you test a wheel set out if you are a frequent, see if your lbs has anything in your price range to demo.

Boyd vitesse for the win. Have them , ride them, look great, love them.

Thanks, how do the Eastons compare to the Boyd and Souls? I think I've ruled out the Mavics.