I have the upgrade itch!
 

As most of us always do. Anyways, looking for some opinions as I have never upgraded either component before. Setup is a 2012 Madone 5.2. Debating between new pedals or new wheels, but really thinking wheels.
Current wheels are the stock Bontrager Race wheels that come in at 1900 grams or so I believe. I weigh 150, but am trying to get back up to my old weight of 160-165. I have never raced before, but I love to ride and "compete" with my friends. Live in bluffland so I do tackle quite a few hills. Roads around here are so-so and can be rough in some areas we frequent.
I was looking into the Vuelta Corsa Lites for $220+shipping, or possibly going the extra $100 and getting the super lites.
These are the current pedals Shimano PD-M520 Pedals - Brands Cycle and Fitness but they seem to be doing fine for now. This was my first time getting away from platforms as I had just been mtn biking for a few years.

Opinions? Will it be worth the upgrade for the wheels? I know some say I may not notice a difference, but I feel like with how nice the rest of the bike is, it would just be right to put a nice set of wheels on.

What are you hoping to achieve by gaining weight?

I'm 30 pounds heavier than my old race weight. I'm much healthier for it.

Also, obligatory "Hilary isn't doing it for ya?" joke.

Weight meaning fat or muscle? Two very different things, and yes the wheels 1900gms is pretty heavy and if your doing a lot of climbing a 1500Fm- or less set of wheels would be a big upgrade for money spent imo it would be almost a pound less.

I have a set of the Corsa Lites and for about $230 shipped for sub 1600 g wheels, you can't go wrong. I have had them over a year and no complaints. But, I just ordered these today for my other bike

Only 1260G 22mm Clincher Alloy Wheels 700c Kinlin XR200 Aluminum Wheelset | eBay


That will drop over a 1 lb off your bike for $328. That's the cheapest 1 lb you can loose (other than body weight)

I really enjoy lifting and want to gain some of my muscle mass back. I was a pretty lean 170 but got injured and lost a lot of muscle. I'm down to 150 and just feel too skinny knowing where I used to be. I'm not trying to get back to that point, just another healthy 10 lbs or so.

I understand the acceleration benefits but to spend money to lose 1 lb of rotating weight and replace an otherwise perfectly good set of wheels while simultaneously gaining 10-15 lbs. of rider weight, seems counter-intuitive.

Well, who doesn't want a lighter bike here?! My weight may fluctuate but the bikes won't. Like I said, I just have the itch.

Since the weight of new wheels don't really make a difference anymore if you gain 15 pounds, why not use the money to buy aero wheels instead of light wheels? Aero benefits won't be negated by your weight gain.

Remember that aero trumps weight under almost all conditions, except really steep hills, but even then, you gain that difference back on the way down.

Mr. President?

Do you think you'll get that much benefit from the new wheels? You're going to feel like you did first time you climbed on the Madone? Right? But here you are trying to recapture that feeling... You see. There's no end to it. It just goes on and on.

Unless there is a problem with the q factor or initial cleat setup, I don't see the need for new pedals.

Riders who have had knee injuries in the past often opt for pedals with lots of float, esp. speedplay. Speedplay road pedals offer a lot of range of adjustment, as do road pedals/cleats in general. Again, this may not be an issue if you are comfortable with your current cleat setup.

I'm also mystified, as are others, as to why you would want to pay $330 for 1 lb lighter wheels if you are planning on gaining 10 - 15 lbs. of weight.

I don't think it's necessary to gain weight in order to get stronger, if that's your goal, which I assume it is.

Having said that, when people are intent on spending money, they almost always do, so, enjoy your new gear when you get it!

Mess with pedals if something isn't right from a fit perspective, or like for like, you want to save a gram or two. Might not notice.

Change wheels, and you likely will notice. Faster? Not necessarily, but lots of things can make a difference to the ride (wider and lower psi smooths things way out).

A wheel upgrade is pretty easy an if anything you will only need to adjust your RD. Other things get into more work which is something to consider.

I just upgraded my cockpit to "aero" bars and love it. Not for the speed, but when I'm going really slow up hills they are wide which is great for my hands. Moral of that story, different "upgrades" mean different things with different benefits. New bar tape can make the bike seem new too.