What are the benefits of upgrading to a new wheelset? I current have some Alex sub rims that came on my SST AL. I'm thinking about upgrading the wheels/tires but I'd like to get some feedback on the benefits of upgrading the wheels.
Do you guys have any recommendation for a good/decent wheelset for under 70 each?

I was thinking of upgrading the tires while I am at it. How do you know a certain tire is good? I've been looking for tires online but I don't know the difference between the tires.. What will good tires do for my bike? Any recommendations for tires under 30 each? I currently have 700x25, any benefits of going down to a 700x23?

Lastly, any good sites to buy wheels from other than velomine?

Thanks

Ok, so I spent my first 2 years riding fixed on an alex rims laced to a redline hub of some sort. I also raced single speed cyclocross on it. while far from looking nice and way far from fancy, it is still true. mind you it was tensioned and trued before I put it on my bike. also keep in mind i am from from light, as a person and on my bikes. that being said, i did recently get a new wheel set (i had finally bent the axle of my wheel and also wanted something nicer looking).

As far as tires, it all depends where and how you ride. Yea 23c tires are fast, until you have to go over some train tracks or less than flat roads. I personally like 28-32c tires. I am also a big fan of panaracer tires. They offer er good flat protection and dont weigh a ton either. the ribmo's and t-serv's are both great tires...

biketiresdirect.com

What ate some benefits of upgrading the wheels?

Light weight, and (depending on what you get) possibly more aerodynamic. But for the prices you're talking about I don't think you'll get anything much better than what you have. Your wheels are fine, just keep riding and upgrade when you have the money to.

23s might be faster, but that isn't always how it plays out in the real world. I like running a wider tire on the street (25-28), where I can go fast without worrying about slamming a pothole or bump. IMO, 23s will only give you an advantage for racing or smooth roads.

This is what you need to know about tires. For street use something wider than 23c is gonna be better. You're probably fine just keeping what you have until you wear them out. Once you wear them out, biketiresdirect.com is a great retailer for new ones.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, on real streets, 25mm tires will ride faster than 23mm tires; and, if you weigh more than 180lbs, you might find 28mm tires even faster.

The extra speed from 23mm tires only occurs on ultra-smooth surfaces.

Add bumps and texture to the surface, and weight to the rider, and the rules change.

As for tires under $30, I recommend spending a little more (assuming you don't skid).

I like Continental Top Contact Wire Bead 28mm and Panaracer T-Serv Protex 28mm for $50 and $38 respectively.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...al-top-contact

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...-t-serv-protex

As for the budget wheels that come with complete bikes, they generally do a good job for average weight riders, and even heavier riders.

I broke a spoke once on the Alex wheels that formerly came on the Bianchi Pista, but after I repaired that one spoke, I put several more thousand miles on them without any difficulties.

When you spend more money on wheels you get light weight, strength and aesthetics for your money, but not in proportion to how much you spend.

I presently have $800 wheels on my bike, but, if I didn't look at them, I don't know that I'd notice any difference between my expensive custom wheels and my original inexpensive Bianchi Pista Alex wheels.

For the best return on your money, get the Conti Top Contact tires or the Panaracer T-Serv Protex tires in 28mm.

by the sounds of things you need some zipp 404s....