Hi All, Soon to be Triathlete. I own a Litespeed Arenburg and I am going to upgrade the wheelset from the stock low end Spinergy's. Would appreciate recommendations in the $450-$500 range. I'll be new to tri's but will still be putting on the miles doing centuries and such rides. I'm not looking to gear up for specific tri specs. Just looking for a good upgrade. Seen the Kryseriums but the reviews have been spotty.

Thanks Mike

If you are willing to buy on eBay, a pair of American Classic clinchers (with 38mm rims) can often be found for $450-500. After 2 years, I've been quite happy with mine.

Did you buy yours on ebay?

I didn't; I bought mine new from a local dealer before I got into buying on eBay. I'm also looking some new wheels myself on eBay (some Zipps), and frequently see Am. Classic wheels there in the course my my search.

https://www.bikesoul.com/wheeldivision.html

check out the S4.0 CTT. I have no experience with them, but if you truly want an advantage for triathlon, you will want something deep. At 43mm, these will give you a little help. For $450 you don't get a much lower price in wheels. Who knows what the quality is like though.

In my opinion pass on the Krysiums. They won't offer you any advantage over any other wheel in the 200-400 range.

try www.bikeparts.com

i got my am classic CR 420s (the 38mm clinchers) for $550 and culdn't be happier (although a know they have had some quality issues in the past fomr 2005 on they've been pretty solid).

save up and get some 404's. you can use them in Tri's, Crits, Road races, etc.

Add a Renn rear disc and you have a set-up for anything.

If you are looking for all-around riding wheels mavic ksyrium elites are nice and can sometimes be had for $500. They are supposed to be pretty durable.

Why do people like ksyriums? 30mm deep wheels are fast becoming not that special, and hardly more aerodynamic compared to anything else on the market. The spokes are cool but really there is small aerodynamic advantage in aero spokes. I say try something deeper. Spinergy Tillium and Stealths can be had for around 500-600 on Ebay brand new. People say the PBO spokes are the most comfortable and very dependable ride. Not to mention way more aero than Ksyriums.

Kysriums are a nice criterium wheel, stiff and relatively light, but not nearly aero enough for a tri or TT

exactly. i don't think they were ever intended for time trials or tri's. they are a great climbing wheel, and good for general road riding, but while they do have some small aero advantages over a normal road wheel, they weren't made for timed events

Re Ksyriums: I agree with the comments above, but the original question set forth a budget of $400 - 500. Unless you get a great deal on e-bay I don't think you can get a great set of aero TT wheels for that price range. You can get Ksyrium Elites for $400 - $500 at an LBS. Not that I'm being defensive.

If you are going to buy Ksyrium Elites, why not look at some Neuvation M28 aeros. I would say they are basically the same wheel (1700g, bladed spokes, very durable) for hundreds less. Or go with the R28 aeros, they are 1500g and $499. They wont have the cool factor but a much better buys than Ksyriums, for money. Besides who wants to have the same thing as everyone else.