My friend has a Schwinn frame (Reynolds 853) and she (135 lbs) wants to upgrade her wheelset (current: Shimano 105 hubs, w/generic rims) to something fancier.

She is a rec. rider who does an occassional tri and wants "fancy looking" wheels - i.e not 32 hole, 3 cross.

I know she doesn't need them, but she has the $$ and wants 'em.

As my knowledge of wheelsets fades after mavic gp4's w/american classic hubs and a 7 speed freewheel, ANY AND ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED.

I am partial to Mavic & Shimano -
Please advise.

Thanks.

My friend has a Schwinn frame (Reynolds 853) and she (135 lbs) wants to upgrade her wheelset (current: Shimano 105 hubs, w/generic rims) to something fancier.

She is a rec. rider who does an occassional tri and wants "fancy looking" wheels - i.e not 32 hole, 3 cross.

I know she doesn't need them, but she has the $$ and wants 'em.

As my knowledge of wheelsets fades after mavic gp4's w/american classic hubs and a 7 speed freewheel, ANY AND ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED.

I am partial to Mavic & Shimano -
Please advise.

Thanks.

Any price range?

The Zipp 404s are very aero (58mm deep) and light, but they are around $1000-1300 + tubular tires which can run $60-100 each. Renyolds also makes a great aero wheel.

A nice hand built set of Velocity DeepV rims, aero at 30mm, with Ultegra or DuraAce Hubs will run $215-315. You can build them up in 24 or 28 hole radial for the front and 28/32 hole 3x for the rear. Note these DeepV wheels will be almost 2 pounds heavier than the Zipp wheels, but they are much cheaper. www.amclassic.com has some nice aero CR420s (34mm deep, AL not carbon) for ~$800.

I would focus on aerodynamics for a triathlon wheel.

If she wants long lasting reliable wheels, just have her go with either Ksyrium Elite's or SL's if she really wants to spend the bucks. I am saying this because you are partial to Mavic, however, given her weight, I would highly recommend the American Classic 350's or Rolf Prima wheels. I wouldn't think she wants to deal with tubulars or all carbon rims so that is why I am leaning towards these wheels.

You (she) could go with a set of the Ksyriums, which are nice, but most people say they are more than their actual value. A second option is to go with a set of mid-level Campy wheels; nice, trick all black look with the in vogue "Paired spoke" look. Sciroccos are nice and not expensive at all. Along with that look are the Bontrager Race X's, which seem to be more liked now than the Rolfs were on the older Treks.

How interested is she in weight??? If she went with a lightweight wheelset, custom made, it may not be as "cool", but might be more functional. I ride a steel frame, and the wheels were the first thing I looked at for losing weight (other than MY frame).

I would also consider the Velomax and FSA wheels; very nice, light, and "zippy".

Just my .02.

You (she) could go with a set of the Ksyriums, which are nice, but most people say they are more than their actual value. A second option is to go with a set of mid-level Campy wheels; nice, trick all black look with the in vogue "Paired spoke" look. Sciroccos are nice and not expensive at all. Along with that look are the Bontrager Race X's, which seem to be more liked now than the Rolfs were on the older Treks.

How interested is she in weight??? If she went with a lightweight wheelset, custom made, it may not be as "cool", but might be more functional. I ride a steel frame, and the wheels were the first thing I looked at for losing weight (other than MY frame).

I would also consider the Velomax and FSA wheels; very nice, light, and "zippy".

Just my .02.
If she has so much $ burning a hole in her pocket why not just get a new bike with trick wheels on it? A 105 level bike with Zipp 404s on it will look pretty freddish.

Those will have fewer spokes, aero profile, some fancy decals, and argubly match a 105 level bike.

Like the other guy said, this bike with Zipp 404s or Mavic Carbones is just rediculous.

My friend has a Schwinn frame (Reynolds 853) and she (135 lbs) wants to upgrade her wheelset (current: Shimano 105 hubs, w/generic rims) to something fancier.

She is a rec. rider who does an occassional tri and wants "fancy looking" wheels - i.e not 32 hole, 3 cross.

I know she doesn't need them, but she has the $$ and wants 'em.

As my knowledge of wheelsets fades after mavic gp4's w/american classic hubs and a 7 speed freewheel, ANY AND ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED.

I am partial to Mavic & Shimano -
Please advise.

Thanks.

My friend has a Schwinn frame (Reynolds 853) and she (135 lbs) wants to upgrade her wheelset (current: Shimano 105 hubs, w/generic rims) to something fancier.

She is a rec. rider who does an occassional tri and wants "fancy looking" wheels - i.e not 32 hole, 3 cross.

I know she doesn't need them, but she has the $$ and wants 'em.

As my knowledge of wheelsets fades after mavic gp4's w/american classic hubs and a 7 speed freewheel, ANY AND ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED.

I am partial to Mavic & Shimano -
Please advise.

Thanks.
If she wants something that will last and be trouble free,.go with the Elites.

A rec. rider who rarely races and probably is out just for fun, but wants "the look"?
Mavic Ksyrium or FSA RD200.
Or have her handpick her colors from Mike Garcia at oddsandendos.com (or whatever the site is).