Hey guys just signed up for RBR yesterday and its very informative out here.

I have a 2004 Trek 1500 with Shimano components. Tires are getting worn out and I have no idea what to buy next. Also I really love the look (call me vein) and have heard good things about the Campy Zonda wheels.

Are they compatible with my Shimano group, do you reccommend another wheelset?
I ride on flat as can be land and usually do (3) 20 mile rides a week at least and soon to be some 40 mile ones.

For tires, consider whether you need flat resistant tires, or really light tires, or tires that are cheap and will last for many training rides. Then try to narrow down the choices from there. Tire technology is pretty good these days, it's hard to make a bad choice.

For wheels, again - what are you trying to accomplish? Wheels typically have specialized purposes, like lightweight climbing wheels, heavier but more aerodynamic wheels, or strong wheels that don't take a lot of maintenance. Wheels are a lot of dollars (for good ones anyway), and unless you're riding at a pretty high level you're not really going to notice much of performance difference.