What are the best race wheels for lets say under $700? I'm 166 lbs and going down (lost almost 6 lbs since last monday). I'm looking for a nice stiff aero wheelset for NYC racing. They will not be used for everyday riding, I'll still be using my shimano 600 / Campy Omega's for that. Thanks in advance.

-Dan

You can easily get what you want with a 28 spoke DeepV on Record or DA hubs. If you want an aero profile and low weight, then you're into CF rims and tubulars. Zipp or Hed is the direction to head.

What are the best race wheels for lets say under $700? I'm 166 lbs and going down (lost almost 6 lbs since last monday). I'm looking for a nice stiff aero wheelset for NYC racing. They will not be used for everyday riding, I'll still be using my shimano 600 / Campy Omega's for that. Thanks in advance.

-Dan


Light and aero means carbon rimmed wheels. However, I would ignore both HED and Zipp, which IMO both have very questionable quality control. Reynolds wheels are worlds better than either of these products, sure you pay a bit more, but in this case you get what you pay for. Under $700 juts about any wheels you buy will ride at about the same speed. You are not going to get any huge aero or weight savings under $700, so you might as well save some cash and buy some solid custom wheels for $300-350.

Light and aero means carbon rimmed wheels. However, I would ignore both HED and Zipp, which IMO both have very questionable quality control. Reynolds wheels are worlds better than either of these products, sure you pay a bit more, but in this case you get what you pay for. Under $700 juts about any wheels you buy will ride at about the same speed. You are not going to get any huge aero or weight savings under $700, so you might as well save some cash and buy some solid custom wheels for $300-350.

What about something like Mike Garcia's AeroHead/Speedcific wheels? Maybe see if he can build them with the Velocity Fusion (25mm high) rims rather than the AeroHead (19mm high)? They should come in around 1500g. My current wheelset weighs around 1700g. Will I notice the semi-aero rims and half pound lost or should I just hold out for a really aero set. NYC doesn't have any punishing climbs, so weight is definately less of a factor than aerodynamics. Thanks.

There really isn't a difference between 25mm and 19mm rims. From a structural point of view, the 25mm is stronger (all else being equal), but not any more aerodynamic.

(lost almost 6 lbs since last monday).

Better drink some water before your next ride.

Better drink some water before your next ride.

I usually drink around 6-8 liters a day. Water is one of the things that's helped me loose weight.

..... Velocity Fusion (25mm high) rims rather than the AeroHead (19mm high)? They should come in around 1500g......
I built a set with American Classic hubs, 24H radial front and 24H rear 2x. They came in at 1580g + rim tape (The rims came in at 505g each actual weight).

I'd have to agree others about the aero benefit of the fusions - there is none. What you get is a slightly stronger build.

Bryan