Which wheels-$500?

Chance3290 said:

I know this is done about once a week, but which all-around wheelset is best for a two or three times a week rider, 5'10" 180lbs? I'd like to stay around the $500 range.

There's many, but for a factory built set, I'd suggest Ksyrium Elites. You can get a lighter set for less if you have a wheelbuilder build you a set.

Chance3290 said:

I know this is done about once a week, but which all-around wheelset is best for a two or three times a week rider, 5'10" 180lbs? I'd like to stay around the $500 range.

Campy Protons will run you $400-440 and they are very nice. Lighter than Ksyrium Elite's too. I would also consider Mavic Open Pro's with a nice hubset (Dura Ace or Record to name two) built with double butted spokes. A real nice workhorse wheel that's fast enough to race on and very serviceable.
😎

Chance3290 said:

I know this is done about once a week, but which all-around wheelset is best for a two or three times a week rider, 5'10" 180lbs? I'd like to stay around the $500 range.

have someone with some sense hand build a set with ultegra or equivalent hubs, 32 14/15 double-butted spokes, open pro rims, and brass nipples. run michelin pro race 2 tires. comfortable, durable, and anyone anywhere can work on them if something does happen (need truing, broken spoke or nipple, etc.)

rv said:

have someone with some sense hand build a set with ultegra or equivalent hubs, 32 14/15 double-butted spokes, open pro rims, and brass nipples. run michelin pro race 2 tires. comfortable, durable, and anyone anywhere can work on them if something does happen (need truing, broken spoke or nipple, etc.)

I'be been very pleased with my set of Neuvation M28 aeros which run $200 less than what other folks are recommending. I think their weight is comparable to the Elites if not lighter. With these you can be rest assured you're not paying a huge markup.

JS

Chance3290 said:

I know this is done about once a week, but which all-around wheelset is best for a two or three times a week rider, 5'10" 180lbs? I'd like to stay around the $500 range.

Get some Nice aftermarket hubs, butted spokes and a nice rim (DT 1.1RR rims/Velocity Aerohead/Niobium 30mm (455 gram)).

In addition to what people have already said, take a look at the Velomax Circuits.

http://www.velomax.com/models_clinchers_det_Circuit.php3

http://www.repartocorse.com/ has them for $430

Here's another vote for Neuvation M28 aeros. Incredible wheel, super strong, good looking and american designed. Made in Taiwan to keep the price low. I weigh 205lbs. and I can't seem to get them out of true.

I got some Brand new Velomax Orion II on Ebay for $479 and they are 1477 grams and really stiff. good for the lighter riders and strong enough for heavier riders up to around 225 lbs. All the velomax lines have done really well.

jmurray89 said:

I got some Brand new Velomax Orion II on Ebay for $479 and they are 1477 grams and really stiff. good for the lighter riders and strong enough for heavier riders up to around 225 lbs. All the velomax lines have done really well.

Nice find, are they new or used?

I got the Orion II Brand new in box.

If you're at 180lbs, I wouldn't worry to much about weight. Personally I'd second the notion of a good hand-built wheelset. You can get Dura-ace or Record hubs laced into CPX-33 or Deep-V rims with 32 14/15db spokes for $350 maybe less. Plus it willhold up to whatever you can dish out without having to true it every week.