Ai_1 wrote:
I wouldn't bother changing to the Cosmic. It won't give any perceptible improvement. There's no reason you can't use the same wheels for training and racing no matter what they are. If conditions are terrible and you want to keep your best wheels clean and reduce wear then just use the stock wheels. I can't think of any reason to buy something in-between.
What's your budget and what sort of races will you typically do?
Apologies, I was ambiguous there in my use of "Cosmic" as that applies to both the wheels you mention.
I was referring to the Cosmic Elite which is a 30mm narrow (15mm) rim. It's not especially light either though possibly a little lighter than the stock wheels. It won't get you any aerodynamic or rolling resistance benefit at all. Any minor weight benefit is pretty negligible and definitely not worth the price of the wheels. If I were you I would have zero interest in those wheels.
From what I can see, the Cosmic Carbon Pro is a 45mm rim with a 17mm internal width. The added rim depth should give you an aerodynamic benefit and depending on tyre choice and pressure coupled with the wider rim it may also give a minor reduction in rolling resistance. However, for what they cost (unless you're getting a spectacular deal) I'd go with something like the Flos or Swiss Side Hadrons with rim depths somewhere from 60 to 90mm.
I got Swiss Side Hadrons 62.5mm front and 850mm rear for very little more than I see the Cosmics listed.
They have good deep, wind resistant, reasonably wide rims at a respectable weight.
I wouldn't bother with full carbon. They offer no real benefit besides aesthetics, just worse braking and a higher cost. Alloy rims and carbon fairings is ideal. First choice for me would be HED Jet+, but Flo and Swiss Side do good alternatives.