this is what i have to spend for a new wheelset. i am currently borrowing Mavic CXP33’s (the red ones) and i have liked those. any suggestions?
remember, under $300…so says my checkbook.
Save your cash and get a wheelset costing over a grand. Hate to say it, but them’s training wheels you talking about.
not an option. i am not racing for kona (nor do i desire to). i do one 1/2iron per year, and the rest of the year is sprints and olympics. i do this for fun and will not spend that kind of coin (especially to put them on a Trek1000 that i have “turned” into a tri-bike). 
Some of the 8-9 speed wheel sets are cheap from, performance bike . Good wheels just not COOL anymore , 10 speed oh boy.
How about Cane Creek Aeroheads at Supergo? $250. A fast friend of mine uses them and likes them a lot.
I would recommed that you save up another $100 or so and head over to e-bay. You would be surprized what $350-$400 will buy you. A month or two ago I picked up a Hed CX and a HED Deep with nearly new Vittoria tubulars (no visable wear) mounted on them and a 9-Speed cassette for $400.
I bought a set of ancient Zipp 440 off e-bay 2 years ago for around $350.00. The neon yellow sticker ones. They are still rolling and I love them. I agree, e-bay is the place to check out. Just check the persons satisfaction rating. I know that’s $50.00 over.
Otherwise, check out the Cane’s. A friend races on those and she loves them.
I use Velocity Spartacus Pros for my “race” wheels. I’m about 190 lbs. Bladed spokes, pretty light, decent cool factor. Seven races, 20-40k so far with no problems. I got them here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58099&item=3689162128&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V
Velocity Sparticus, IMO best wheels under $300
jaretj
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Velocity Spartacus! Got them from the same guy on ebay, he lives near me, so I picked them up and met him. good guy, he got me some other stuff cheap.
How about a pair for 185.00?
Gonna second one opinion and offer up another - Cane Creek Aero Heads - although we use them as training wheels on our time trial bikes, for the few couple of weeks mine have seen double duty as race wheels on my 9-speed criterium bike so that I can avoid changing out the 10-speed cassette on the Velomax wheels on my road race bike. In my experience these wheels are nearly bomb proof with 24f/28r spokes and although not a lightweight leader, at roughly 1650 grams, I think they are lighter than the other lighter weight options in this price range. Now for a slightly more aero rim (19mm x 28mm) at the same weight, you might also consider Velomax Circuit’s - wife uses these as training wheels on her road bike - which can usually be bought on Ebay for around $300-$350. You might also consider taking a few minutes to review the wheelsets and reviews listed at bikereview.com (http://www.roadbikereview.com/Wheelsets/PLS_2490crx.aspx)
Wow, I never realized race/light wheels have weight limits, though it makes sense.
What’s a 190 lb. guy to do (other than 404 Clydes) if he wants durable/affordable lightweight wheels (I know that precludes race wheels)? I currently have the stock Matrix Aurora wheels on my Trek 2000.
An email contact for Velocity said the upper limit for the Spartacus Pros is 190#. I am right at the limit, +/- 3 lbs and no problems to date.
Go to www.assosusa.com and check out the Campy wheels. They have the Scirocco for 299 and the Vento for 199. I recommend the Scirocco, and it does make a good race wheel and a bullet proof training wheel. Weight wise they are 100g lighter than the CXP 33 in the rear and front for a good half a pound weight savings. The also come with wheel bags and what more to say, these are the bees knees baby.
i guess i should have stated that i am a clyde… 6’3" - 200 lbs.
I still think the scirocco would fit the bill as I cyclocross on mine as well.
As a another Clyde (208#'s), I also emailed Velocity (got an email right back, as well).
The regular Velocity (not the pro) in the 20 spoke front/24 spoke rear will be fine for those of my weight.
Get a Shamal wheelset on ebay - they’re being sold al lthe time and I think you’ll have no problem staying under your $$ limit. There’s a pair right now but it’s the 12 spoke version - may not be the best for a Clyde?
“Get a Shamal wheelset on ebay -”
That’s what i did. The Campagnolo Shamal is still one of the best all around wheels IMO.