Originally Posted by
hubcyclist
This is going to be a scorcher of a hot take. However, it's not that it makes no sense, but it's something that's overblown.
Wheels are meant to be upgraded
I see really conflicting stuff on the amount of real world changes in speed in videos where they compare wheels. It may be a couple of mins over a really long ride, but for me (your personal calculus may vary) I think the amount of money required to cut a small amount of time in a non-race scenario
Most are fine with what came with the bike.
One thing to point out though. Lots of bikes come with wheels basically for shipping and test riding. The wheels that come on "race" bikes like a Propel, Evo, Emonda, or a TT bike like a Trinity are literally for training or shipping. Cheap, basic, functional.
Probably same even for mtb or gravel bikes that are really expensive.
In no way are 30mm alloy round spoked wheels an intended wheel of choice for a time trial bike. There for shipping/test rides only pretty much.