Originally Posted by
jlaw
I looked up the wheelset you mention and the 'base' Allez on the Specialized website. It looks like you are considering putting an $800 wheelset on an $800 bike.
If so, I'm not sure that you need to spend that much if you really want different wheels. What are you trying to achieve by buying new wheels?
And, yes, you can probably use your existing 8 speed cassette on a new wheel if you have the proper spacers. Verify with the vendor re: this before purchase.
The best upgrade you can do is a change of wheelset, if you're really trying to min-max the bike, an $800 wheelset on an $800 bike would be a great upgrade. In my honest opinion however, I would upgrade to 11 speed 105
and a new wheelset.