Funny ... as I read this thread, I thought someone has to mention aluminum wheels. It's not for looks. It's not weight, though aluminum rims will weigh a lot less than the steel that's on the bike now. It's for safety. Steel is VERY hard to stop when even a little wet. If it's possible that you may have to go down a hill in a serious fog, and you have steel wheels, you will be in grave danger. (Every time I've been in SF it's been sunny.
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