voldemort

[size=13px]Trying to decide between the following. I just got a Cannondale Synapse and am upgrading wheels/tires. I've narrowed my choice to one of the following any thoughts/recommendations? I ride group rides or on my own, no racing or gravel.
DT Swiss E 1800 Spline Wheels 1651g $492 list
Hunt Aero Light Disc Wheelset 1488g $499 list
Thanks![/size]

Iride01 

Depending on which tier model of the Synapse you got, those might be a down grade instead of an upgrade.

Why are you shouting? Just let the editor pick the font size. I'll be able to read it better if it comes out in the default size instead of extra large with half a sentence per line.

veganbikes

I really like the Vittoria Corsa G+ tires (which are 2.0s now) Probably the better upgrade especially at the widest tire you can fit. I would also consider latex tubes if you are a lightweight rider. That might be a better upgrade then some lower cost wheels. They aren't bad wheels, but not great wheels and like Iride01 said may not be an upgrade but those tires will be. Nice soft and supple with excellent grip thanks to that Graphene.

Koyote

What wheels came with the bike? They must be pretty nasty if you think that $500 wheels are an upgrade.

voldemort

"Why are you shouting?"
Just basic tech incompetence.

wheels- Maddux RD2.0 aluminum clincher, alloy
tires- Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Graphene 2.0, 700c by 28mm

voldemort

The Maddux are 2040 grams, and the Zaffiro Pros are 280 grams apiece. I can get a pair of the DT Swiss for $399 (used) through theproscloset.com
And I'll (hopefully) resell the Maddux/Zaffiro set.

PeteHski

I think they are both decent wheelsets in that price range. Not much else you can say. If I had to pick one I would probably go with Hunt just to be a little different. But the DT Swiss set is a pretty solid choice. I don't know anything about Maddux? Never even heard of them to be honest!

surak

I have that Hunt wheelset, it's never given me any trouble. Pros: weight, obv it's selling point. Quick engagement hub for the price. Easy setup tubeless with just my floor pump. Cons: Inner and outer rim widths are a bit dated now, and despite the name it's not aero at all. The freehub loudness is divisive (not a con for me personally, have garnered multiple compliments on it actually). It didn't make me noticeably faster, even on climbs.

Which brings me to the point that others are making. I suspect that paying just a few hundred more will get you significantly better wheelset in almost every way. Better hubs, wider and deeper rim profile, same or even lighter weight. I'm in the process of upgrading (albeit spending a bit more than a few hundred more than the Hunt wheels cost) from Light Bicycle, who are among the well-regarded brands that have competitive priced options especially if you don't go for their newest and widest rims or spec the fanciest hubs.

sean.hwy

Like others have said. Not much if any upgrade with $500 wheel set from what you have. Nothing wrong with 2nd wheel set of you what something different on it. climbing gears on wheel set, or gravel tires etc...

TiHabanero

Maddux wheels are simply OEM wheels, nothing to talk about. Put them in the same league as Alex wheels, probably sourced from same suppliers, but of course I do not know that as fact. A 500 dollar wheelset will be somewhat of an upgrade in weight only. Save your money and get a better upgrade with higher quality hubs such as the DT Swiss 240. In my eyes that is a real upgrade.

chaadster

If the OP can drop *more than 1.2lbs* off wheels for $500, they’d be crazy not to, IMO. Lightening the bike that much, especially at the wheels, will make the bike feel much more lively. Add in some nice tires improving speed and feel for another $150 (or maybe less), and I think that’s money very well spent.

LarrySellerz

Get spinnergy rev x. The earlier models can explode and they are all razor sharp, and make a cool sound when turning. They are sick