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The original was posted on /r/cycling by /u/Admirable-Plane-4892 on 2023-10-03 00:07:51.

I am a clydesdale (220lbs/100kg). If it matters, it’s not because I am muscle bound. No, it’s because I’m middle-aged and a little doughy around the middle. I’m the guy that other cyclists pass and say “You’ve got this!” and “Don’t give up!” as the group ride heads uphill. For this and other reasons, I have never seriously considered buying carbon wheels because I thought it would be embarrassing and wouldn’t make any difference for my 15mph rides. But, recently I was in need of new wheels and found a used set of Dura Ace wheels at Mavic Aksium prices. After verifying I was within the weight limit, I shelled out the cash.

Fellow Clydesdales: They made a difference! My first ride (~30 miles) was almost 2 mph faster than when I rode the exact same route the previous week with heavy stock wheels. I set 8 PRs out of 10 Strava segments–and I had ridden all of them many times previously. I even cracked into the top 10 of a (slightly downhill) Strava segment.

And it was fun!

Life is short. Go get yourself a nice pair of wheels.