New wheels or save for Aeroad/Propel

Equipment
1

Trying to up my aero game for duathlons. Hoping to qualify for Age group Worlds Duathlon in 2027. I’m torn between upgrading the wheels on my Emonda SL6 Pro and getting an aero bike.

For the wheelset - I’m planning to upgrade from the Aeolus Elite 35 (28 ext + 21mm int - 1670g) to Yoeleo C50 Pro NxT SL2 (32mm ext + 23mm int - 1350g) for both weight and depth difference.

If I get the wheelset, I’m likely to end up grabbing a Winspace T1550 gen 2 end of next year with some Rival AXS 1x and oval rings

My other option is just wait save up for an Aeroad with Rival group + DT Swiss wheels or Giant Propel.

I’m kind of leaning towards the wheelset route since I can use it to race sooner with the eMonda. Thoughts?

2

Personally I’d go with the wheels. It should be more cost-effective and will have a more immediate/direct impact.

3

If you’re trying to qualify for worlds, you should save for a proper tri bike.

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4

For duathlon I’d strongly consider deeper wheels, 50 mm is the default for regular road bikes these days. Weight is much less important to this type of event.

5

That would be my idea, and if OP’s location is anything like mine there are plenty of rim-braked TT bikes available as a base. It would leave plenty of money compared to a brand new bike for fitting and fine-tuning.

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6

Thanks for the responses. I should have mentioned that I’m trying to go for the sprint distance for 2027.

I’m based out of Ontario, Canada so mainly flat.

I can definitely go with the C60s instead of 50s.

7

The flatter it is, the more you will benefit. I’ve moved to a flatter area now and my average speed is in the mid to high 30s.