A "Wheel" Compromise

[cherinyc]

hello TE girls!!

I bought my first road bike end of June 2006, so she's still pretty new. A GIANT OCR 1 WSD - which I love. Having gone from no bike to a bike was costly enough, and although I was learning the value of the higher end components, bikes, etc...there was no way I could spend more than I did on my bike (~$1300 USD) especially with my current bills. That price was actually WAAAY more than I could afford, but I consider it an investment (like my education was, though still waiting for it to start paying me back )

Anyway, the LBS guy (who is the owner) did not pressure me into getting a more expensive bike or anything. He was good about just explaining things to me. Even warned me NOT to test ride the bike that was 2 steps up (price and model-wise) b/c he said it would be hard for me to give it back.

I have kept up with this LBS since buying my bike, and have had various adjustments, saddle changes, etc - and purchased clothing, supplies, etc. The last time I was there, about 2 weeks ago, he asked if I would like to try out a wheelset - just a demo set that was his - because he said I would really see the difference. My BF and I had already talked about how going from a 25 to a 23 sz wheel would cut the road friction down for me - and make me faster, so I said sure, I'll try them (and give them back).
Apparently (and noticeably) these wheels weigh 4lbs less than mine. They are Topolino Revelation AC29's (and cost ~$1000). I did a 72 mi ride this past Saturday and I climbed faster than my BF - which was AMAZING. I was averaging about 19.5 mph on the flats without problem.

My dilemma? I have to give the wheels back. I can't afford them. I have to stick with my old (but still new) wheels, but I am afraid I am going to feel like a snail when I put them back on my bike....is there a way to soooop up my current wheels? remove spokes or something? UGGGGHHH!

Did I get swindled because my LBS guy knew the impact these wheels would have?
BF feels for me, but agrees...I must return the wheels.