At least I don't leave slime trails.
http://wholecog.wordpress.com/
2009 Giant Avail 3 |Specialized Jett 143
2013 Charge Filter Apex| Specialized Jett 143
1996(?) Giant Iguana 630|Specialized Riva
Saving for the next one...
Williams Cycling. I have had my wheelset for a year and am very happy. System 30. Uh, just looked. They are $480. A little over your budget. Worth a look anyway.
Sarah
Checkout Neuvation Cycling
Good value wheelsets, great reviews. I have been happy with my upgrade.
I had the System 19s from Williams Cycling.
I second the Williams. Keith is an amazing person with customer relations- he owns the company and answers phone calls personally. The 19s were great, light wheels, with quick acceleration.
All of the hubs are ceramic-hybrid bearings. I used them for training, climbing, and crits- couldn't think of a better wheelset in that price range.
You could also build up a pair of Mavic Open Pros, they would be a durable set of wheels.
I will also put in my vote for Williams wheels. While I do not actually own a set, I seriously considered them after extensive research. Ultimately ended up with a new bike that came with a decent wheelset, so didn't get a chance to try out the Williams. However, my DH is now on the hunt for a new set of wheels and I have convinced him to go with the Wiliams System 30. I don't think he'll be disappointed.
Linda
2012 Seven Axiom SL - Specialized Ruby SL 155
It's like you guys can read my mind...I was actually between the Williams System 30s (although they're over my budget), Neuvation M28s or Mavic Aksium Race. I'm leaning hard towards the Neuvations because of the price. Then I'd have a little $ left over for some Shebeest shorts!