Help me--Wheels!

[Wahine]

I have a Madone 3.1 wsd and want to upgrade with new wheels. Unfortunately, I have no idea what the critical parameters are, including how much I need to spend to get a significant boost. I'm kinda heavy (5'9", 170 lbs) and would like to be a better climber. I ride a 2-3 times a week, 20-45 miles each time. By myself I average about 13.5 mph, with the Bike club about 14 mph. Yes, I know that I would be a better climber if I rode more and ate less.

This is probably the only significant upgrade I will make to the bike, so while I don't want to throw money away, I don't want to be so thrifty that I miss out on something. Because of my lack of knowledge, I don't have a strict budget, but I was thinking $500-1000. The upper level there makes me cringe a bit.

Trek Dealer: recommends Bontrager race ($500) or Bontrager race light ($700), tires not included.
Bike Club guy: has a pair of Bontrager race in his basement, with tires, will sell for $250.
Spec/C'dale Dealer: has a pair of Mavic Kyserium Elite S wheels, used once, tires included, for $600
Other recommendations?

There is a guy 75 miles away that does custom wheels, but I would like feedback on the above choices first. Thoughts?

The Bontrager wheels are fine but they are run of the mill OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wheels. You could get the same weight but much lower price with custom wheels, or much lighter wheels still within your budget that are easier to true, can be repaired if necessary etc. I think this is even more important if you are a heavier rider.

OK, it is not my intention to sell stuff on this forum and I know it's frowned upon but really, my SO builds wheelsets all the time that are as light as production wheelsets, but are stronger, more durable and can be maintained properly without having to send them back to the manufacturer and on average will cost 1/3 to 1/2 of a typical OEM wheelset. He has built me at least 5 wheelsets and I will never, ever buy anything but custom now. If you'd like more information PM me and I will send you contact info. He's also super cool with working with women and is very approachable with regards to questions etc. I really don't mean to make a pushy sale, it's just that I get really fired up when I see people willing to spend so much money on wheelsets that are OK but not really that great and in some ways impractical when it comes to servicing the wheels if something goes wrong.

[roo4]

Thanks for your input, Wahine. It looks like I'm going to have to wait a bit for this particular treat.