The Vector Comp wheels that came with my road bike (a 2000 model Klein) served me well, so far as I can tell. They rolled round and stayed true for several years, without professional help.

Time conquers all, alas, and my wheels were no exception. The rear hub flange cracked last weekend, apparently due to some unusual lateral force during a mishap I won’t bother to describe, except to say that I wasn’t hurt too badly, and it was my own damn fault.

An inquiry to Trek (which made the wheels) revealed there was no hope of warranty, so I phoned local bike shops, poked around online and settled on a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels that I got for well below retail. Goodales was good enough to hook me up with a quick (no appt. necessary) cassette swap, and I was good to go. I may never learn to pronounce “Ksyrium,” though, so don’t ask.

You can pay an awful lot for wheels, if you want. No doubt the expensive ones are worth it for some riders. I lusted after a $1,000 set for a while, but that’s just nuts for a recreational rider. Even so, I shelled out more for my wheels than some people pay for a whole bike. After one ride, I’m happy to say the cash was well spent.

I realize there’s a huge placebo effect with new gear, and I admit that what I know about the physics and mechanics of bicycling might not fill a teaspoon, but I think my new wheels are faster. The bike seemed to accelerate even more enthusiastically, and I think I noticed a difference on flats and gentler climbs. I can’t honestly say I noticed any difference on descents or steeper climbs. The only thing I can say with near absolute certainty is that the Mavics are much stiffer than my stock wheels. The ride is harsher; I felt every little crack or pebble in the asphalt.

I can live with that. I figure that stiffer wheels must transfer energy more efficiently from the drive train to where the rubber hits the road. If I’m right about that, then they must be faster. As for handling, I don’t think I can tell a difference, unless it’s for the worse. I believe that’s because I rotated my tires, though. A worn, flattened front tire isn’t going to roll into a turn as smoothly as a fresh round one, no matter how much they cost.

Now, speaking of wheels going round and round, Evan, Steve, Sheila and I went and saw Jonathan Richman last night at the Somerville Theater. (Jonathan’s ouvre includes a cover of “Wheels on the Bus,” for those who missed that segue). I have loved his music for years, but hadn’t kept current. He is still making beautiful music, and it’s still sentimental and silly and full of wonder and appreciation for all that this world has to offer. I feel better for having heard and seen him, and what more can one ask?