"Great post, and fascinating to see all the diversity I work in the State Disaster Recovery Office. We help communities recover from disasters such as flood and bushfire. Totally love my job and the people I work with. Previously helped Stockport…"

"This post is hairlarious ;-) "

"Totally agree"

"Thanks for your replies. Think I will go for the quattro's. Took a look at some today and they look great. I will try and get some quotes from LBSs and see how they compare to online."

"i have fulcrum Racing Quattro CX wheels and they are great. They are on my CX bike so as well as racing(ish - ride around until someone with a flag tells me to stop) but also my commute, wet weather, have hit up  fair chunk of eagle MTB park on…"

"Dont forget Prolite Bracciano's , from the Aus Dealer, they're in your budget, plenty of people of here running them. I had the box ticked for them, but some RS-80 C24's popped up at a price I couldn't refuse so got them instead."

"Mate, got a set of these late last year for my TT bike. I gather they are the ones available from Velogear right? Well, for the money they are great, roll beautifully, sound awesome, and despite being all aluminum are as light as some wheels with…"

"I've done it with a spray can of  blue metalic paint, came up fairly well. The brake pads soon wear off any paint on the side of the rims and being carefull was good enuf for me. I "accidentaly" decided to include the spoke…"

"Hay Paul I repaint wheels and bikes all the time and would be willing to do yours for you at a small charge. Call me with any questions Matt.. 0410 515 923"

"Can't comment on the 2XU but the Gran Fondo would take an awful lot to beat it. Lorne becomes cycling central and the whole buzz is about bikes. The roads are totally closed for the event unless you travel at less than about 18kph then the road…"

"Fading paint is like wearing gravel rash scars, a sign of regular use and abuse. Either live with it and be proud or be apologetic and rush out and buy a new set of wheels."

"Not likely. You could get a small can of paint and a detail brush. Hold the brush next the the fork and spin the rim. My guess is they came powder coated,maybe first try rubbing compound to buff them out?  What if you got a bag of stickers and…"

"Rims are usually anodised, not painted - although it is more normal for that to wear off somewhat and the silver to start showing through. I'm surprised it is going brown/grey - can you post a pic?  I'd imagine that painting them will…"

"yeah thats my plan, holiday with a 4 hour bike ride."

"I took the missus and we turned it into a short holiday with a bike ride in it. Win Win."

"The $190 is just for the ride! Add 2 nights accom, meals, fuel etc, its expensive. "

"Ouch, but its on my too do list."

"thanks"