Road bike recommendations

For "training rides" and that weekend warrior ride you don't need carbon aero wheels. They are NOT even an advantage. While some of the best ones are light and offer a bit better break-away aerodynamics, they are also more prone to sidewinds and provide less confort than a set of low profile lightweight tubular rim based wheels. And if its not about "training" and club-rides then get tubular.. Carbon and clincher are not a good mate.

Ha, I don't need much of anything, in terms of parts. The one thing that would improve my cycling no end would be a cessation of my chronic low back pain, rather than stupid wheels. Duncan went from 4th to 2nd cat in one season on Open Pros; it's training over tech at every level of cycling. I'm under no illusion about that.

Having acknowledged that, I think there is, quantifiably, an advantage to having aero wheels. You will go faster for the same level of effort. Comfort isn't particularly an issue, I'm on a carbon Cannondale which rides like a sofa. I've ridden tubs before, and I'm not sold on the benefits. I prefer wide clinchers, and I can afford carbon. Why not, eh? I need all the help I can get.

Carbon aero wheels are not your "all weather" ride around choice...

You've not met me, clearly. I'm on the leaderboard for the ne plus ultra of cycling tarts.