Right...but for me...light wheels are generally out of the equation. I can get lighter but only to a point and maybe not even so much as to make much difference. I'm what I would call a super clyde and as such...I need burlier wheels and prefer 32h or even 36h rims. I've lightened the wheels on my SS mountain bike but honestly can't tell a difference. The wheels on my Synapse are lighter than the stock wheels as well but again...I don't think I can tell any difference. I do plan to have a second wheelset build for my gravel bike so that I can have a gravel set and a road set since I'll likely be getting rid of the road bike and riding the gravel bike on both dirt and paved surfaces. That new wheelset will end up being slightly light I'd assume but by how much I'm not sure yet.
Unless you race, weight is a secondary factor. IMHO (and this advice is coming from a notorious weight weenie in my racing days) the most important factors to consider in bike selection is frame design and quality of manufacture - not the specific material. You can buy good and bad bikes made from steel, aluminum, titanium, or carbon. Of course, proper fit, and especially durability for adventure bikes - are also primary concerns. Just remember, if you are in the 200+ weight category riding a 20 something pound bike, the bike represents only about 10% or less of your total mass. In general though, you can get the best bang for your buck in quality steel or aluminum frames -- and these will also rank high on the durability scale.
