wheels and cassette?

MOST 9-speed Shimano-compatible wheels can use either 9-or-10-speed Shimano-compatible cassettes -- there may be some exceptions out there, though I think only ONE Dura Ace hub was 10-speed specific -- so, you would not need to change the cassette & chain.

Now, the Roval wheels will probably make more of a psychological difference than anything ...

As has been noted many times in several threads by many people, if you want a new wheelset, a better option than a low-spoke-count, fancy-schamncy wheelset would be to have someone (e.g., your LBS, Colorado Cyclist, etc. OR even yourself!) lace up a set of Open Pro (or, equivalent) rims on some Ultegra-or-better/(e.g., DT Swiss) hubs.

FWIW. I personally wouldn't upgrade to the Tarmac Comp but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't!

Regardless, the components on the Tarmac Comp should be MUCH BETTER than the ones on your Allez Elite ...

If you really want a NEW frame that you'll REALLY appreciate for a long time, then consider getting a Colnago Master X-LITE frameset or a Pinarello/etc frameset ... and, move as many as possible of your current components onto the new frame to make it ready-to-ride until you can afford better components for the new frame.

ANOTHER option is to swap your current shifters for some Campagnolo 10-speed ERGO shifters + cables (they are compatible with Shimano 8-speed drivetrains & can be made compatible with Shimano 9-speed drivetrains) + a tensiometer (so you can check/tweak the spoke tension on your current wheels) + new handlebar tape -- these changes should make your bike feel like new.

thanks for the input. So are you saying that a new wheelset on my Allez Elite like Roval's really isn't worth the money? If so, what would I tell a difference in spending the money in on my bike?

STXR814 said:

So are you saying that a new wheelset on my Allez Elite like Roval's really isn't worth the money? If so, what would I tell a difference in spending the money in on my bike?

I think that having a NICE set of wheels is a-good-thing ...

But, simply tuning your current wheels (adjusting the spoke tension) & repacking the bearings can often do wonders ... these are things you can do yourself ... things that you should learn how to do.

Different tires & especially different tubes can often change how your bike feels, too.

If you are keen on a new set of wheels, then I definitely recommend the DT SWISS hubs ... they are smooth, reliable & lightweight ... but, a set of '240' hubs is in the $400 range -- I think they are the hubs against which other hubs should be judged. A set of Shimano Ultegra hubs is probably about 2x as heavy, but probably as reliable under most circumstances for half the price. Campagnolo hubs are great, too, but you are pretty much limited to using Campagnolo/-compatible cassettes with a Campagnolo drivetrain. Wheels built with those three brands of hubs will probably be better than the Roval wheels.

There are no "points" for style if you simply ride with 32-or-36 spoke wheels; and yet, there are!

FWIW. If you pony up for a pair of 10-speed 2009 Campagnolo Veloce shifters (less than $200 on eBay), you will give your bike a completely different feel unless you never-or-rarely shift, now ... and, definitely an up-to-date look.

New cables/housing will make shifting & braking smoother.

Handlebar tape should be replaced periodically.

Thanks for the input. Greatly appreciated.