So it will be soon time for me to venture outside for training.
For the last 10 odd years I’ve been using my Blue Triad frame (same as my TT bike but lower spec) with road bars/TT extensions, a mish mash of components and then some 15+ year old Zipp 404 tubular wheels
Obviously there are issues with tubs for training, but I always carry a spare etc.
I think getting a whole new bike might be overkill, but I can only have rim brakes.
Have zero clue about wheelsets and importantly tubeless vs clinchers.
I’m a self confessed Luddite so avoid tubeless but others seem to manage and on my mtb I think it has self sealed thorn type punctures.
I’d definitely avoid modern hookless rims but if you’re going for rim brakes you might find your options are limited, but plenty on the second hand market.
I think we’re in similar situations, I have an old rim brake tri frame bike - getting rim brake wheelsets at a reasonable price is tricky. If I were going to get some, I’d just get something bargain basement that can fit your frame and focus on the gains of the aero position.
I’m not sure what clearance you have between tyres & frame with your Triad. I know my old faithful 2009 BMC road bike is pretty tight on the rear & don’t think it would take a 25mm tyre never mind a 28mm on a wheel with a19-21mm internal width which is pretty standard nowadays.
One of the things holding me back is that I just don’t understand what measurements will fit my frame - tyres in okay with. The different ways they measure “wheel width” I haven’t spent the time to get my head around it and the frame spec I have.
If it’s a training bike, just fit the fattest Schwalbe puncture-resistant tyres you can on it. Almost indestructible so you will never have to think about them. They work on road or off, although off-road grip is limited. Fit TPU tubes to compensate a bit for the weight. Then just get out and ride knowing that they aren’t going to let you down. Run at a moderate pressure rather than rock-hard for a better feel.
Keep an eye on eBay. There’s a fair few clincher, rim brake with narrow rims that no one seems to want to buy.
I’ve got a Trek speed concept 7.5 from 2011 that I barely used back then. I’d got Planet X 80/101 tubulars for races, again barely used, but didn’t like the idea of tubulars and carbon braking surface having come to get it back to working condition.
I kept an eye out on eBay and spotted what I feel was a good deal: Zipp 404’s, 808’s and a disc (super 9? Based on the 808). All clincher with aluminium brake track in very good condition. Made an offer below buy it now and came as described. Maybe I paid more than others wanted, but all 5 wheels came delivered, approx £150 less than a new set of Elite tubeless ready carbon rims (that I’ve just got for my road bike)
For an older bike like this I’m not sure you’d get tyres wider than a 25 without rubbing, could be wrong and it also depends what the rims support. 25’s will be a bit of an improvement comfort wise.