Upgrade advice

[JonnyRat]

Dear All, I currently ride a Bianchi Via Nirone C2C with a Shimano Sora (9 Speed) groupset. It has Reparto Corse wheels (which came with the bike from new). I commute anything from 34 to 136 miles a week, so spend a considerable amount of time in the saddle. I'm looking for ways to make my commute as swift as possible!
My question relates to advice on upgrades. All threads seem to suggest that the sensible starting point is wheels (and tyres). I'm looking to upgrade to possibly Mavic Aksium / Mavic Equipe (my budget of £250 or so won't stretch to the Mavic Ksyrium Elites).
Is it worth me 'upgrading' to either of these options? I appreciate that the two models of wheels quoted are at the lower end (spec wise) of the Mavic range, but I also appreciate that for £250, I'm not going to get the quality that a higher price bracket will give me.
If any of you have opinions on alternative wheelsets, I would be grateful for your advice.
Many thanks in anticipation.

 

[Sale Madrid]

I upgraded from Aksiums to Ksyrium Elite's and I've not noticed the slightest difference (other than in my wallet of course). On that basis I'd get the Aksiums.

 

[black'n'yellow]

(serious answer) if you want to make your commute 'as swift as possible' - have you tried pushing the pedals harder..? That is likely to make much more of a difference than spending money on wheels.

 

[derrick]

But with new wheels you feel better, so it makes you cycle better, it works for me.

 

[festival]

I agree with black & yellow but of course the best performance upgrade is usually wheels and tyres.
So for the budget you have the Askiums + some decent tyres will make a difference.
As an alternative to Mavic's I recommend Giant's new range of wheels, the P-SL, slightly lighter, stiffer and IMO more durable @About £220

 

[martint235]

For me you can't beat Open Pros for commuting. They are reasonably light but also strong. Your commuting wheels will take quite a battering during a year. I'd save Askiums et al for the best bike (but even on my best bike I prefer stronger wheels)

 

[JonnyRat]

Dear all, thank you for taking the time and trouble to offer your opinions, much appreciated.