Aero-wheels Or Regular Spoked?

  So this is my bike...

  It's a Mercier Kilo TT, with yes, a white Aerospoke.  It has been my pride and joy ever since I built it up because it takes me here and there and to and from work.  However, I always get comments or questions about my front wheel.  Either, what in the hell kind of wheel is that? (By usually people who don't ride) Or why the hell do you ride that? (Usually haters on the street that can't afford them. Haha. I don't know.  I digress.

  So it made me wonder why I even bought the damn thing in the first place?  Well, for one, I think the wheel looks cool as hell.  Whenever I'm bombing down Irving street in the Sunset I more often than not get people turning their heads staring at my front wheel.  It does look pretty cool when the spokes blur at an optimum speed.  Also, I really think the wheel has a long life in durability.  I don't really do tricks so that has probably helped with some of the upkeep of my wheel, but I once got into a pretty bad head-on collision (don't ask) and ran smack into a car.  My fork got pushed in from the collision, but my wheel stayed true.  I was amazed.

  I still have been riding on the wheel like normal ever since.  But, I was also wondering why HED3 wheels are so much more expensive.  Is it because it's carbon and Lance rides with two?!?  One wheel is more than buying two Aerospokes!  I don't get it.  In any case, the real reason for these wheels is aerodynamics and city riding probably isn't the greatest place for that.  But, the Aerospoke I admit has become a trend and I have fallen victim to it, but I simply like mine because I think it looks cool and because it's durable as hell.

  Are there drawbacks for these wheels?  Yeah, Aerospokes definitely aren't as light as conventionally spoked wheels, but I can't really tell the difference since I've been riding it so long.  Another disadvantage is that when and if they become untrue...you're fucked.  Getting the wheel repaired is probably not something most bike shops know how to fixed since their either aluminum or carbon.  I guess my white wheel is sort of like the white computer I'm typing on....If my Mac gets a virus (God forbid)....I'm fucked.  Also, my friend told me that with HED wheels can warp in overexposure to the sun, but I'm not sure how long it would take to do that.  Anywho, that's my little rant about my Aerospoke.  I like it so stop drinkin' your Hater-ade!