I'm on the opposite side - I really like the original wheels! I specially like what they do for the mileage. Yet I completely understand when folks want to replace them. Good luck!
I believe the pie-pan wheels are there for fuel economy in the way of drag reduction through reduced turbulence. Look at the wheels of land-speed-record cars or Bonneville Salt Flat racers and you'll generally see flush wheel covers... Every little bit helps!
I thought about it some more and decided to keep them. I was driving in the LA freeways and actually got a couple thumbs up from other HCH drivers! I guess the wheels are a tell tale sign its a hybrid!
i've played around with some wheels Options ... stock 16" lx wheels (40lbs)ea (steels).... aftermarket 17" w 205 50 17 tires (43lbs) ea.. average fuel MPG 42.. put stock 15" mpg backup to 52+ ... Im sticking with the stock .... like somepeople say they grow on you.......
NOW i have some to SELL... anybody looking...
I just changed my wheels on my 07 hybrid with 47,000 miles on it. I purchased Dunlop Citations and although they handle so much better than the stock wheels, I am getting 5 to 8 miles per gallon less.
i have 18" steel wheels and better handling tires and i only get in the upper 30s for MPG, and that is driving fairly conservatively, but not strict hypermiling.