Am thinking of purchasing Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels. I have heard that they need frequent truing and they break. Had problems with these?
Problems with Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels?
Sun, 05/14/2006 - 5:05pm
Sun, 05/14/2006 - 6:52pm
#1
hey, check out roadbikereview.com and bicycling.com, forums section, and you'll get plenty of feedback on ksyiums. you'll read that these are solid wheels, very durable.
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 7:53am
#2
rational mind vs. emotional mind
What do you find appealing about Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels?
Other than looking nice, which is important for some and not to be dismissed, I personally fail to see what the appeal is of these wheels. At that price point, you can get wheels which are either ligther, more areo, more durable, or easier to service than Ksyriums.
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 2:55pm
#3
Peter, at that price, you can get wheels which are lighter, more aero, more durable, AND more easier to service.
For instance 28h front/32h rear Dura-Ace or Record hubs with Sapim CX-Ray spokes laced to Velocity Aerohead front/Aerohead OCR rear. Use the delivered PolyAx nips for lightest weight, or brass nips for maximum durability and ease-of-maintenance.
Or 24h front/28h rear with Sapim CX-Ray spokes laced to Velocity Deep Vs front and rear.
- Christian
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 4:48pm
#4
rim plugs, too
And you'll want to use those modern Velocity rim plugs, instead of funky old-fashioned cloth tape, on these trick new wheels!
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 6:40pm
#5
A good option
"This is a very good option for you also and closer to the Elite price range, also available at Colorado Cyclist
2006 Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 10-Speed/Mavic Open Pro Handbuilt Wheelset $375.00
"
Thu, 05/18/2006 - 6:05am
#6
The wheels are a standard part of the bike package I am purchasing and was interested in people's experience.
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 1:51pm
#7
The SL are better than the Elite (I have the Elite).
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 4:46pm
#8
I've put about 4000 miles on my Elites (which I bought last October), and they haven't gone even slightly out of true. (I weigh 150 lbs.)
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 6:37pm
#9
Ksyrium wheel
Richard,
Competitive Cyclist has the Ksyrium SL-2 for $675/pr. Excel Sports is selling some older Mavic Ksyrium SL and Elite, closeouts :-), take a look.
As Stephane pointed out the SL is a better choice if it's in your budget. They are extremely durable, semi-aero and 1530 grams, plus they stayed true after a 27mph crash, and never a broken spoke in three years and frankly unless you attacked the spokes with a bat they would not break either.
If you can get the older models save the money, as there is virtually no difference between the SL, SL-2 and SL-3, only a color change.
Mon, 05/15/2006 - 5:30pm
#10
Broken spokes
Ksyriums do seem to be prone to broken spokes. I have a pair of 2005 SL's and broke a rear spoke within six months of purchase.
My bike and I combined weigh less than 150 lbs, so it's certainly not a weight issue. However, they have stayed nearly perfectly true, even after 7,000 miles or so.
Tue, 05/16/2006 - 3:05am
#11
broken spoke
how did that happen??
Thu, 05/18/2006 - 6:09am
#12
Thanks all for the feedback. I have read from Roadbikereview that these wheels tend to get out of true easily and break frequently if you are over 170 in weight. I tried both the Elite and the SL (price tag of $875 new at Larry and Jeffs) and found that the Elites produce a smoother (read -gasp- softer ride)with less vibration. I think I am going to slow down my tri bike time a little for the sake of comfort. Will they kick me out of NYCC for admitting that?!
Thu, 05/18/2006 - 6:58am
#13
Consider going carbon or ti instead
Because everyone knows that Aluminum provides a harsh ride especially when you don't have much air in your tires.
Did you ride the wheels using the same bike, tires and tire pressure? If so, I'm surpirsed you could tell a difference in how softer, and with less vibration a ride one wheel is over another.
Thu, 05/18/2006 - 9:52am
#14
All conditions were the same. Perhaps it was in my mind and I wanted a reason to save $300.
Thu, 05/18/2006 - 10:43am
#15
Yeah, I reckon $300 is softer on the wallet. Good luck with your purchase, which ever option that may be.
Sat, 05/20/2006 - 3:49am
#16
Ksyrium Elites
I've had a set for 4+ years. They have a lot of training+racing miles on them, at least 15K. Replaced the pawls on the rear a few months ago and they are only recently starting to feel a bit worn. I don't treat them nicely and I've only touched them with a spoke wrench twice for minor adjustment. They are bulletproof.
