Looking for some used wheels for training, came across a set of Mavic Heliums, cheap. I found something that said these were designed for climbing, can anyone enlighten me?
Nice wheels, just try not to weigh too much.
Think of the name- lighter than air.
Don’t train on them. Seriously. Great for a stage race, though.
They were Mavic’s lightest wheels, possibly still are. Were very popular with the pros for climbing. Lance rode the tubular versions in the 1999 TDF in the mountain stages.
They actually weren’t crazy light. I suppose they were pretty light for the day. I think they even use brass nipples (heavier but stronger than aluminum). They are really cool wheels, though. A modern classic. My shop has a used set that I’d really love to take home, but they’re Shimano compatible, and I’m a Campy man.
I absolutely love my heliums and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another pair if given the opportunity, so if you don’t want to buy them, I will! 
Like the others have said, you need to be on the lighter side. I’ve had mine for 7 or 8 years now and have never had a problem. They have never needed any type of service!! Best wheels ever!!
I currently have them on my “B” bike, but am thinking of switching out my Dura Ace wheels on my “A” bike.
Did I hear correctly that Mavic were to reintroduce them? this is what I had heard…
“Did I hear correctly that Mavic were to reintroduce them”
Heard the same thing but they’ll be carbon and very $$$$.
I had heard aluminium, then I heard carbon. I think the aluminium Heliums are the best wheels Mavic ever did, myself.
I WANT TO BUY THEM!! What shop!?!?
Just googled it and came up with this -$230, don’t know if it’s current, though
Road Wheels for sale: Mavic Helium VisionMTB.com - Long Island - Metro Area Mountain Biking.
www.visionmtb.com/forumvb/archive/index.php/t-6803.html - 5k - Cached - Similar pages
It was listed last month, have fun!
I found some on Ebay too!! What a deal! Crazy! I’ll sell my Dura Ace wheels anyday for the Heliums!
Look at my signature. PM me your phone number and I can call you when I get into work today at noon.
If you want clincher s for climbing, look no further than the American Classics 350 sprints. Great wheel at 1331g per pair and under $600 they represent quite a bargain…
I have a set of Mavic Helium tubular wheels. Yes, they are very light, even by todays standards. The advise about not weighing too much, is correct. If you are much more than 170lbs I might pass on them. A while back I came across a New rear rim for mine which I am saving for the day. I mostly use them for hill climbs.
The new ones are an aluminum rim, but weight about as much as the old ones. But who knows, maybe the new ones are more durable. Or,maybe it is just marketing. The old ones were very popular.
Thanks sent he and Greg an e! So who wants to buy my less than a year old Dura Ace wheels!? 
Frog- since you got me to spend my money, I’m thinking you should buy my wheels!
Did Mavic put a weight limit on these? As someone already posted, by today’s standards, they’re not all that light.
As for weight, I rode around on a pair for two years, and let’s just say I was weight-challenged at the time - 220 lbs - 240 lbs. I never had a problem, and I still have them hanging in my garage perfectly true & ready to be put on my red Kestrel 200sci if I ever decide to build it back up.
I never recommended them for bigger guys because of the rim depth and spoke count. Naw, they weren’t that light, but light enough for their construction. I would rather have something like those for stage racing or even hilly races as the aluminium brake surface is always going to be superior than a carbon one any day of the week, especially when going down hill.
hmmm, I’m a bit over 200 myself. These are 28/24, I rode Velocity wheels with the same spoke count for three years with no problems…