I am a new-comer to triathlons. I am buying a cervelo p2k and would like to put some decent wheels on it for training and racing. I’ve read a lot about the Mavic Ksyriums and would like to know if it would be worth paying about $150 more for the SLs.
*Darren
well, I’m not very technical, but I can tell you that I have the Mavic Elites and really have enjoyed them. my ride feels plush and is alot faster. plus, they are a pretty durable wheelset that you can race. my lbs told me that to top them I’d have to spend in the 800+ dollar range.
I own both of these wheelsets in my arsenal. Both sets are mega robust. I’m a relatively strong biker and 87kg and in 2 years I haven’t even needed to tighten a spoke on the Elites. The SL’s I use a my criterium wheelset and these are as light as I like a wheel to be. Arguably I’d go for the SL out of choice as it is lighter and a better quality hub but it depends on where you intend to use them. If it’s Tri I’d advise saving a little longer for a deeper rim wheelset
The SL’s are great, light, stiff, and a little aero. I think one could do a little better with a handbuilt set thatn the elites.
Velocity Aerohead rims, 15 gauge spokes (try a bladed for more $$$) 2x rear, radial front… pick a hub based on where you want to end up on price.
The SLs might be a bit stiffer. For a smaller rider with a relatively stiff-riding frame, that might not be a good thing. Depends on what you want out of the wheel.
Put some Elites on for training (I train on SLs).
Save the extra cash for some aero wheels that will actually make a difference for a race (about 1-2 mins for a 40K, all other things being equal).
Put some Elites on for training (I train on SLs).
Save the extra cash for some aero wheels that will actually make a difference for a race (about 1-2 mins for a 40K, all other things being equal).
I agree with the last statement and would take it one step further. The Vistas that are standard on the P2K are bombproof, you won’t gain anything in training by switching to (either type of) Ksyrium. And in racing, neither are true aero wheels but the Velomax has the Mavic beat. So I would save the money from the “upgrade”, as I don’t see what advantage you would gain, and use that money together with some future savings to buy real race wheels some time down the road.
Ditto Gerards comments. I think the whole boutique wheel thing is nuts. Race wheels (disks, Zipps, Hed, etc) make sense, but the $$$ for low profile, spoked aluminum rimmed wheels is over the top. If you are buying a frame and need wheels get a mid level set of hubs (105, ultegra, veloce) a good set of mavic, sun,velocity rims and some butted spokes and have a local shop build a set (look for a shop which sells tandems, touring bikes, etc and has a older mechanic who is crabby all the time, they seem to build the best wheels). The wheels will be as light and durable as any of the prebuilt wheels and shouldn’t cost more than $300-$400.
Styrrell
Thanks for the advice. I’ll look into the Velomax.
I would also like to know if getting fitted is worth $50.00
How would I know which bike shop to trust?
*Darren
No, not worth $50. But it is worth $100-200. A $200 fit will do a lot more for you than a $200 upgrade on your bike. As for who to trust, I don’t know. Just the usual things I guess, I don’t think a bike fit is any different from any other decision. Get referrals from friends (or post a question here about who in your area is good), talk to the people, ask them wha their philosophy on fit is, ask if after the fit you are allowed to come back for adjustments if you are not comfortable (they should let you do that), etc. Usually, even if you don’t have the specific knowledge, you will be able to tell who knows and who is faking depending on if it intuitively makes sense or not. My usual tell tale is this: Are they trying to make you understand, or are they trying to confuse you? If they are trying to make you understand, they have nothing to hide and probably know their stuff.
Somewhere in the archives of slowtwitch Dan has written a list of things to ask your fitter when deciding who to trust.
Darren - i have an excellent pair of elites (300-400 miles), tires and the whole 9 yards that I am selling $450.00 info@thegrandcolumbian.com
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Quote, “I would also like to know if getting fitted is worth $50.00? How would I know which bike shop to trust?”
Darren,
I cannot second Gerard’s comments strongly enough!
Unless you are perfectly happy to ride and suffer on a bike that doesn’t fit, getting properly fitted is an absolute necessity. It is difficult to quantify the difference to someone who hasn’t had the experience but suffice it to say that a bike that fits properly will tend to “disappear” underneath you as you become one with the bike. The bike becomes an extension of yourself.
A bike that doesn’t fit properly will likely have handling issues, be much less comfortable to ride, will compromise your efforts to perform at your best if you race or ride long distance and will never disappear beneath you as you will never be one with the bike.
If you are looking to purchase a P2K you should be advised that proper fit becomes an even more important issue on a “specialized” bike. Your road bike measurements cannot be “translated” to a tri or time trial position/fit for the selection of the proper frame size. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE! If you end up with the wrong frame, it will be a much more expensive lesson than the modest amount you will spend on getting a proper fitting.
How important is getting a proper fitting? Julian, a frequent ST poster from England just came to Dearborn, MI, USA to get fitted by Tom Demerly for his specialized tri/time trial Kuoto Kaliber. Now perhaps he combined business with pleasure, I do not know, but even if he did he did go to considerable effort to ensure he got a proper fitting and optimized his riding position.
On selection of who to do your fitting? Call around. Look for bike shops that cater to cyclists who have similar interests as you, triathlon, duathlon or time trialing. Ask people you ride with or compete with who live in your area. Ask people in your bike club (another reason for belonging to a bike club.) You should try to find a fitter who has significant experience fitting cyclists in your specialty. What you really want to find is a fitter with advanced fit training and experience fitting cyclists in your specialty.
If you are still at a loss on how to find a qualified fitter, call Tom Demerly at Bikesport in Dearborn, Michigan, (313) 278-1350 & www.bikesportmichigan.com and ask if he can refer you to someone. Or Call Paul Levine or Grant Salter at Signature Cycles in Central Valley, New York at (845) 928-3060 & www.signaturecycles.com and ask for a referral to someone they trained or respect as an experienced fitter in your area.
If these three people cannot refer you to someone in your area, they should be able to refer you to someone who knows your area well enough to give you a referral.
If you are prepared to spend $2,000 or more on your bike, don’t you want to love what you purchase for all the pleasure it brings you when you ride it rather than just being able to look at an ornament in the garage or basement that is uncomfortable to ride and brings you no joy when you are on it? Getting properly fitted before you purchase your bike will insure that this purchase satisfies you at the very least but more likely it will end up producing an experience that will exceed your expectations by a significant amount!
Good luck.
Ben…
Thanks for the great advice. I’m in the process of finding a fitter. I appreciate your concern and time.
It seems like triathletes are a different breed. So far everyone has been eager to help. I can’t wait to join the ranks! :o)
*Darren