looking to purchase some new wheels and my LBS carries these two brands and suggested them for my purposes–a lot of training with a light racing schedule. i just want a wheel that hold up very well and still give me the slight benefits of a race wheel when the time comes. i know it won’t make that much difference, but my current wheels may be nearing the end of their lifespan. any other suggestions for a good wheelset are welcome. assume a budget of $450.
I have the Bontragers (came with my bike) and have had no complaints.
Of course you could always get a couple of very sturdy box-section wheels for training and buy a used Campy Shamal front and a CH Aero cover for races and still be under your $450 budget.
I had the same decision recently as I thought I wanted the Bontragers for my better wheelset. I currently run the Bontrager Selects for training and thought I would stay with the same brand for upgrading. My LBS (whom I race for and trust their judgement) handles both and would sold me either for about the same $. The bottom line is that their opinion is that the Mavic wheels are just better. Their reasons surrounded the quality of the bearings and the general construction of the wheel.
Don’t know if that helps or not but that’s the results of my “unscientific” experience.
Paul
I can’t compare as I’ve never owned the Mavics, but I’ve been very happy w/ my Bontrager Race Lites. They’ve held very true, no broken spokes, no hassles at all.
I’ve had just as good an experience with my Ksyrium Elites as others have had with their Bontragers. I’ve owned them for 3 years, only had to true them once. Everything else being equal, which wheelset is cheaper? And which is lighter?
The Elites are excellent training wheels, bomb proof construction, not light weight, reasonable aero.
Race Lites are a good racing wheel, better aero, lighter wheel, and very few wheels are as strong as the Ksyriums.
I’d stay with a 32spoke for training and change my wheels for racing to avoid wear.
I have both. The K’s are a little lighter, both are super strong. On my K’s, a screw dug right through the bottom of my rim bed (didn’t go out the bottom, tho) and they’re still running true.
If given the choice, I’d probably give the edge to the K’s
Race lites -1745g
Elites -1781g
For race performance I’d be looking at rim depth and spoke count.
Check out my man Peter Hall at www.hbike.com . He is offering a big discount (25% I think) on Kysrium’s. and 20% on most others. You may be able to snag an SSC or whatever the top of the line is called now for your 450. No tax either. He is in Vermont.
BTW, I ride the topolinos and they rock. Your best wheel choice IMHO would be the velomax. They have a deep rim that will do exactly what you want. Less expensive, better bearings, better quality all around.
R, Wingnut
“and a CH Aero cover for races”
I’ve just brought a CH Aero cover and trying to decide a wheel to put it on.
Anyone have any suggestions about a reasonable base wheel for a CH Aero cover?
I’ve never owned anything Bontrager but I do have the Mavic Elites and I’m not thrilled with them. They are 1 year old and I have a problem keeping them true. Several times I’ve had a blade loosen considerably enough to ruin my ride. Make sure you carry a spoke wrench if you buy these wheels. They’re not very aero and I would never race on these wheels, but, other than the spoke issues, they’re not bad for training. BTW, I’ll never buy Mavic’s again (I actually bought these from my brother) for 3 reasons: 1) they’re built by the Phrogs and 2) Mavic’s customer service sucks and 3)THEY’RE BUILT BY THE PHROGS!
BTW, I wouldn’t spend $450 at the LBS for a set of training wheels. Get on ebay or you’re local Tri/Bike club website and find a good pair of training wheels for $250-$300 with less than 1000 miles on them. This way you get the tires, skewers(sometimes), and cassette (sometimes). Usually at the LBS they won’t throw any of this stuff in unless you buy top end wheels ($1000+).
Anyone have any suggestions about a reasonable base wheel for a CH Aero cover?
Any box section rim. I’m pretty sure Open Pros work as well but you want to stay away from deep rims.
I’ve got a set of Ksyrium Elites for sale and a set of Equipes. Barely used good price including tires. info@thegrancolumbian.com
If you can talk someone into getting you an at cost deal, the Kysrium SSCs would be about the same price as the Elites and they roll much smoother compared to the race lites and the Elites. I actually run race lites and my GF runs the SSCs (what’s wrong with that picture). Have had no issues with the RL or SSCs (I have only had to tighten spokes and true once or twice in two years (strong wheels and I am hard on my gear).