Description The original Ascent Comp raised the bar for ultra-light weight ultra-high performance clinchers. The Ascent II takes it even higher. Ascent II has shed 53 grams for an unbelievable weight of only 1419...
Summary: Purchased wheels about 6-7 years ago. Perfectly true since the day I bought them. However, I've gained 30+ lb. (thyroid issues), still the wheels have been great. I've replaced the bearings twice; which isn't bad considering the wheels probably have 18000 miles on them.I don't consider myself to be hard on equipment, and these wheels' longevity reinforces that feeling. Recently broke spokes on both wheels, causing the wheels to go out of true. Having gone 6-7 years without truing, and 18000 miles; when I attempted to true the wheels several alloy nipples self-destructed, making it impossible to true the wheels. Those I've been able to extricate have been replaced with brass nipples (at my weight I'll take the weight penalty for the assurance I'll be able to fix the wheel). When I figure out how to get rid of the 'broken' nipples, these wheels will be back on my bike in a hurry.
Strengths: Incredibly longlasting, and strong for the weight. True out of the box, and (almost) forever after.
Weaknesses: Alloy nipples are very maleable.
Similar Products Used: If it's round, I've probably ridden it. Have built 50+ pairs of wheels for myself, and others, with no complaints.
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Summary: I wouldn't buy these wheels again. I use them only for racing. They're lightweight and fast but after about 1000 miles the rear wheel developed a gnarly little side to side action that I could not straighten out. The LBS couldn't straighten it out either. Finally upon sending it back to Easton they said the rim was cracked. Cracked?! I'm 145 lbs and not hard on wheels so I'm not sure how this could have happened. The Easton tech also said the bearings were due for a change too. Being a bit skeptical about how 1000 miles of racing could do a set of bearings in I opted to pass on his offer. The wheel was rebuilt for $100 and seems to be riding well.
Strengths: Light and fast
Weaknesses: The hoop and bearings don't seem to be made to last
Similar Products Used: Velomax Circuits (solid)
Easton Circuits (so so)
Mavic Open Pros (bomb proof)
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Bike Setup: Giant OCR 2 road bike everything stock except the saddle
Summary: Well let me start off by saying I currently ride a Giant OCR II road bike. I was looking for a good set of wheels to get better times in my TT (triathlon). When I saw the Easton Ascent II on sale for $500 I got them. I figured they would be a good buy, I thought hey, they have to be much better then my stock wheels (Xero XSR-4) that came on a $1000 road bike.. Boy was I wrong!! I always do the same 20K TT close to home, I have done it 6 times over a 2 months period this summer. 3 times with original wheels and 3 times with Easton (alternating between rides).
Here are my time comparison:
Xero wheels I got 31:09, 31:23, 31:25
Easton wheels was 32:35, 32:24, 31:33
As you can see, I was about one minute slower each time except for my last ride.
Placebo effect? I really thought I'd get a better time with the Easton wheels and was always all excited to ride with them but the data is there to prove it! Take it for what its worth, I certainly will never buy Easton wheels again.
I know they are not TT wheels but they are $900 set of wheels, almost as much as my entire bike and the stock wheels I got are not TT eather so the least I would expect is to be faster with them, uge disappointment! Shame on Easton!
Please note that I use the exact same tires on both set of wheels.
If you would like to provide some feedback about please email me at lukaus@hotmail.com and put "Easton Ascent II" in the subject field, thanks!
Strengths: They look strong
look nice
Light!! (Good if you do a lot of climbing)
Weaknesses: Price, even on special for $500 is a rip off! They do NOT deliver, they are slow wheels.
I read many times that their customer support is weak
Similar Products Used: Xero XSR-4, hey maybe these are good wheels after all, they sure are better then the Easton Ascent II in terms of speed (cornering felt better with the Easton but not much of a difference)
Bike Setup: Carbon Felt F5 frame with Dura-ace/ultegra components
Summary: So far these wheels have been great, i have used them for racing only whilst i train on other wheels. Are very light and feel very stiff, so are great whether it's a sprint or attacking on the climbs. Wheels have stayed perfectly true although using them for races only they've been looked after well and i'm only 68kg. Noticeable alot faster than my much cheaper Shimano 550's i use for training. User Manuals on the Easton website are good
Strengths: very good for accelerations, still straight
Weaknesses: none atm, had rear hub come slightly loose, but that's no drama once tightened with torque wrench
Similar Products Used: shimano R550's
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