Bike Setup: 2006 Schwinn Varisty, Weyless carbon fork, stock handlebars, Cinelli Groove stem, Shimano 600 8-speed group, generic aluminum seat post and racing saddle, Mavic Ksyrium SSC
Summary: I've wanted a set of these since I really got into the sport. After about 3 years of waiting out other priorities, I found a 2001 set on craigslist for a steal. I got them a couple of weeks ago, but my initial impressions are:
1. The wheels are light(relative to the 2000gm set I replaced with them)
2. They are STIFF, and more uncomfortable with the aluminum spokes vs. the steel spoke on my other set, but I'm willing to make the trade off of comfort to speed.
3. They make my bike look better.
I had to replace the cable on my RD, so my first ride on these was in my 53/12 (12-23 8-speed out back) and I was able to ride without suffering, including climbing a small hill. I can't even spin the 53/12 on my other wheels for any length of time. I can't wait to get some miles on these things.
Strengths: Light weight, stiff, bling. Price (at least for me, picked them up for $250 shipped, gotta love craigslist)
Weaknesses: None so far
Similar Products Used: Alex ALX-295
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Summary: I bought these wheels new in the fall of 2003 and have been riding them about 100 miles a week since. I raced them, rode them in the rain, and on the trainer. I have had to true the rear wheel once and replace one bearing. They still spin like new today. The are almost as light as the newer ksyrium es's which are much costlier overengineered marketing crap. If you can find a set of these, BUY THEM! And as a tip to FTS-L hub users, clean and relube the freebody every time it starts to get noisy.
Strengths: Light for a bulletproof wheel. STRONG. Fast. Cool looking. Have over 10,000 miles on mine. Ksyrium ES's weigh just 70 grams less, not what MAVIC advertises.
Weaknesses: Hubs creak, but placing a bit of lube at the contact points between the wheel and dropouts fixed this. Upgrade the skewers.
Similar Products Used: Rolf, Mavic SSC-SL's
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Bike Setup: 2001 Trek USPS 5900 Superlight (54cm)
Complete Group: Dura Ace 7800 10spd
Pedals: Dura Ace 7800
Stem: Bontrager XXX OS Carbon Fiber
Bars: Bontrager Race Lite
Headset: Chris King Threadless 1 1/8"
Fork: Easton EC90 SL Carbon Fiber Straight Blade
Seatpost: Easton EC90 Carbon Fiber Zero Set Back
Saddle: Selle San Marco Aspide
Water Bottle Cages: Carbon Fiber Arundel
Wheelset: Mavic Ksyrium ES
Tires: Continental Grand Prix 4000 (black)
Computer: Flight Deck 10spd Wireless
HR Monitor: Garmin 301
Summary: This is a review of the MAVIC KSYRIUM ES. I purchased these wheels as the final piece to my dream bike build up, here are my initial impressions:
APPEARANCE: Well first of all, I really don't think there is a better looking wheelset out there (IMHO). The predominately black wheel with the single red spoke, and red hubs are very striking. I would recommend going with an all black tire (sidewall and tread) to compliment the decals of the wheels. This wheelset really has maximum "curb appeal"
PERFORMANCE: This wheelset is everything that I thought it would be. It is very stiff and has a very comfortable ride. I have noticed that on hard sprinting and climbing, the wheels don't flex and it seems all the energy is focused into forward movement. Very nice!
WEIGHT: I was a little disappointed with the weight of the wheelset. Although it is lighter than the wheelset that it replaced, it was still heavier than Mavic's web site advertised. My old wheelset was a set of Velocity Spartacus Uriel which weighed about 5lbs 12ozs. This weight is both wheels (front and rear) with the following: Skewers, Shimano Dura Ace 7800 12-27 Cassette, Continental Grand Prix 4000 (700x23) tires, and lightweight tubes. The new Ksyrium ES wheelset weighed 5lbs and 6ozs with the same eqiupment. So althought lighter not as light as I thought it would be. I am happy that 6ozs of rotational mass has been removed though.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS: I am very happy with the wheelset and it would be a great addition to any bike. I like the looks, performance, and everything else about the wheels. The price may be a little steep, but if you are considering these wheels in the first place, you have probably already spent a great deal on your bike to begin with. That was my rationale anyways. The only thing that would make me change my opinion on the wheels would be if they didn't last, Since they are Mavics and their Ksyrium line has such a great reputation, I really don't think this is gonna be a problem. Hope this review helps and happy ridding to everyone.
Strengths: Strong, Stiff, Great Looking Wheels, Always great to have the latest equipment on the weekend club rides.
Weaknesses: Not quite as light as advertised, but still a very light wheelset
Similar Products Used: Velocity Spartacus Uriel, Campagnolo Vento
Favorite Ride: tailwinds, sun in my face, rolling hills.
Bike Setup: Merlin Ti, ouzo pro fork, campy record/chorus.
Summary: Great all around light wheels. Perfect for fast club rides. No problems at all after 8,000 miles. Aero design increases speeds in fast flats. After many rough roads, no problems. Great power transfer. Got a great deal on the original 2002 SSC's, $450 delivered!
Strengths: Light, aero, efficient, durable and trouble-free.
Weaknesses: Somewhat stiff, less comfortable than standard 32 spoke 3x open pro wheels. Front wheels catches cross wind on very windy rides.
Similar Products Used: Mavic open pros, CXP's.
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Summary: Great ride. No complaints until the rear wheel cracked at 4,400 miles. Very disappointed in such an expensive wheel. My LBS says it is common around 7,000 miles on the black ones. Apparently the silver ones are better. I am rebuilding the rear with the silver rim.
Strengths: Ride, weight, braking.
Weaknesses: Cracking rear rims
Similar Products Used: Bontrager
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