Mavic Cosmic Elite

Price Paid:  $150.00 at used

Favorite Ride:
wind without hills

Bike Setup:
CAnnondale aluminum with Shimano 105 10 spd

Summary:
Bought these for my commuter road bike. They were used, but looked brand new. They took a chicago winter better than anything I've tried in the last few years, and I haven't seen too much negative from the salt that I typically do. a bit heavy, but these aren't climbing or racing wheels, so that should be expected.

Strengths:
For what they are, they are a good value. Tough, reliable, didn't need truing all winter, stainless spokes seem to handle chicago winter well.

Weaknesses:
Braking surface wore out quicker than i'd expected, though with sandy salty conditions, not too much of a surprise. A bit heavy, but as I mentioned above, these aren't race wheels.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium Elite, HED Alps, Performance Forte Titan

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Pro bike kit

Bike Setup:
2004 Pinarello Opera (hand made in Italy light weight steel with carbon fork + seat stays), 2008 Campagnolo Record Group set.

Summary:
I bought these wheels because i wanted a decent solid set of training wheels that wouldn't be to expensive. They do their job fine, but i am planing on eventually buying some American Classic Carbon 58 tubular wheels for racing in a few years time.

Strengths:
seem to keep a decent momentum. Bladed spokes are good, but a few did need tuning when initially taken out of their packaging; but i haven't had the problem since.

Weaknesses:
Weight - i am a light rider, and these wheels do feel very heavy when doing steep climbs.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic MA40s with Campagnolo record hubs (old school)

Price Paid:  $489.00 at Orange cycle orlando

Favorite Ride:
50 mile loop chuluota

Bike Setup:
specialized Allez Elite

Summary:
I like them. I did notice that they were heavier the first time I rode them but then once I was used to them i can out run the best of them. I had a noticeable increase of speed since the second day I used them. By about 3 mph.
Im rocking about 23 mph consistent on flats and 18 on 4% up hill with them. Ya i live in Florida and there really isnt any long hills but we just lap the ones we have.

Strengths:
Fast hubs, good handling, look as good as my junk.

Weaknesses:
just a little heavy but why dont you cry about it.

Price Paid:  $375.00 at Revolution

Favorite Ride:
West Mountain, Springville UT

Bike Setup:
Pro Lite carbon frame, Ultegra drivetrain and shifters

Summary:
I bought these to relplace another 30mm profile, bladed spoke wheel. They are heavier than my last wheel, but the performance is much better. They are heavy on the climbs, but on flats are able to hold their speed very well, even in a stiff headwind. They also seem to accelerate very well for their weight. The current trend in high-end wheels (see the Cosmic Carbone) is to sacrifice some weight for performance. This wheel does that a little too much, but it is still very fast for the purposes it was built for. I did have spokes turn, but proper tension has lessened that. overall, i've been very happy. Oh, and they are stiff and go down twisty decents very well.

Strengths:
Stiff, fairly aero, and fast rolling. They look really good too.

Weaknesses:
Heavy. Spokes turn until the wheel is properly set up (take it to the LBS).

Similar Products Used:
Vuelta XRP, Pro Lite Luciano (don't ever buy those)

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Price Paid:  $0.00 at Trademe

Favorite Ride:
Avanti Kona 2006

Bike Setup:
Avanti Kona, Oval Aero bars. 105 derailers on Shimano 10 speed

Summary:
Bought complete bike with these on. Seem to be a very strong wheel; however rather heavy.

Strengths:
Bullet-proof, stay true.

Weaknesses:
weight. when climbing you really feel it

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Askims, A Class 220ALX