Mavic R-sys

Price Paid:  $0.00 at second hand at my lo

Favorite Ride:
anywhere hilly

Bike Setup:
Trek Madone 5.0 (2007). Stock except for the Mavics which replaced the Bontragers.

Summary:
I bought a set of r-sys 2008 in January this year from an employee at my local store. The first thing I had to do however was to turn in my front wheel following the recall by Mavic in order to replace the spokes that were allegedly prone to breaking at high speeds. Having been up and running for some time now I am really starting to like these wheels; light and fast as if they were made for climbing but also a general responsiveness which just makes them very fast. Lastly, I have noticed that when descending I dont have to pedal in order to keep up with others. I can just sit back, relax and let the mavics do the job, and I am not particularly heavy at just over 60 KGs. Amazing. If these wheels turn oput to be as strong and robust as is normally the case for Mavic wheels and as has already been claimed by several usesrs, the R-Sys' will no doubt be a fantastic product. I'll let you know at the end of this season. So far though the Mavics have been a major step up from the previously used Bontrager wheels.

Strengths:
Ascending and descending (i.e. speed and lightness)

Weaknesses:
A possible lack of aerodynamics due to the shape of the spokes

Similar Products Used:
A much cheaper set of Bontrager Race + Mavic Cosmic Carbon (deep dish)

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Gottaridebikes.com

Favorite Ride:
Mavic R-Sys Wheels (2007)

Bike Setup:
Orbea Orca, Campy Super Record 11, Ritchey stem,seatpost and handlebar,Campagnolo Shamal Two Way Fit wheels

Summary:
This is a update of my original review. After more than a year of use I started hearing some weird noises coming from the hub's, ask several mechanics and found out that the first generation of R-Sys have a problem with the compression ring, have to send them to Mavic wait about a month to get them back and then sell them on Ebay, there is no way I will use them again, bought 2009 Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Two Way Fit cna go either clincher or tubebless.

Strengths:
Light and stiff

Weaknesses:
Hub problems, spokes are very fragile, unreliable

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium Sls

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Price Paid:  $1250.00 at City Cycle

Bike Setup:
Cinelli 70's steel frame with Campy Super Record (slightly rusted).

Summary:
Two rides, what do I know? They are a smoother ride than my vintage Omos wheels. I find I'm out of the saddle more because they are so responsive. Feels like all the power goes to the ground. I know stiff and smooth seems contradictory, but that's the impression so far. They spin up easily, quickly. So far I love them.

Yes I may still be on the either, I'll keep you posted.

Strengths:
Light, stiff, smooth.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
This is my first pair of clinchers in 20 years.

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Price Paid:  $1250.00 at RocknRoad

Favorite Ride:
Sierras

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Archon. Awesome bike. Light, stiff and the legendary Ti ride.

Summary:
These wheels are stiff and absorb the road vib's very well. Much smoother than the Ksyrium SL's. Little to no flex. Not sure what the other guy's problem is cautioning bigger riders. These are rock solid. I'm 185 sprinter and work great for sprinting and going up hill where I need it the most. I think they are cool looking too.

Strengths:
Stiff, fast rollers, cool looking.

Weaknesses:
Can't think of any.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium SL's, Zipp 404's, Bontragers, Shimano DA SL 7801.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at From Friend (came of

Favorite Ride:
Sonoma/Mendocino County Coastal Region

Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works Tarmac and Roubaix, and Tarmac Pro. All Dura Ace components and Michelin Pro 2 tires.

Summary:
I must admit that I don't have heavy miles on this set of wheels, but the rides I've done over the past few months have been under challenging conditions, (e.g., rough roads, gravel, climbing, & technical descents). The ride distances I've "tested" these on ranged from a minimum of 80 - 200 miles, so I've spent many hours per ride on this set.

Without a doubt, my R-Sys wheels are THE best set I've ever owned. These have all the best characteristics of a road wheel that I'd like for the conditions I ride under - stiffness/responsiveness, handling, light weight, low maintenance (truing, hubs, etc.), and extreme comfort. Most notably, they seem to absorb more road shock than any other wheelset I've ever owned. And these are quick, quick, quick, on climbs, descents, and flat out sprints.

Admittedly, I haven't owned these for a real long time, so I haven't yet experienced broken spokes or any loud noises. The only minor things I've noticed is the wheel magnet rattles faintly, and I did have to tighten the hubs "out of the box".

Strengths:
Strong and durable, great handling, lightweight, and very responsive. After riding on lengthy bumpy roads, not truing necessary yet.

Weaknesses:
Slight wheel magnet rattling, and might have to tighten hubs before first use.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic MA40, Ksyrium Elites, Ksryium SL SSCs, and Ksyrium ES.