Take the famous Ksyrium ES with its unique features (different rim heights, carbon front hub, optimized rear dish...) and add an asymetrical rear rim for more stiffness and an increased durability...
Bike Setup: 2008 Cervelo RS, full Dura Ace, FSA SLK Light compact crank, 54cm.
Summary: Bought these as an upgrade to the Shimano RS-10 wheelset that came on my 2008 Cervelo RS. I use them only on climbing rides.
They're really too stiff for training or everyday commuting, the Shimanos better suited to that type of riding.
On climbs, however, that stiffness translates into SIGNIFICANTLY better power transfer. And the fact that they're over 400 grams lighter than the Shimano OEM's with the tubes & tires I installed makes going uphill seem effortless.
Add to that the fact that these wheels just look Badass, and the color scheme matches my Cervelo perfectly, and it was worth the expense!
Strengths: Makes your bike look faster just sitting the parking lot
Makes your climbing prowess impress your fellow riders
Best looking wheelset for a black & red frame!
Weaknesses: Really, really, really stiff. NOT a daily ride wheelset.
Noisy! the bladed spokes rattle even when properly tightened & trued.
Summary: Not the lightest, not the most economical, not the most aerodynamic. But they get the job done and look great. I would look for these or ESs on eBay if you are interested in buying them. I'm concerned about the freehub budging wearing out, but I suppose you just replace the freehub. There is noticeable freehub drag on the hub when backpedaling with the rear wheel off the ground, but who really cares. You do have to admit the design is very simple.
They are not very comfortable---I dropped probably 0.5bar from my tires---but I do notice they are stiffer in corners than my previous set of wheels.
Mine weighed in at 1500g on the digital kitchen scale, very close to the specified weight.
Strengths: Handling (lateral stiffness), looks, serviceability, easy to find and to sell in aftermarket, light enough, no rim strips needed, neat design if you're into that sort of thing.
Weaknesses: Harshness (radial stiffness), not too aero (?), price (though can be had for reasonable price if you look around).
Similar Products Used: Bontrager Race Lite wheelset
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Summary: Like every $1000 wheel set, these wheels are light, strong, look great, etc. What I really like about them is that they feel like the 32 spoke wheels I've build myself: stable and comfortable. The braking surface is phenomenal. It's easy to see why seemingly every pro was using these at the turn of the century before deep carbon rims were the rage. These aren't the lightest wheels I've used, but they are the fastest.
Strengths: Best braking surface of any system wheel I've used. They accelerate and corner with authority. Clincher convienience.
Weaknesses: I thought the silver ones looked hotter than the new black ones. Kinda pricey considering they aren't pro level wheels anymore, but still quite a bit cheaper and easier to live with than deep carbon rims.
Similar Products Used: Real Designs Supersphere, Shimano rim/ Open pro 32 spoke, Shimano R500
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Favorite Ride: more hills than lakes in Rockdale county Geargia
Bike Setup: 2008 Cannondale System six - full ultegra 53/39 - 12-27
Summary: These were a big upgrade for me. Coming from some Ritchey's(bricks)
I definatly noticed the direct reaction to me putting my foot into it. It's probably not fair that I got a wheel set that had less than a 1000 miles on them for this cheap. I was very patient.
Strengths: light,stiff and aero
Weaknesses: not the latest and greatest.(I'm on a budget)
Similar Products Used: Fulcrum R1
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