Summary: The rear wheel developed some cracks around the spoke nipples because I hit a pot hole so hard it rattled my brain and cause my bars to drop! Mavic sent me a new wheel at cost $175. No bearing issues. No complaints.
Bike Setup: Scott Addict, Shimano, conventional road setup.
Summary: This is kinda moot since the ES series rim was discontinued in 2007, except that the newer SL Premiums appear to have many of the same design characteristics. I purchased these as upgrades to Ksyrium Elites that came on my Scott Addict. They look great, but suffered from two reliability issues - paint and fatigue life. First, the red hub started peeling from the hub. I was told this was caused by solvents, but I use the same cycling-specific cleaners/lubes on the rest of my bike and this is the only part that had issues. Strikes me as more of a defect. The second, and bigger issue was that the rim failed after probably less than two years of use. A spoke broke unexpectedly, and was unrepairable due to a long crack at the spoke eyelet. I realize there is a tradeoff between light weight and durability, and that aluminum parts don't last forever, but I've not had these issues with other rims and wheelsets in the past.
Strengths: Good looks - red hub, red spoke as accent.
Weaknesses: Plagued with long-term reliability issues. Best kept for race day, not daily training.
Similar Products Used: Ksyrium Elite
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Bike Setup: Bike 1; Pinarello Paris Carbon, Campy Record, Michelin Pro3, FSA Bars & Stem, Selle Italia
Bike 2; Pinarello F4:13, Campy Chorus, Michelin Pro3, FSA Bars & Stem, Selle Italia
Summary: I have read a significant number of reviews about these wheels, many that knocked them for reliability. However, at over 200lbs, knocking down 80-100 miles/week, I have nothing but good things to say about these wheels. I have two sets of these wheels on two bikes. I got my first set with a new bike and then got the second on eBay because I liked them so much. I usually ride local roads, so they have seen their share of pot holes and other road obstacles. Over the past years, I have replaced one spoke (on the front wheel, not the rear!) and had one wheel trued. Maybe I should have expected more, but every time I exit a pot hole, continuing to roll straight and true, I gain confidence in the Mavic brand.
Strengths: Lots of good deals on eBay.
Durability, Stiffness, Weight and THEY LOOK GOOD!!
Weaknesses: $$$$
Similar Products Used: Bontrager, Campanoglo, Rolf
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Summary: I have read a lot of reviews complaining about durability reliability of these wheels. I am not sure what the issue is but I do know that there is a weight limit on these wheels. They are very light and not intended for heavier riders. I have 20,000+ miles on mine and after three years I have not so much as adjusted the hub preload or adjusted a single spoke. The bearings are still going strong and spin as smooth today as they did on my first ride. I have 7 bikes and they all have Mavic Ksyriums. I have one ES and the rest of the them are the SLs. Of the seven sets of wheels, I have never had a spoke break and have only one rear wheel go out of true (I think it was due to poor baggage handling when I traveled with my bike.) I have only had to replace the bearing in one wheels set. Mavic Ksyriums are truly high quality wheels and when properly cared for will give years of trouble free service. I have seven sets of these wheels with over 100K miles total so I do speak from experience.
Bike Setup: Cervelo R3SL, full Campy Record 10 speed.
Summary: I have had these wheels for two years. An upgrade to my original Mavic Ksyriums. I have had bearing problems since they were about three months old. The front wheel bearings need tightening every 100-150 miles, which means almost every week for me in season. I have had the rear freehub replaced mid-ride due to eractic shifting, because the innermost bearing inside the freehub went, causing too much movement in the freehub body. I am about to bring the wheels in again for bearing adjustment and possible freehub replacement yet again.
Strengths: Smooth and strong.
Weaknesses: Bearing load. Constantly adjusting the bearings due to them becoming loose and bearing inside freehub wearing too quickly.
Similar Products Used: Original Mavic Ksyriums, DT Swiss 240s.
I have the same issue on the front wheel with bearings loosening up. At first I thought it was bad bearing and i replaced the bearings with FSA ceramic but the noise persisted. It makes a lot of noise when they get loose. At this point I frustrated enough that I going to buy some new wheels soon. Not Mavic though.
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