Description With the focus on speed, a rim profile of 24mm yields a substantial reduction in weight while maintaining an aerodynamic shape. 16-spoke front wheel with an oversized 15mm aluminum axle helps counter ...
Summary: These wheels are smooth and mostly strong (more on this later). I rode about 5000 miles on these and they stay true and round. I only have to true the rear once when one of spoke lost tension.
Now the bad part. I am 160 and ride mostly on smooth road. The rear rim at one of the spoke hole cracked. Not just a crack that extends in the direction of the spoke, but a 2" crack running in the rim direction. This wheel is useless now. It is more expensive to rebuild it then just buy another one. The durability is the worst I have seen. I used many set of wheels and had never seen this type of damage with these few miles from normal riding.
Strengths: smooth
Weaknesses: weak rim.
Similar Products Used: rolf, mavic ksyrium
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Bike Setup: Roubaix Expert SL, Flight Deck + Cateye V3, Full Ultegra SL with Dura-Ace Wheels
Summary: The Ultegra SL wheelset that came with my Roubaix Expert had a hub problem, and my LBS had a nice set of Dura-Ace WH-7800's on sale, and let me upgrade for $50. I don't think they're quite as attractive as the dark gray WH-6600 G's that came with the bike, but other than that they beat the Ultegra's hands down. The hubs are just awesome, so smooth. They feel about the same as the Ultegra's on climbs, but are definitely faster downhill, as well as more aero. I rode 35 miles today in fairly strong winds, and didn't feel any crosswind problems. As far as these wheels are concerned, there was no wind at all. I also think they corner better and handle better overall than any wheel I've had. I'm cornering tighter, and have more confidence in taking tight turns at a slightly higher speed.
Strengths: Silky-smooth hubs. Aerodynamic. Great on descents. Great handling.
Weaknesses: Good looking wheels, but not as pretty as some of the newer wheels on the market.
Similar Products Used: Ultegra SL's (WH-6600 G); AlexRims S500
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Bike Setup: Custom Russ Denny carbon frame, SRAM Force, Dura-Ace pedals, Ritchey Bar, Stem, Seatpost.
Summary: Very good wheels. They roll great, especially on the flats and downhill. These wheels take a lot of abuse. I've had them for eight months over very rough roads and pot holes and have not had to take them off the bike - except to fix flats! If you want a very durable wheel set - a set you don't have to think about - these are for you. I have other wheel sets that are lighter but more delicate.
Strengths: Smooth bearings. No flex yet not too stiff. Durable and great breaking.
Weaknesses: Not as light as some other wheelsets.
Similar Products Used: Mavic Ksyrium, Campy Eurus, DT Swiss 240.
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Bike Setup: Serotta Legend Ti DA
Kuota Kalibur DA
Time VRX
Summary: This is my training/rain wheelset.
I own HED3, Zipp Z4, Zipp Z6, Zipp 303, Spinergy, Reynolds Strarus DV UL and this wheelset.
These are fantastic wheelsets for just about everything except for a high speed Time Trial or steep hill clibming.
They weigh 1500+ grams but it sure rolls like much lighter wheelset.
I have crashed, ran over pot holes and the wheels are still pretty true and round.
I weigh 180 lbs and they are perfectly stiff for me as well.
If you can only have one wheelset, this would be it.
It's bomb proof, reasonably fast and light.
I understand that new ones are lighter and tubeless compatible.
Strengths: Stiff, durable, reaonably light and descently priced.
Weaknesses: Truing (have to remove cassette to true the back wheel), no option of black color rims and spokes.
Also, I don't have a problem with this issue since I run 10 speed on all my bikes but if you run 9 or 8 speed you can not use this wheelset.
Similar Products Used: HED3, Zipp Z4, Zipp Z6, Zipp 303, Spinergy, Reynolds Strarus DV UL
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Bike Setup: Bianchi EV2 Dura Ace. Soon to be Campagnolo.
Summary: The Good News,
They roll nicely and have great hubs. If you were to write a report soon after purchase this is where the review would end. However.
The bad news.
The rims are to soft, and get chewed up too quickly by the brakes. The wear indicated disapears rapidly. the cost of replacing the rims is too high to bother repairing them, so your AUS$1000 are disposible.
Also, Shimano won't give recommended retail prices out for rims, so bike shops can charge what they like. I was quoted AUS$400 for rims alone + re build?? Basically because they would rather sell you new wheels. No wonder we all buy our stuff from online stores and ebay.
Strengths: Nice hubs.
Weaknesses: Look very ordinary, no different to 550's. Rims have limited servicable life, and are way too expensive. Wheels are disposable. Shame, such a nice hub deserves another life.
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