The Xentis Mark 1 Wheelset, simply put, makes triathletes faster. What proof? Just ask Faris al-Sultan (Hawaii Ironman winner 2005), Karin Thuerig (world champion time trialist and triathlete), and Olivier Bernhard (double Duathlon world champion, multiple Ironman winner). The four aero spokes and their directional shape provide innovative aerodynamics. The Xentis Mark 1 wheels have proven their aerodynamic worth in independent testing - both on the road and in the lab. Their aero advantage begins with the construction of a singular Composite Monocoque building method. Xentis takes their One SHOT Hollow technology to a new level, producing their wheels without connections or splices. The carbon rim and spokes absorb vibrations, but provide both speed and comfort.
Strengths: These things are fast, and are somee of the most beautiful wheels ever. Fast and stiff. Absorbs vibration. Really cool sound at speed. Did I mention fast?
Weaknesses: Man these things are expensive, but you gotta pay for the best.
Bottom Line:
I bought these for my wife as she's moving up to Olympic and 70.3 Ironman's. I figured these would be a good surprise. She was very excited to see them, and was even more excited once she started riding them.
I equipped them with a Token superlight race cassette, and some Tufo S3 Lite tubulars (Michellie Jones edition.
"Whoa, these wheels are fast," was the first thing she said.
These things have explosive acceleration as well. With a lightweight cassette and some light tires, the total weight is under 2000 grams!
In addition to looking really cool, I noticed that when I was riding next to her that they have a really neat sound at speed; they sound like little helicopters.
If you need a great set of race day wheels, and don't want to get some Zipp's like everyone else, get these wheels. They've won the Kone Ironman, as well as many other full Ironman events around the world. Jan Ullrich used them in the Tour.
