Williams Cycling Wheel System 30x

Price Paid:  $500.00 at WilliamsCycling.com

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Cervelo RS, Sram Force, Williams 30x

Summary:
I bought these for my new Cervelo RS build last month. I was searching for some wheels to go with my new bike, considering Ksyrium SL's as I had been using a set for a few years without problem. While the Ksyriums gave me bombproof performance, I was not happy with the drag that seemed to be prevalant from the freehub body mechanism and the hubs. THe rims are also not very aerodynamic, so I thought I should try something else...

I came across the Williams reviews on TestRider.com. (If you haven't seen this site I highly recommend it). All of the Williams wheels reviewed got glowing reviews. Based on this I decided to purchase the Williams 30's. I noticed on the Williams website that the 30's have a rider weight limit of 190 lbs. I am exactly 190. I called Keith Williams (he answers the phone when you call!) and he recommended I go up to the 30x if I didn't mind the 75 gram weight penalty. Since I don't race I decided to take his advice.

I must say that so far they have performed great. I have ridden them about 1,000 miles so far and not a problem. I have noticed a slight decrease in the smoothness of the front bearings, which I will keep an eye on based on one of the previous reviewers experiences. Other than that, the rolling and braking performance is awesome! They are also very stiff. As for the weight goes, let's just say that these feel faster than my previous set of Ksyriums. They seem to roll longer and more aerodynamically - don't know if it is a mental thing or not but they sure seem faster.

Strengths:
Reasonably light, stiff, aero, smooth.

Weaknesses:
Front bearings?
Rim width seems narrow, I would like to run 25c tires but feel they might be too wide.

Similar Products Used:
Neuvation M28 aero
Ksyrium SL

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Williams website

Bike Setup:
Dean El Diente, Campy Chorus

Summary:
These wheels spin better than any set of wheels I've ever owned. Hopefully, they will hold up under a big rider (6'6", 225 lbs.).

Strengths:
Very smooth bearings, seem to be stiff and strong.

Weaknesses:
None yet

Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek Volos XL, Rol Volant

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Online

Favorite Ride:
On my bike

Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD 9 with SRAM Force

Summary:
This is a great wheel set for a rider over 180 lbs. I bought these after my Ksyriums developed a crack in the rim and it cost me $200 frigging dollars to have it fixed. Well some guy who weighs 30 lbs less then me bought the Mavics and I think he is enjoying them. Keith showed off his wheels to my Club in the spring and I was really impressed, aero spokes, low weight, 30 mm rim, and smooth bearings.

These wheels are about the same weight as the Ksyrium SL's and are actually aerodynamic. They are very torsionally stiff and corner very well. I gained instant confidence at high speed on these wheels. Plus with steel spokes they ride pretty well. Since they use mostly normal materials if you break a spoke or nipple most bike shops will have the parts to fix it.

Did I mention Keith's commitment to customer satisfaction? The front bearing went out and within three days he had sent me replacement bearings and a demo wheel for FREE! I'm still riding the demo wheel. I think there were some quality issues with the front bearings on all his wheels, I have crunched two sets and I know several people who have had similar problems, but with his service I don't see it as much of a problem.

The guy really cares that you are happy with your wheels. FYI I’m 6'4" and 185 lbs and have broken one rear spoke nipple in 2500 miles of use. I was able to repair the wheel my self in about 10 minutes.

Strengths:
Strong, good price point, aerodynamics, Customer Service. A true all arounder for a bigger rider.

Weaknesses:
Front hub bearings, aloy nipples on rear wheel can break.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium SL
Rolf Vector pro
Mavic Cosmos
Open Pro

Price Paid:  $500.00 at online

Favorite Ride:
Mount Washington hill climb

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR Advanced, Campy Record 2007, Zero Gravity brakes.

Summary:
Wheels are very strong and stiff, have stayed true so far in 1500 miles. Rear wheel as delivered was slightly out of dish (~2 mm), which was noticeable with my Giant TCR Advanced frameset's tight clearances.

Strengths:
Build strength, finish.

Weaknesses:
Slightly out-of-dish.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium, Campagnolo Proton, DT Swiss.