Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL TDF

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Gears

Favorite Ride:
Every Ride

Summary:
It's true that there are lighter rims than these - but - I don't believe that you can find a more durable rim. I have hammered these rims and I have never once had to true them. I am continually blown away by their strength.

Strengths:
Fast. Outstanding durability.

Price Paid:  $3150.00 at C.Bike

Favorite Ride:
Colnago C50

Bike Setup:
Extent of my budget

Summary:
The Mavic Ksyrium Elite SL wheels are light, fast and relatively stiff. They are not inexpensive wheels, however, they are not absurdly expensive either. Overall these are great wheels for feel and performance. They do fall a bit short in durability. Mavic does honor warranty but with some delay (keep a backup pair of wheels available or use them for race days). I'd have rated a 5 if they had held up for over a year. Other riders have mentioned the same problem.

Strengths:
Low weight, responsive, stiff, good climbing wheel; good wheel for solo breakaways (somewhat aero); minimal to no truing adjustment needed; quiet wheels (no creaks or squeeks)

Weaknesses:
Rear wheel developed split in rim at spoke eyelet after 9 months of use. Front wheel developed split in rim at spoke eyelet after 11 months of use.
Wheels are slighlty sensitive to a cross wind (not too bad). For $800 plus, I expect at least 1.5 years of wear. Mavic replaced rear at no charge but had to wait 4-5 weeks. Front is still out for warranty. Meanwhile, I'm trying a pair of the D-Ace 7800 wheels (jury is still out on those -- hopefully they'll last longer).

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Open-Pro, Mavic Cosmos, D-Ace 7800 (new)