Take the famous Ksyrium ES with its unique features (different rim heights, carbon front hub, optimized rear dish...) and add an asymetrical rear rim for more stiffness and an increased durability...
Bike Setup: 2006 model Litespeed Firenze w/FSA Wing Pro Bar, Chris King Headset & Ultegra SL (compact.
Summary: Performance put the SL Premiums on sale for 550 + tax, I bought them and found out a week later that they didn't have the rear wheel so they they accomodated by giving me the SL wheelset for the same price. Thanks Performance! They are the lightest wheels I own and do look great, however, stiffness wise, my Easton Circuits seem about the same. The one place I can tell a difference is in climbing, the SL's don't even feel like their there and for this, I love them more.
Strengths: They are light, they look awesome + are excellent for climbing.
Weaknesses: Retail cost - I probably wouldn't have bought them if Performance hadn't come thru and given the set to me for the the price they did. I will say that Performance lived up to their promise of 100% customer satisfaction, they wanted me happy and accomplished it. Other than the retail price, I can't think of any at this point. I'll provide an update on March 1, 2011.
Similar Products Used: Easton Circuits/Bontrager Select/Race and FSA
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Bike Setup: Tarmac SL2 with Red, S-works crank, TRP 960 brakes.
Summary: These wheels blow me away. I am a bit of a clyde, at 6'1" 230, and these things seem indestructable! I have ridden these wheels for the past two years, and have had to do very little truing. I have yet to replace the cartridge bearings and they still roll smoothly. The freehub body is holding up well.
The wheels are fairly light and have a nice ride qaulity, though, at my size, I've never found a wheel to be too stiff.
Strengths: Weight, looks, DURABILITY!
Weaknesses: The wheels don't spin forever, like some of the ceramic bearing wheels do. The freehub body is a little tight, though I doubt I could ever feel that when riding.
Similar Products Used: Ksyrium Elite, Neuvation R28 Aero, Mavic Open 4 CD with Dura Ace hubs, Mavic Open 4with Chorus
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Bike Setup: 2008 Cervelo RS, full Dura Ace, FSA SLK Light compact crank, 54cm.
Summary: Bought these as an upgrade to the Shimano RS-10 wheelset that came on my 2008 Cervelo RS. I use them only on climbing rides.
They're really too stiff for training or everyday commuting, the Shimanos better suited to that type of riding.
On climbs, however, that stiffness translates into SIGNIFICANTLY better power transfer. And the fact that they're over 400 grams lighter than the Shimano OEM's with the tubes & tires I installed makes going uphill seem effortless.
Add to that the fact that these wheels just look Badass, and the color scheme matches my Cervelo perfectly, and it was worth the expense!
Strengths: Makes your bike look faster just sitting the parking lot
Makes your climbing prowess impress your fellow riders
Best looking wheelset for a black & red frame!
Weaknesses: Really, really, really stiff. NOT a daily ride wheelset.
Noisy! the bladed spokes rattle even when properly tightened & trued.
Summary: Not the lightest, not the most economical, not the most aerodynamic. But they get the job done and look great. I would look for these or ESs on eBay if you are interested in buying them. I'm concerned about the freehub budging wearing out, but I suppose you just replace the freehub. There is noticeable freehub drag on the hub when backpedaling with the rear wheel off the ground, but who really cares. You do have to admit the design is very simple.
They are not very comfortable---I dropped probably 0.5bar from my tires---but I do notice they are stiffer in corners than my previous set of wheels.
Mine weighed in at 1500g on the digital kitchen scale, very close to the specified weight.
Strengths: Handling (lateral stiffness), looks, serviceability, easy to find and to sell in aftermarket, light enough, no rim strips needed, neat design if you're into that sort of thing.
Weaknesses: Harshness (radial stiffness), not too aero (?), price (though can be had for reasonable price if you look around).
Similar Products Used: Bontrager Race Lite wheelset
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