Wheels

[John Edmondson]

Hi,

On what was previously my 'best bike' I had a set of Fulcrum Racing 3 Wheels which i have been very happy with. I now have a new 'best bike' and it's come with a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels.

From first inspection i suspect that the Mavics are a little heavier and they have larger/more spokes... I haven't ridden on the mavics yet (i'm saving putting the bike together until the weather clears up a bit...) but from looking at them i was considering swapping the Fulcrums onto the new bike and using the Mavics as training wheels.

Is there anybody who could give me a bit of insight into the pro's and con's for these wheels?

Much appreciated! ,

 

[Dusty Bin]

Probably not a lot in it. As you say, try them yourself and then decide.

 

[John Edmondson]

Probably not a lot in it. As you say, try them yourself and then decide.

Will do. How about the fact that the Mavics have more spokes with a deeper section? Will this create more turbulence or is this so minor that i'd need to be Chris Boardman to notice the difference..?

 

[BetweenRides]

I have ridden two sets of K Elites on two bikes - well over 15,000 trouble free miles on both sets and both still in use but not on my main bike. I am a clydesdale so that kind of longevity means a lot to me. They are not the lightest wheels out there, nor are they very aero, but they do seem to be bullet proof and would make great trainer wheels. They've held up so well that I'm using one set off road on my cross bike.

 

[John Edmondson]

I have ridden two sets of K Elites on two bikes - well over 15,000 trouble free miles on both sets and both still in use but not on my main bike. I am a clydesdale so that kind of longevity means a lot to me. They are not the lightest wheels out there, nor are they very aero, but they do seem to be bullet proof and would make great trainer wheels. They've held up so well that I'm using one set off road on my cross bike.

Cheers BetweenRides. This is sort of what i'm driving at, I am happy enough with the Fulcrums, as a set of robust training wheels and I am hoping to get more performance out of the new bike, if they are both similar then might i be better off selling the mavics (as new) and going in for a lighter, more aero set? If so, any suggestions? I'm not a big tech-head and i'm not arsed what they look like, i just want something suitable for racing on hilly circuits.
Many Thanks!

 

[BetweenRides]

I just sold a travel bike and treated myself to a set of Shimano RS81 C35 wheels bought from Merlin Cycles. Not sure the total wheel weight is any lighter but the rims are and they are more aero with deeper sections and fewer spokes. I did look at the Fulcrums as well - seem to be good wheels. By all means sell them if you don't need them but I always like having a spare set of wheels.

 

[gbb]

Hi,

On what was previously my 'best bike' I had a set of Fulcrum Racing 3 Wheels which i have been very happy with. I now have a new 'best bike' and it's come with a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels.

From first inspection i suspect that the Mavics are a little heavier and they have larger/more spokes... I haven't ridden on the mavics yet (i'm saving putting the bike together until the weather clears up a bit...) but from looking at them i was considering swapping the Fulcrums onto the new bike and using the Mavics as training wheels.

Is there anybody who could give me a bit of insight into the pro's and con's for these wheels?

Much appreciated! ,

Sorry John, nothing to add about the wheels, but i really like your avatar ..

 

[VamP]

Probably more people race F3s and K Elites than any other wheel out there. They both make great race wheels, and are robust to boot. Nothing wrong with either, they are very similar in performance. My K Elites are approaching 10k miles and have some big crashes under their belt and still going strong.

If you want lighter and more aero for racing look at carbon tubs.

 

[fossyant]

Both wheels sets are good, and on a par. Don't get too bothered about aero. If you are wanting them for hilly races, then both are suitable being a relatively low weight. You also won't benefit from deep section if racing in the hills round Manchester, as the wind can be a big factor.

 

[John Edmondson]

Sorry John, nothing to add about the wheels, but i really like your avatar ..

Ha! Cheers gbb - it was taken after an great weekend away, cycling in Snowdonia. That's Snowdon in the background...

 

[John Edmondson]

Cheers Vamp and Fossyant. That's what I wanted to hear, the though thought of dishing out more dosh was starting to make me feel a little nauseous!

 

[PpPete]

More spokes is not necessarily a bad thing.
It can improve the stiffness of the wheel for one thing, and that's probably going to make the bike feel responsive, and possibly even faster too.

 

[Chris1972]

What's a good set of wheels for around £250.00

 

[Dusty Bin]

What's a good set of wheels for around £250.00

A set that suits your weight, preferences and the type of riding you do.

 

[Chris1972]

Just wondering if I could improve my defy 1 wheels for that kind of money or not