Best clincher wheelset around $500.00?

southwind said:

Looking to change out wheelsets from a factory Xerolite XSR-3 to a wheelset in the $500.00 range. I've read some reviews on Krysium Elite and Velomax Circuit wheels, but thought I would get the expert advice from all of you who pound the pavement with your bikes.

For a while, perhaps still, NEW Ksyrium SSC SL wheelsets were selling for under $500 on eBay ... at least, that was the case with the then-new SSC SL2 came out. I haven't looked, lately.

A similiar situation may exist, currently ... that is, last year's wheelset at a discount ... the "black" SSC SL2 wheelsets are probably less expensive than the "silver" ones.

The "disadvantage" (for some) of the SSC wheelsets is that the rim is 622-13 instead of 622-15 so that they can be more readily swapped with tubulars without needing to adjust the brake callipers ... AND, they require a wheel-specific spoke wrench.

I run a set of Easton Circuits on my road bike and have been very happy all around. They were upgrades from my old wheels which were Ultegra hubs / Mavic Open Pro rims. Nothing wrong with the hubs, but I'll never run Open Pros again... not very comfy, too flexible on climbs, and consistenly developed the "mavic tic," despite my and my LBS's best efforts to pound them back into shape.

I also have a set of Neuvation M28 Aeros, which are around $300, on my commute bike and they've been fantastic on rough roads around the city. In fact, I'm not sure which set I prefer most between these and the Easton Circuits.

I did a lot of research before buying each wheel set and both of these brands/models received very strong support and feedback all around.

coastrider said:

I run a set of Easton Circuits on my road bike and have been very happy all around. They were upgrades from my old wheels which were Ultegra hubs / Mavic Open Pro rims. Nothing wrong with the hubs, but I'll never run Open Pros again... not very comfy, too flexible on climbs, and consistenly developed the "mavic tic," despite my and my LBS's best efforts to pound them back into shape.

I also have a set of Neuvation M28 Aeros, which are around $300, on my commute bike and they've been fantastic on rough roads around the city. In fact, I'm not sure which set I prefer most between these and the Easton Circuits.

I did a lot of research before buying each wheel set and both of these brands/models received very strong support and feedback all around.

Interesting, thanks for the heads up. I hear a lot about Mavic wheels so it's good to hear about different brands to compare. I'll check them out.

I'd go for the AC420s. They can be had for about $500 on ebay and the classifieds on www.roadbikereview.com

coastrider said:

I run a set of Easton Circuits on my road bike and have been very happy all around. They were upgrades from my old wheels which were Ultegra hubs / Mavic Open Pro rims. Nothing wrong with the hubs, but I'll never run Open Pros again... not very comfy, too flexible on climbs, and consistenly developed the "mavic tic," despite my and my LBS's best efforts to pound them back into shape.

I also have a set of Neuvation M28 Aeros, which are around $300, on my commute bike and they've been fantastic on rough roads around the city. In fact, I'm not sure which set I prefer most between these and the Easton Circuits.

I did a lot of research before buying each wheel set and both of these brands/models received very strong support and feedback all around.

I agree about the Easton Circuits. Another noteworthy and excellent set from Easton are the Vista SLs. Double butted DT spokes 20/24s (F/R), about 810gms front and 920gms rear. Super-stiff and light.

mavic open pro.
run around $300.00-$400.00 a set where ever you get them from and are durable, responsive and a great all around road wheel-set

I'm just now getting under 190lbs and ride Ksyrium Elites on those wonderful New York City roads with no problems thus far this season. Used them last season in Baltimore also with no problems. Actually I haven't had them trued yet. For $500 I think you can have a great set of wheels built for you. Then your money goes toward performance and not the name.

Any thoughts on blades spokes?

i could ride most any choice wheelset, but out of practicality and performance, i chose campy protons.
reasonably light, serviceable, stiff, well engineered, folks spend 800+ for wheelsets that are maybe 150 grams less!

southwind said:

Looking to change out wheelsets from a factory Xerolite XSR-3 to a wheelset in the $500.00 range. I've read some reviews on Krysium Elite and Velomax Circuit wheels, but thought I would get the expert advice from all of you who pound the pavement with your bikes.

southwind said:

Looking to change out wheelsets from a factory Xerolite XSR-3 to a wheelset in the $500.00 range. I've read some reviews on Krysium Elite and Velomax Circuit wheels, but thought I would get the expert advice from all of you who pound the pavement with your bikes.

I really liked my Velocity rims which I got for 300$.

They were tough. At one point I rode them with such
low tension and they were still straight.

bill

i love my SSL's

I got them for $450 on ebay. If you are patient you can get a really good deal on these incredible wheels.

Those Xerolites are nice wheels but the rims don't last long. Mine with 1100 miles have worn out rims and now they almost junk and it's not worth the cost to replace the rims and rebuild a wheel.

My 05 Ritchey Protocols are fast, lighter than my Ksyrium Sls, and seem to have low hub friction. They're on ebay for $400. But I saw Circuits in the Nashbar catalog for $369.