My bike came with a pair of Xero-Lite XR-3s. The rear rim has worn
thin and its long over due for replacement. I've never had any trouble
with the Xero's in 2 years of commuting over some quite rough roads
(pot holes and broken up gravel in tar roads) but they ring a bit when
going round corners and they do not inspire confidence on steep
descents. So I'm intending to change the wheels for another pair.
I weigh about 150 lbs, primarily commute to work on a Marin ALP 9 speed
Shimano hybrid but I also get out at weekends for some 30 mile rides
and may do more in future.
I have have looked at a few wheel sets. Including the Xero XR-1 and
Centauri XC-1, these are cheap and light so they are attractive but I'm
worried they will be even weaker than the XR-3's.
Next I looked at Campagnolo Zonda's but they don't work with 9 speed
Shimano. The Scirroco's would work but are heavier than the Xero's.
Easton do Circuits and Ascent IIs. The Ascents look nice but are the
upper limit on price and probably better than I need for commuting (did
I mention I'm a comfortably paid computer geek?) The Circuits look
like a good cheaper alternative.
The Reynold Alta Race have caught my eye as well.
Mavic dont inspire me untill they get expensive and I would probably go
for Ascent or Alta Race then. I expect they are bombproof though.
I will be commuting in all weathers everyday. The Xero's keep jumping
out because on paper they beat everything else at half the price but I
dont trust a wheel that is so much lighter than the XR-3.
Any advice?