I recently upgraded wheels from the base level ones that came with my bike. I was interested in the Reynolds Attack wheels that had recently come out ($1100). Full carbon wheelset with Taiwanese hubs instead of the DT Swiss hubs on their other wheelsets for twice the price. My LBS service guy was recommending the Mavic Kyserum SL's ($850). I'd practically made up my mind based on a magazine review to go with the Reynolds Attacks. Anyway, Reynolds had provided a demo set, so I took the opportunity. I'm glad I did. I think the aero of these wheels is probably very good (though its hard to tell on your own). What I didn't like were two factors:
1. The coasting ratchet sounded like the wheel of fortune. No need for a bell on your bike. Just start coasting from 100 yards away and people will hear you. It may be something others don't care about but it certainly irritated me.
2. The carbon brake pads that come with the wheelset really screech especially on downhill stops. I mean REALLY loud, piercing, testicle tickling, abrasive sound/feel. Unfortunately for some reason Reynolds state that if you use a different brake pad such as cork, you void the warranty. Can't work out the reasoning there, but it must have something to do with damage to the rims.
Anyway, the brake nuance wouldn't be a major concern if I was using them for racing, but using them as a general purpose wheel, with all the stopping for traffic lights and stop signs etc - it was a pain.
I ended up with the Mavic Kyserum SL's. Not the best wheel for Aero, lightness, or lateral stiffness, but they feel really good to me. Silky smooth, strong (I'm 190 lbs), and they don't look too bad either if you're into aesthetics. Definitely made my riding more enjoyable (and faster esp. on descents).
jechilt said:Hi John,
I will do my best to answer your questions.
Roll smoother, farther, faster, while maintaining an acceptable level of comfort, turning and crosswind stability.
Ohhh, as 'cheesy' as it sounds, I would like a set of wheels that make a statement of performance or nice looks, not just transportation. I guess I have to admit that while image is not everything, it is a bit of something...
All these are important to me. I have been told that taller rim and wide spoke blades can be factors in crosswinds. I definitely like to ride fast and I like to see how well I can go downhill. Aerodynamics is going to be important, as well as bearing friction. I don't think weight is the biggest factor here. I would rather have strength than shave off 2 or 3 grams of weight.
I really don't have much complaint about the shimano wheels I have. However, whenever I visit different bike shops or talk to other cyclist, the first thing they comment on is upgrading the wheels. The last bike shop said these wheels are really a basic entry level set.
When I spin these while holding the spindle, I can feel the bearings inside, very unlike the upper end mavic wheels I have looked at. There is a guy selling a mavic es set on ebay that has ceramic bearings. I think that would handle the smooth aspect of the bearings?
On the forum, there seems to be a lot of agreement about custom building wheels but I have no idea where to start. I feel like I am almost over my head just answering this post but love the learning of it all.
thanks for your feedback!
John
