Donnie Johnson

Hi,

I have been lent a set of Dura Ace wheels, WH 7801, for the long term. I hope to eventually give the wheels back to their original owner, hopefully in good working condition. Considering their acing design, however I wonder how long these wheels are likely to live for. The wheels are practically brand new, aluminium, 10 speed only, 16 spokes on the front and 20 on the rear. I believe they were manufactured in about 2006.

Does anyone have experience with this wheel set? If so, please tell me their story. Considering they should be 8 yrs old by now, how many km did you get out them, were they reliable, if they failed how/why, your likes and dislikes? Has anyone had the hubs relaced with new rims?

I am curious as I ride Audax/Ultra distance and will easily rack thousands of km, over a fairly short time line.

Thanks kindly
Donny

kleng

I am still riding mine now after 8 years, they are the wet weather wheels, I swapped in some ceramic bearings and they still roll silky smooth like a new set of hubs.
They are a slightly heavier than more modern wheelsets, but the are bombproof (have never had to true them ) and I love the lack of rolling resistance in the Dura Ace hubs and adjustability of the cup and cone design. IMHO, they are better than cartridge bearing designs.

You may need to consider a bearing change and regrease but that should be about it, probably perfect for audaxes, given their durability.