Difference with Ksyrium Elite vs. SL
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Difference with Ksyrium Elite vs. SL
I'm looking at new wheels for Christmas and have researched the Ksyrium Elite and SL. From what I've seen there seems to be a 100 gram weight difference for the set and a much lower cost. Beyond that, what's the difference with these wheels? Are the SL's stiffer or stronger?
I have 2008 Bontrager Race wheels that came with my Madone and they have been sturdy but have a fair amount of flex when standing/starting up at streetlights.
I have 2008 Bontrager Race wheels that came with my Madone and they have been sturdy but have a fair amount of flex when standing/starting up at streetlights.
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Elites offer a better value - They are extremely top-notch in my book as a day player. I hit pot holes and jump curbs (on empty 3am streets) and have yet to need a truing in 5 months! I'm 210 pounds 5'11" and these felt more bomb proof than anything else I've used.
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When you got your Elites, what did you have prior? Did you notice a big difference in speed to get rolling? In the flex compared to your others?
I'm having a hard time figuring out where the line is where you get value from the upgrade but it doesn't turn into excess spending for something I wouldn't appreciate. I'm hoping I would notice a difference between the Bontrager Race wheels and the Elites. If I didn't, it would be a waste and I'd rather spend the money on the SL's. But then I look at the Elites vs. the SLs and at only a 100gram difference, I wonder if I'd even notice the difference.
Thanks
I'm having a hard time figuring out where the line is where you get value from the upgrade but it doesn't turn into excess spending for something I wouldn't appreciate. I'm hoping I would notice a difference between the Bontrager Race wheels and the Elites. If I didn't, it would be a waste and I'd rather spend the money on the SL's. But then I look at the Elites vs. the SLs and at only a 100gram difference, I wonder if I'd even notice the difference.
Thanks
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They changed over the years so it depends what model you get. A 3oz diff, while probably not noticeable, is considered fairly significant in wheel world. I don't consider the SL worth the price bump but if you're upgrading from a decent wheel already you might. It just depends what you value.
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Get the Elites;lite and very sturdy. I have not ridden the Bontragers but I have owned the SL's and currently ride a set of 09 Elites. I can't tell a difference between the two. Lp
#6
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I like my 09 elites, but if you can get the Sl's then go for it. If I had to purchase another set of midpriced clinchers again though, I would go customer. Get some XR-300 rims w/ White Industries or DT240 hubs w/ the proper spokes / spoke count for your weight and you are golden.
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I ride the sl premiums and love them. Very good climbing wheels.
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The real key here to consider is that the Elites for retail price might not be worth the upgrade for you, but if you can get a deal on them... I actually traded a single Aerospoke for the set and the Aerospoke cost $290 total... '08 Elites, but still very good - brand new condition w/ an Ultegra 6600. Im sure you can poke around and score something.
If not, then go with a custom build.... as good as the SLs are they aren't worth that particular upgrade cost....maybe sell your current set to offset a bit of the cost?
If not, then go with a custom build.... as good as the SLs are they aren't worth that particular upgrade cost....maybe sell your current set to offset a bit of the cost?
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The 09 - 10 Elites are down to 1550 in weight - pretty darn good. I believe the new SL's are 1485 if I'm not mistaken. I have over 3000 miles on my elites and no truing with lots of rough roads and pot holes along with my 185 pounds. Once a year I take apart the Freehub clean it out and relube it with Pedro's road rage as there's a nylon bushing in the hub that will wear out if you don't maintain it. Not really a big deal to do, here's a youtube link on the procedure... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzoBe...eature=related
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One is lighter than the other.
One costs more than the other.
Both are overpriced.
One costs more than the other.
Both are overpriced.
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I'd replace the bearings anyways with the Elites... plus be prepared to have loud engaged wheels
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A bit of a tangent, but related; If I get Elites or SLs, I'll need to buy a cassette to go with them. I currently ride Ultegra. Should I stick with Ultegra or move up to Dura Ace? Is it worth the difference? (Assuming it's okay to go Dura Ace on the cassette only) And should I consider a different sizing of gears on the cassette? My bike is outfitted as a compact and I live in Florida where I currently only use the big ring in the front and vary the back.
#13
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Wow, the Ksyrium Elites sure went WAY DOWN in weight. My silver ones weigh 1829g. Anyone have an idea what year those were? The skewers were heavy 130g/pair boat anchors too.
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I'd upgrade them to ceramic bearings (about $90), but you can go with better ones than stock for around $40.
The Mavic hub has a loud engagement from the snappy pins hitting hard. I take it as a sign of safety, but some people don't like it. No more sneaking up on people while coasting...
I have never needed a reason to go with a cassette higher than Ultegra... maybe I don't know what magic lies with a Dura-Ace, but I'd go with an SRAM red cassette at that price range.
The Mavic hub has a loud engagement from the snappy pins hitting hard. I take it as a sign of safety, but some people don't like it. No more sneaking up on people while coasting...
I have never needed a reason to go with a cassette higher than Ultegra... maybe I don't know what magic lies with a Dura-Ace, but I'd go with an SRAM red cassette at that price range.
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I remember having a set of 05 Elites and the weight w/o skewers were 1720 I believe. I just bought a new 2010 bike with Elites and the skewers are ti. While I don't know the exact weight I do know the skewers are a feather. Mavic has really upgraded their bread and butter Ksyrium line.
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