goose70

I'm looking for a new training and back-up racing wheelset. My current training wheels are a pair of 2.5 year-old Shimano RS10s….not a terrible wheel; I currently use it about 60% of the time (never in races). With about 8.5k miles on it and considering that it’s a bit mushy around corners, I figure it’s time for a slight upgrade.

My first choice was going to be the Mavic Cosmic Elites….somewhat aero, a reputation for being stiff and decent quality. The major complaints from the interwebs seem to be spokes turning and weight (although they’re still 100g lighter than my RS10s). I’m also considering either Shimano RS20s or Ultegras. The November alloy clinchers also have me intrigued. Any thoughts on any of these in terms of durability, build quality and stiffness? I’d like to stay under $500.

Thanks.

achoo

Well, unless there's some significant advantage to something like a Mavic wheelset, I'd opine that it's always better to get a wheel built up from more standard parts. Because WHEN a spoke breaks on a wheel built from standard parts you won't have to wait three weeks to get a replacement nor will it cost you and arm and a leg.

rangerdavid

get the ksyrium elites. 1520 grams and damn near bullet proof.

canyoneagle

Fulcrum racing 3 comes to mind.
Also, why not build up a set with decent hubs and H Plus Son Archetypes. Should get you in near 1,500g and they'd be strong (and damn fine looking, too)

Christobevii3

I saw many bust spokes and two with hubs busted. I don't know if the shops got all the bad batches or what but only one set didn't fail out of the 8 in the groups I rode with.

I got some bicycle wheel warehouse wheels that are around 1540g for $325 a couple years back and have held up well with two truings over the time.