Among my current wheelsets I have Ksyrium Equipe (1800+g) and Neuvation R28aero2 (1620g scale wt). With the close-out deals on Ksyrium SL3's ($500-600), I was wondering if it might be worth pulling the trigger on some. BUT......Seems like the SL3 (clincher-shimano) is only slightly lighter (actual weight!) than my R28aero's, and a bit less aero (25 "chopped" rim vs 27mm V rim). To my eye the SL3 is a bit nicer finished than either the Equipe or the R28, but would not be better performing than the latter (no racing, but spirited group rides to 23-25+ mph). Seems like the Ksyriums are just OK (or worse) in the aero testing articles/data I've read. So, except for Mavic bling-factor, am I missing something magical about the SL3????

you're paying for the bling factor. I've had 2 pairs of Neuvations and the service and performance is unequaled.

Beyond the two I mentioned I also have the classic 32-spoke Ultegra/Open Pro combo and an older heavy (2200+g) 30mm Gipiemme. Just looking at those close-outs had me thinking about some "higher-end" Ksyriums- and those SL3's or ES sure look pretty. BUT- Just did a Google on "Ksyrium rim failure". Think I'll keep stick with my current wheelsets, inc. my current Ksyriums.
BTW- My Neuvations have been great, too. Over 2k trouble-free miles so far carrying my 165-170# over typically rough Midwest chip-seal roads.

as i just posted elsewhere, I've had success with Neuvation M28aeros. 4k miles and nary one twist of a spoke wrench. I'm 190-195lbs, and rode them over terrible roads in downtown chicago, and now in central jersey. I'd say the mavics look nicer (imo), and perhaps the finish is nicer, but these neuvations were just to be a stopgap for a couple months, and are just now getting replaced with an upgraded wheel.
Only downside, you must not be finiky about your tire choices. There are several tires that will simply NOT NOT mount onto the neuvation rims. I'm using Hutchinson Fusion Comps, and really like them alot.
FWIW, I just landed a great deal on Easton Tempest 2's, which look sensational, and are waaaayyyyy lighter than neuvations.
good luck to you

finish, as in aesthetics, is one thing. Quality is another. From the shops i have spoken with its not only the rims that are suspect, but also the hubs. Incredibly in some tests the top of the line Ks are somehow less aero than the lower range ones!? hrmm, good job mavic!

With my R28's I've had no trouble mounting Conti's, Kenda's, or (my fav's) Vittoria Rubino Pro's. May give those Fusion Comps a try.

My fav Mavic for bling is the ES with that single red spoke. Even the wife says those would look great on my red Tarmac. Of course, the $750-900 hole in my wallet would look pretty ugly ;)

jhamlin38-
Congrats on scoring those Tempests.