I'm thinking of buying a pair of American Classic Sprint 350's as an upgrade to my Mavic Equipe's. Any imput on the Sapin Spoke options and if they're worth the extra $100 bucks? I weigh 155 lbs. so either way weight shouldn't be an issue.
Scott

I'm thinking of buying a pair of American Classic Sprint 350's as an upgrade to my Mavic Equipe's. Any imput on the Sapin Spoke options and if they're worth the extra $100 bucks? I weigh 155 lbs. so either way weight shouldn't be an issue.
Scott

Well, they are expensive, only marginally lighter and probably do not add much if anything to performance. They are cool lookingthough - that is worth 100 bucks to me as I have bought a set (for the new bike - which isn't here yet...). It depends whether or not the cool factor is worth it to you - don't buy them for improved performance because you will probably be disappointed.

I'm thinking of buying a pair of American Classic Sprint 350's as an upgrade to my Mavic Equipe's. Any imput on the Sapin Spoke options and if they're worth the extra $100 bucks? I weigh 155 lbs. so either way weight shouldn't be an issue.
Scott

I have a pair of AC350 sprints with Sapim spokes. These wheels are over a full pound lighter than the Equipe's. They are by far some of the lightest clinchers around. My wheelset is about a year old and I ride all year long here in Florida and the wheels are still straight as an arrow and I'm 180lbs. 1282 grams for the wheelset. Now that is light. They spin up very fast and climbing is effortless. To me the made a BIG difference in performance coming off a 1750 gram wheel which is still lighter than the Equipe's. They do not have the Bling factor as other boutique wheels but that's not what I was looking for. I wanted light and fast. A bit on the stealthy side if you go black.

I have a set, my everyday wheels just like the post above. 24 spokes front and rear, front is radial lace. I've had them over a year as well, and wouldn't you know it they're STRAIGHT as can be.....granted we are blessed with nice roads in the bay area and my weight is 160 +/- 4 pounds. Light, stiff, and quick to spin up.

Thanks for all the feedback. I've heard that the Sapin spokes make the wheel a bit stiffer and stronger than the regular spokes. Is this true? Has anyone had any issues with flex with either spoke when sprinting hard?
Scott

Thanks for all the feedback. I've heard that the Sapin spokes make the wheel a bit stiffer and stronger than the regular spokes. Is this true? Has anyone had any issues with flex with either spoke when sprinting hard?
Scott

Yes the Sapim CX-Ray spoke do make the wheel stiffer, stronger and no flex for my weight. These are my daily riders as well.

info. I ordered them today with the Sapin Spokes since my new ride showed up at the shop (Allez Comp). My LBS is going to swap them out for the Kysriums Equipes that came on the bike plus $200. I thought he was being more than fare.
Scott

I'm a bit late here but I wanted to confirm your purchase. I've owned a 1200 gram CR350 wheel, a CR350 wheel with normal spokes and a CR350 with Sapim CXRay spokes. The 1200 gram CR350s were flexy and uninspiring except for hill climbs. The only wheelset I own now is the one with Sapim spokes. It is very stiff laterally. It seems to slice the wind better too at higher speeds.

I'm hearing great things about durability too. Supposedly 2-3x more stress cycles.

So, I think it's worth it. Your race wheels will be your everyday, dependable, confidence-inspiring wheels.

francois

I'm a bit late here but I wanted to confirm your purchase. I've owned a 1200 gram CR350 wheel, a CR350 wheel with normal spokes and a CR350 with Sapim CXRay spokes. The 1200 gram CR350s were flexy and uninspiring except for hill climbs. The only wheelset I own now is the one with Sapim spokes. It is very stiff laterally. It seems to slice the wind better too at higher speeds.

I'm hearing great things about durability too. Supposedly 2-3x more stress cycles.

So, I think it's worth it. Your race wheels will be your everyday, dependable, confidence-inspiring wheels.

francois

Thanks for the positive feedback Francois. My LBS told me it would be about 2 to 3 weeks before they arrive since they hand build the Sapim CXRay versions when ordered. No biggie since we just got several inches of fresh snow on the ground and road riding is out of the questions. :-( Tim to dig the skis back out!
Scott