What are your opinions on a lightweight wheelset like the xero xr-1, which can be had real cheap at $200 and are just 1200gr. This sounds almost too good to be true, when other wheelsets in the price point are around 1700gr at least. How do you think these 16 and 20-spoke wheelsets would hold up under training and eventually some racing. I want a light bike, but not if it will give me constant severe problems.

I am also possibly considering some neuvation m28 aeros, which weigh 1777gr. or some duraace/open pro wheelset.

With further digging, I have found the ritchey Z road WCS, which weigh 1600, and have a few more spokes (20 and 24). These also retain the aero rim that I like on the Xero and neuvation wheelsets.

cmon, I know you guys have info on this topic. Please.

What are your opinions on a lightweight wheelset like the xero xr-1, which can be had real cheap at $200 and are just 1200gr. This sounds almost too good to be true, when other wheelsets in the price point are around 1700gr at least. How do you think these 16 and 20-spoke wheelsets would hold up under training and eventually some racing. I want a light bike, but not if it will give me constant severe problems.

I am also possibly considering some neuvation m28 aeros, which weigh 1777gr. or some duraace/open pro wheelset.

With further digging, I have found the ritchey Z road WCS, which weigh 1600, and have a few more spokes (20 and 24). These also retain the aero rim that I like on the Xero and neuvation wheelsets.

Where did you hear the Xero wheels are 1200grams? I have an older set of these wheels and they aren't anywhere near that light. Mine are closer to 1700-1800grams. For what's it's worth, I wouldn't buy them again. For budget wheels, I'd go with Open pros laced to 105 or Ultegra hubs....

To quote Mr. Bontrager, "Light, cheap, strong; pick two." In other words, if it's light and cheap it most likely won't be strong. I'm with Dave, traditional wheels built from reliable components is your best bet for an inexpensive, functional wheel set.

i posted a similar thread like this in general discussions. so far, people kept suggesting open pros with ultegra or da hubs.

I'm also considering, due to the multiple suggestions, some open pros with ultegra or da hubs. Is there any hub that is a little more aero like the xero's hub?? Could they really lie about more than an entire pound??

I'm also considering, due to the multiple suggestions, some open pros with ultegra or da hubs. Is there any hub that is a little more aero like the xero's hub?? Could they really lie about more than an entire pound??
Might want to recheck your math?

1520gr. is still a rather significant decrease from 1800gr. wheelsets like da/openpro. What does everybody think about this medium-light wheelset. How would it compare to other heavier options in its pricerange.

1520gr. is still a rather significant decrease from 1800gr. wheelsets like da/openpro. What does everybody think about this medium-light wheelset. How would it compare to other heavier options in its pricerange.

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/wheelsets/Formula/PRD_129801_2490crx.aspx


Personally, I'd skip them. Sure, they are allegedly 1520g- but I'd be nervous about such a low spoke count with normal double-butted 14/15 spokes rather than something a bit more oversized. I'm sure I'd shred those wheels.

I wouldn't place too much importance on an "aero hub"-

If you want light wheels, you might want to check out a light build from oddsandendos.com - I've never used them, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd seriously consider them.

I've heard great things about the Velocity Spartacus and the Velocity Uriel. I just bought a set of the Spartacus from Chucksbikes for $185 (haven't tried them yet) and I believe the Uriels are around 235 at Chucks. The Uriels are a bit lighter and my tri friends rave about them for use in races and training. They may not have the prestige just yet, but they are light, strong and inexpensive.

1520gr. is still a rather significant decrease from 1800gr. wheelsets like da/openpro. What does everybody think about this medium-light wheelset. How would it compare to other heavier options in its pricerange.

I'm not a wheel junkie, I buy only when I'm absolutely forced to buy. I built up a new bike this winter and finished it with a set of the DTSwiss/Wheelsmithbladed/Speedcific hubs. Spectacular wheels. I'm not worthy.

Mike Garcia's wheelsets. For $350 you can get cheap, light and strong with a 28 spoke count...

im going to take a look at those xr-1's. seems like a sweetdeal for a light wheelset.

Mike Garcia's wheelsets. For $350 you can get cheap, light and strong with a 28 spoke count...

I think they went up about $50 a set.

I've got three sets of wheels, all from excel sports which they built for me. They do an awesome job. Just get a set of the Cirus wheelset with the 28 spokes. you can't go wrong, they're light (1568) and bomb proof. You can also easily have them maintained by your local LBS if they come out of true. If you want them lighter, you can even have them use alloy spoke nipples.

Wow, thanks a lot guys. You have really helped with the comments about the normal-spoked xr-1's which without extra thick or bladed spokes might not be so durable or stiff at all... I'll definitely check out the spartacus and uriels, as well as the offerings of excel sports. Thanks! any more thoughts for wheels in the ~$200 range lower than 1800gr??

In those reviews, they actually don't score SO low, about as low as any wheelset which SOME people always have problems with. But I still understand how spokes meant to be used 28 times being used only 16 are going to have very big performance downsides....

Just search in the forums for similar topics. Buying low-spoke count wheels for less than $300 is not a wise decision. The hubs or Xero wheels are not that nice. For the record, in your price range, it's going to be hard to find nice factory built wheels--just go custom with Ultegra hubs and your favorite spokes and rims.

Just search in the forums for similar topics. Buying low-spoke count wheels for less than $300 is not a wise decision. The hubs or Xero wheels are not that nice. For the record, in your price range, it's going to be hard to find nice factory built wheels--just go custom with Ultegra hubs and your favorite spokes and rims.
OK, so what rims are nice to lace to ultegra hubs that are semi-aero, which would still be cheap? I perfectly see the merits of having a wheel custom-built, but that DOES drive up the price

Excel Sports Boulder (www.excelsports.com)
Shimano Ultegra 9-speed hubs, Mavic CXP-33 silver rims, 14/15 dbl-butted spokes, brass nipples
2100 grams, $288.72 (lighter with alloy nipples, but less durable; also lighter with 28-spoke count)

Not too much more expensive than the Xeros and I guarantee they will last longer. Excel are good wheelbuilders, you will be pleased, just my opinions (buy the way, I work in a shop, have built wheels, and ride Campy, but Ultegra hubs are very good).