Hi

I am about to finalise purchase of a System 6 and am seeking a little feedback on wheelsets. I am 6' 1" and 190lb and want a wheelset to handle it all - long training rides, centuries, I ride to work a few days per week (15 miles each way), club stuff. I don't think the Ksyrium ES's are up to that task and am thinking either Ksyrium SL's or Campag Euros. I am going with the Record Groupo and Cannondale Hollowgram Compact and am leaning towards the Campag Eurus clinchers. I've heard they're stiff, quite light and bullet proof.

Are there any users of that combo on the board or people interested in providing recommendations on a wheelset to suit my purposes? I am choosing all black frame and the Eurus come in black which would look cool (not that I really care about that, of course :thumbsup: ).

Thanks

HillBilly.

I have the S6 T1 with the ES wheels - they work well - esp. for climbs and like the other ksyriums, are very durable - hardly need truing. I've only done mine once at 2500 miles despite all the potholes and bumps I hit at speed. If I had the option of saving $400 to get the SL instead of the ES, I probably would have done it though...

You should not have any problem with ES wheels.

I think you mean Eurus. I currently ride these wheels and have been very satisfied. In terms of weight, they aren't much more lighter than my Open Pros with Dura Ace Hubs (7800) and Revolution spokes. However, I do find them very comfortable and very quick to accelerate. Taken them climbing as well and they have been wonderful. You would be very well served by a pair of Campagnolo Eurus. Can't comment on the ES, since I have never ridden them.

CHL

CHL,

What I meant was Mavic ES wheels.

The Ksyrium ES wheels don't have a great reputation down here - mainly due to longer term reliability issues (rim failures). Great for racing but not so good as a ride-all-the-time wheel.

I have narrowed my choice down to Ksyrium SL's or Fulcrum Racing 1s. The Campag Eurus would be nice but I have since discovered I would have to pay quite a premium over the Fulcrum Racing 1's which doesn't make much sense to me. I am now leaning toward the Fulcrums which will cost a few hundred bucks more than the SL's. To be honest my, decision is based on the fact I want black to match the bike - pretty sad I know.

I have heard only good things with the Fulcrum Racing 1's.

Cheers

HillBilly.

... decision is based on the fact I want black to match the bike...

Get a nice set of handbuilts with those new black Record hubs. My kid rides a black Six13 and runs traditional handbuilts on Open Pros on Chorus hubs. These are his wheels of choice except when actually racing. They would be the ideal answer for the type of riding you are looking to do. Certainly you cant be cooler than a teenager.

i've got a CAAD 7 with campy record and compact hollowgram cranks that currently rolls on Campy Zonda's. i'm 200lbs and these wheels are fast, stiff, and bulletproof. i'd have gone with eurus if i'd found some at a decent price but i'm quite happy with the zondas.

if the G3 lacing pattern doesn't suit your tastes you could try Fulcrums. same technology and quality as the campy stuff but with a more traditional look.

Get a nice set of handbuilts with those new black Record hubs. My kid rides a black Six13 and runs traditional handbuilts on Open Pros on Chorus hubs. These are his wheels of choice except when actually racing. They would be the ideal answer for the type of riding you are looking to do. Certainly you cant be cooler than a teenager.


I agree...

I just received my new wheels from Colorado Cyclist. Record (32H) black hubs w/ 14/15 black spokes on black CXP-33 rims. They were as inexpensive as any wheels you're going to find and they look HAWT. (Total price w/ rim tape and shipping was $445.58).

I got them b/c my previous training wheels were silver Veloce hubs w/ 15 spokes on silver CXP-33 rims. I still have the Veloces on my rain bike. They are 6yrs old and the only work done to them is I cleaned and regreased them 1x and had them trued twice. They have lots of miles and still work great.

As opposed to my Easton Vista. The rear hub on that thing was toast after appx 1500 miles. I am a big guy with some power (6'4", 225), but the Vistas came with the bike, so I rode them. They were fast and rode nice, but not made for daily riding. I might buy premade wheels in the future for tris or whatever, but otherwise, I am only going with the hand-builts.

When I get more miles on the new wheels, I can give a better report, but I expect they'll be just as good as the Veloces...and a bit lighter.

-Smarty

You should not have any problem with ES wheels.

My rear rim just failed at multiple eyelets after less than 3K miles. The only wheel failure I've had in over 22 years of riding. So I don't share your confidence. My Elites, OTOH, are fine.

Custom wheels weren't going to offer me any real savings so I went with System 6 Team SI (swapped the Barloworld frame for full black) and went with black Fulcrum Racing 1s. This bike is full Record. Pick it up Saturday. Yee haaaaaaaa........

HillBilly