Mavic Ksyrium Elite vs Shimano RS80 vs Easton EA90 SL

cantalach

I have a choice between the above wheelsets (and only the above!) and am wondering which to go for...

• The Mavic Elites are the "nobody got fired for buying IBM" option and my previous experience of Mavic wheels (lowly Aksiums) has been pretty good - just one broken spoke in thousands of miles on some truly appalling roads (or maybe that's not good?).
• I've no experience at all with Easton wheels but the EA90 seem to be well regarded. The SL is the 'Clydesdale' variant of the EA90 with four extra rear spokes which appeals because I'm in the 85-90kg range (depending on how recently I've been in the States with work...).
• The Shimano SL80 are a brand new carbon-alloy fusion cuisine job and a bit of an unknown. This review measured a lot of lateral flex in the lab but says it couldn't be felt on the road. Shimano's top end wheels are highly rated but this is decidedly mid-range I guess.
• I would rank reliability and durability above performance and bling.
• Price doesn't matter because the difference in price from the cheapest to the most expensive is less than 3% of the total cost of bike.
• I only have an option on the above, no matter how much better off I might be with Eca-Arud hubs, Orp Nepo rims, and TD spokes.

Thanks!

DirkVoodoo

Ha, I was trying to pick between these wheels too!

The Shimano ones seem to win hands down, they look sturdy even though I am wary of the alloy-carbon bonding technique.

A google of the EA90 SL turned up lots of complaints about cassettes eating into the freewheels (shimano use titanium) and spokes breaking.

The elites are probably the most sensible in terms of price, I don't think they are as good as the shimanos but they are cheaper so it's probably a better "training wheel".

Lumen

I just googled Eca-Arud hubs, Orp Nepo rims, and TD spokes.

Now I feel really stupid.

cantalach

Lumen wrote: »

I just googled Eca-Arud hubs, Orp Nepo rims, and TD spokes.

Now I feel really stupid.

Sorry...I was just being a bit daft, it being Friday.

scottreynolds

cantalach wrote: »

The Mavic Elites ........

If as you say durability is important go for these. I have them 6000km no major problems. I did have to get them serviced tighten the hubs and had a freewheel problem that i resolved last week but I really can't fault them at all.

the 2009 model is supposed to be better and lighter than the 2008 version. I think they are the perfect training / racing wheel. The only upgrade I would really consider for racing would be carbon clinchers.

trek climber

cantalach wrote: »

I have a choice between the above wheelsets (and only the above!) and am wondering which to go for...

• The Mavic Elites are the "nobody got fired for buying IBM" option and my previous experience of Mavic wheels (lowly Aksiums) has been pretty good - just one broken spoke in thousands of miles on some truly appalling roads (or maybe that's not good?).
• I've no experience at all with Easton wheels but the EA90 seem to be well regarded. The SL is the 'Clydesdale' variant of the EA90 with four extra rear spokes which appeals because I'm in the 85-90kg range (depending on how recently I've been in the States with work...).
• The Shimano SL80 are a brand new carbon-alloy fusion cuisine job and a bit of an unknown. This review measured a lot of lateral flex in the lab but says it couldn't be felt on the road. Shimano's top end wheels are highly rated but this is decidedly mid-range I guess.
• I would rank reliability and durability above performance and bling.
• Price doesn't matter because the difference in price from the cheapest to the most expensive is less than 3% of the total cost of bike.
• I only have an option on the above, no matter how much better off I might be with Eca-Arud hubs, Orp Nepo rims, and TD spokes.

Thanks!

I have had a pair of the Easton EA90's for over a year now but have had a problem with a knocking noise which resulted in the lbs recommending that the back wheel be returned to Chain Reaction where I bought them and it seems that I am not lone with a problem with them. So I would have reservations about recommeding them even though up til now I was very impressed with them. I think you cannot go far wrong with the Mavic's.

ba

and i will say go for the Mavics. the 2009 elites are only 40g gram heavier than the Mavic flagship Ksyrium SL models. they should even be more comfortable with the steel aero spokes. and strength is increased in that the rims are not drilled for the spokes.

so they are a lot stronger than aksiums.

cantalach

Thanks all - I've gone with the Ksyrium Elites.

Aquos76

I use the Elites as well and I am very happy with them

Home:Ballyhoura

I recently posted here that I will probably going with the 2009 Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels as my all round training/rough road race wheel from my lbs for around €360. I was going to pick them up tomorrow until I got second thoughts! When will the 2010 Mavic wheels be released? I came across this article on the introduction of the 2009 models last year whcih was posted on the 27th June 2008...so it's actually gone past that date and still no sign of the 2010 models is there? Surely it's only a matter of time isn't it before the new "improved lighter & stiffer" wheels are introduced, and the 2009 models are discounted dramatically! I just don't want to be caught out by buying them at the wrong time. What do ye guys think, have ye heard anything you think I should know or have any advice or opinions! Thanks

cantalach

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

from my lbs for around €360.

Woah! Which LBS is that? And they were definitely the 2009 Elites? A mate of mine got quoted €475 for them today!

Home:Ballyhoura

cantalach wrote: »

Woah! Which LBS is that? And they were definitely the 2009 Elites? A mate of mine got quoted €475 for them today!

Here is the price CRC are charging for them at the moment. Have you already looked there?

Well, I think that might just be a special price for me...a loyal customer who gets most of his bits online but used to work part-time for!!! I'd rather not advertise this deal as he might get hounded to do the same for others if you know what I mean! Either that or he is just doing an unbelievably good price in general (he seems to with his other bits and pieces anyway). If I remember correctly, he had a sticker for €395 on them the last time I was in there (maybe thats the price for all normal people from the general public, haha!). I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow...we'll see then!

P.S. The fact that wiggle no longer stock or plan on re-stocking (i.e. discontinued) leads me to believe that the 2010 models (see here and here) are on their way soon, I mean real soon! What ya think guys?

scottreynolds

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

I just don't want to be caught out by buying them at the wrong time. What do ye guys think, have ye heard anything you think I should know or have any advice or opinions! Thanks

Don't worry your never going to buy wheels at all this rate. Shut up and buy your wheels

at1withmyself

I should have a pair of 2009 Mavic Ksyrium Elites [Black] with less then 200 km's on them for sale in the next week or so, keep an eye on the adverts section if anyone is interested. €300.00

alfalad

at1withmyself wrote: »

I should have a pair of 2009 Mavic Ksyrium Elites [Black] with less then 200 km's on them for sale in the next week or so, keep an eye on the adverts section if anyone is interested. €300.00

Are they Campy or Shimano?

at1withmyself

alfalad wrote: »

Are they Campy or Shimano?

Shimano ED10

Home:Ballyhoura

at1withmyself wrote: »

I should have a pair of 2009 Mavic Ksyrium Elites [Black] with less then 200 km's on them for sale in the next week or so, keep an eye on the adverts section if anyone is interested. €300.00

Any pictures of them relatively soon before I go out and buy my wheels today? Any defects (i.e. scratches, buckles etc)? Whereabouts are you based, and whats the reason for selling them? Thanks