Originally Posted by
well biked
In my opinion, no contest. The Mavic A719 is Mavic's top line touring rim. Welded seams, machined brake surface, double eyelets. The CR 18 isn't in the same class (pinned seams, single eyelets, etc).
I don't disagree with the A719 being a quality rim. It should be at its price. Sun CR18s are $30 each where as a A719 is going to be $65-70 each. If money was no object, then Mavic obviously, but if you are on a budget the Suns are not bad for the price. I have built a few wheels with CR18 (all 26") and the quality has been fine except the seam joint isn't always the best. But, in fairness I have seen other brands rim with the same problem (including Mavic, Velocity, and Salsa).