Road Cycling - Mavic Kysrium SSC SL

I'm a 180 lb rider, are these wheels durable for a guy of my weight? How good of a racing wheel does are these? And also, is it a good or bad idea to train on the wheels that you plan on racing with?

They are really strong wheels and one of the stiffest I have ever ridden. I'm no heavyweight but KSSCL's are plenty strong. Great racing wheels.
Ideally, you want a race and training wheelset but you will do absolutely fine with the SSCSL's alone. I know several riders that ride them without any other wheelset

I own a set of the Ksyrium SSC wheels, I have had no problems with them, owned them for a bit over a year now. Never had to do anything to them yet, I weigh 160 pounds.

Great wheels, I considered them a few months back. I'd say you're borderline weight would be an expensive gamble.

I am 200lbs +, a few months ago I was advised by many that Mavic open pro 36 spoke was the better option.

The shop I frequent, told me that the SSC SL would be the best choice for a lightweight wheelset for a rider my weight, 290. Everyone I've asked has said that they are pretty much bomb-proof. I would own a set right now except for the $$. They are pretty pricey to stick onto a bike I paid less than 200 bux for.

Does a wheelset of these retail for around $800?

That sounds about right for the list price.. you can find them for a bit less then that.

Check out Ebay. You can find them for around $600 from reputable sellers. For example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2708535864&category=22695

Wow, nice price on ebay. Do the Mavic Kysriums come up on ebay fairly frequently? Thanks for your input guys

Yeah they are up their all the time.. sometimes you can even find last years model for a few hundred less.. In 2002 I saw new 2001's go for as low as $400 a couple times

Those are decent wheels, but I might recommend Sun Ringle wheels. They're not known so much for their road wheels but they're nice and light and reliable. That and you can go anywhere and not worry about being able to find parts should you have an issue. Like I said, they're not as sexy but they will cost about half as much and work just as well. www.sunringle.com

Another set of wheels I would suggest is a handbuilt set from Speeddream, he puts alot of thought into his wheels. Check out his web site http://www.speeddream.com they are lighter then the Ksyrium, even check out the reviews at roadbikereview. He actualy took into account on his design, if a spoke broke if the wheel would still be rideable and it is. Gives you extra spokes with the wheel in case you ever need one, and cost is around $500.

for a rider of your weight the SSC Sl is ok. I think the weight limit on the SSC SL is 95Kg.
The Ksyrium Elite is a strong but heavier wheel and is recommend for cyclists who use the same set of wheels of training and racing and ride on relatively rough surfaces or badly maintained roads

Mavic wells in short are great wheels, I have use them never have any problem with them

I'm not sure how the Elite is stronger or better for rougher roads than the SSC SL... maybe they use different spoke materials? They are very similar wheels. I think the SSC SL is just as strong- just lighter.
And the SSC SL can be ridden if a spoke breaks. They are lower count spokes but there are enough there that you won't get stranded.

I wanted a lighter wheelset for heavier riders ( I weigh 200 Lbs) and did a lot of research on the subject. I decided to purchase the SSC SL's based on input fom other larger riders and studying the technical specs on the wheels. I ride a CAAD 5 Cannondale frame and with these wheels the bike is certainly quicker and easier to accelerate (spin up is quicker). I have really rocked the bike on some standing climbs trying to get the wheels to flex and have been unable to do so. I train on Ksyrium Elites and get the SSC SL's out when I need a bit more something or other. I'm not a racer but I do love jumping into a fast paceline occasionally and these wheels make it a little easier.