Road Cycling - Ksyrium SSC SL or Ksyrium Elites?

Which one is best for day to day use for someone like me at 185 lbs? I will be doing some racing but mosty for fitness. How do they both hold up over the long haul?

I keep hearing that SSC SL's are just fine but thought I would ask the people on this board who I trust more than anyone else.

Originally posted by Captain Crunch
Which one is best for day to day use for someone like me at 185 lbs? I will be doing some racing but mosty for fitness. How do they both hold up over the long haul?

I have the 2001 SSCs and not the newer SSC SLs. The big difference is that the SLs have metal shaved away from the rim between the spoke holes making them lighter. I've been using mine for day to day use for over two years now and the last time I had them professionally checked two weeks ago at my bike shop for a spring tune-up, they were as true and smooth spinning as they were new. They've never had to be retrued since I got them. These have been the most trouble-free rims I've ever had. I admit that I do tend to worry from time to time about doing my own repairs should one of those bladed spokes fail.

I own the Ksyrium SSC to and not the new SL's mine are almost between 1.5 and 2 years old now. And they just finaly went out of true by about 1 mm.. They have been a great set of wheels! And have quite a few miles on them. I never used the Elite's so can't comment on them, but they will probably hold up just as well.

As a 200 pounder I choose the Elites last fall. Picked the Elites over the SLs due to my weight and the fact that I know I would never race with them. So I went with the more rugged model with the heavier spokes and rims. I have about 1,000 miles on them since that time and had them trued about a month ago. I didn't think to check them when I bought off of eBay and they may have been a bit wobbly when I got (although they were new). But they were only out a couple of mm and came right in. Have stayed true in the 400 miles since then, including dropping into a couple of pretty large holes at speed. So far I am very happy with the Elites, but will know more after the season is over and I have another 2,500 miles on them. Several of my riding companions use the SSCs, but none of them weighs more than 160 pounds. They all report good results on these lighter wheels, as well.

$300 difference in price,i like the elite unless you got the bucks.

The SSC SL's are laterally stronger than the Elites. If you are looking for the strongest wheel between the two, it's the SSC SL. The spokes are wider and screw directly into the rim (I think it's the same with the Elites but with narrower steel spokes). They are very similar wheels but not good if you are looking for a longterm durable wheelset. The spokes are special order items so you won't find them everywhere- that may or may not be an issue (it isn't for me).

If you're buying for the long haul, the SSC SL's because they are the top model and pretty good wheel. You can still sell them for a good amount used because they are popular.

If you change wheels alot, just get the Elites, enjoy them and sell them. You won't be out as much.

How are they compared to the CXP 33 or Open Pro rims made up with Ultegra or Centaur Hubs?

The main advantage you will have with the CXP 33 or OPen pro, you will get a wheel built with common parts so any bike shop will carry the spokes etc.. So can get it fixed quicker compared to the SSC or Elites.. I would go with the Record hubs over the centaur, since they are litterly only about $10-20 more. If you have a shimano drive train you could look at the Chris King hubs and CXP33 or open pro rims that would give you a very strong wheel set also.

Originally posted by Captain Crunch
How are they compared to the CXP 33 or Open Pro rims made up with Ultegra or Centaur Hubs?

They are all good wheels. I have a pair of ultegra/open pros and they are fine wheels. However, they feel like slugs compared to the SSC SL's.

Like RacerX. I used Open Pro CD (Chorus hubs). The Elites also feel much 'faster'. Especially when climbing. I purchased as I am riding hills this year and wanted something to help with same (and a reward for going under 200 pounds). Big, positive difference in the way the bike feels with the Ksyriums.

I have the ksyrium elites and have put abt 350 miles on them, and I hate to say this, but I had to true the rear wheel last weekend. It was abt 2mm off, but it trued very easily andI had no problems with it. In the wheels defence (even though I am only 150lbs), the roads here are full of potholes, repaved parts; whatever the city can do to make the roads as rough as possible. But I have been happy with them.

I love my SSC SLs. I'd put em on every bike if I had the $$$