Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Patman1776
04-23-07, 07:34 PM
Last week I placed a post regarding upgrading the stock Bonty Race Lites on my 2005 Trek Pilot 5.2 to Mavic Ksyrium SL's for racing. The anti-Mavic venom was out in force in the responses I recieved. Let's just say that I have NOT been disappointed in my choice thus far. After 100+ miles on the SL's, I've noticed the following:
1. These wheels are NOTICEABLY STIFFER than the Bonty's.
2. Cross-winds DO affect these wheels more than the Bonty's.
3. These wheels wind up quicker than the Bonty's.
4. These wheels are lighter than the Bonty's
5. I believe I got an excellent price on the set ($720.00) at my LBS
Maybe I could've gotten a better price on a set of hand builts, but I have a long and amicable relationship with my LBS. Any problem I've had with equipment, they've taken care of (often out of warranty period) with minimal, if any, charge. I believe that relationship is worth the extra $ I may have spent.
As for the new Specialized Toupe Team saddle, I have also been pleased with my choice. Going from the over-soft Bonty Race Lite Luxe to the minimalist Toupe was murder on my sit bones the first couple of rides, but I made it through a two hour ride yesterday with minimal discomfort. As with any new saddle, it requires sometime for the body to adapt. The biggest benefit is that the Toupe's cutout has eliminated the "nether region" numbness I had experienced with the stock saddle.
1. These wheels are NOTICEABLY STIFFER than the Bonty's.
2. Cross-winds DO affect these wheels more than the Bonty's.
3. These wheels wind up quicker than the Bonty's.
4. These wheels are lighter than the Bonty's
5. I believe I got an excellent price on the set ($720.00) at my LBS
Maybe I could've gotten a better price on a set of hand builts, but I have a long and amicable relationship with my LBS. Any problem I've had with equipment, they've taken care of (often out of warranty period) with minimal, if any, charge. I believe that relationship is worth the extra $ I may have spent.
As for the new Specialized Toupe Team saddle, I have also been pleased with my choice. Going from the over-soft Bonty Race Lite Luxe to the minimalist Toupe was murder on my sit bones the first couple of rides, but I made it through a two hour ride yesterday with minimal discomfort. As with any new saddle, it requires sometime for the body to adapt. The biggest benefit is that the Toupe's cutout has eliminated the "nether region" numbness I had experienced with the stock saddle.