Road Cycling - Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels- good?

I'm looking for opinions on these wheels. I wasnt really in the market to buy a set of wheels, but a friend of mine will sell me his old ones (bought 6 months ago) for $250, since he just bought a set of the SSCs. My current wheels are the clunky things that came with my LeMond Tourmalet, so they would definately be an improvement.

However, I am not a racer, and just get out and bike 100-150 miles per week, with the occasional century ride. Will these wheels hold up under these circumstances? A guy at the LBS, suggested that for a touring frame, like the Tourmalet, not to go with any wheel with less than 32 spokes. Is this hogwash, or is there something to it? Would these wheels be good for my biking style? (BTW: I weight in at around 185 lbs).

-BlueDevil

yes very good, get them.

The ksyriums will hold up under those circumstances...but what kind of condition are they in now? I'm leery of used wheels becuase it is hard to tell what condition they are in.

Is your friend a racer? I'm thinking he is since he is buying SSCs. How big is he? has your friend had to have them trued any (meaning: was he hard on them?) Last, how many miles are on them?

If the wheels are in condition, then I would buy them. The reason the LBS said that you should have 32 spokes is that if you are going to be touring, you will want heavier duty wheels then the ksyriums. since you are not going on loaded toours and just riding around, I think the ksyriums would be great. go for it. thats a great price if the wheels are in good condition.

I ride on Ksyrium Elite wheels, and love them. Been using them since last August. Never had any trouble. Use them on a K2 Mod 4. 2002 model. Put 2300 miles on them in that period,.

Check 'em out at Road Bike Review (http://www.roadbikereview.com/Wheelsets/Mavic+Inc.+KSYRIUM+ELITE/PRD_112040_2490crx.aspx). A score of 4.61 out of 5 with 18 reviews...not bad.

Thats what i got on my new bike.The gave me $150 for the ritcheys that came on it and put it towards the elites.

Originally posted by Phatman
I'm leery of used wheels becuase it is hard to tell what condition they are in.

Is your friend a racer? I'm thinking he is since he is buying SSCs. How big is he? has your friend had to have them trued any (meaning: was he hard on them?) Last, how many miles are on them?


My friend actually isnt a racer.. just a good weekend warrior, who always has to have the latest and greatest. He is smaller than me (160-170 maybe?) and says the wheels only have about 250 miles on them. He got them, and didnt see enough of a difference between them, and his old wheels (his old ones are Bonteg.. something Race Lites), so he didnt use them much at all, and now is getting the SSCs.. Quite the deal I think I stumbled across.. the wheels themselves, look mint. Not a scratch on them, and they look nice and straight to me.

-Mark

Cut the check now.

They are decent wheels, though a little on the stiff side. Mavic hub servicability has never been good, contrary to what they would have you believe. Make sure you get the special spoke tool from him if you get them, or check to make sure that your trusty LBS has one (they should).