Road Cycling - Opinions on a new wheelset

Any thoughts about the Mavic CXP-33 rims and Ultegra 6500 hubs? Anything I've read in roadbikereview or heard from local riders seems to indicate that these rims will do the job. I've heard more than one person refer to them as "bulletproof".
I use my road bike to commute and for two hour rides on my days off. I'm not looking for any racing titles, but I'd like to think that they'll be a marked improvement over my low end Alex rims/hubs.

The prices below are from a Canadian online retailer. But they're also a local store so I won't have to pay shipping.

MAVIC CXP-33 UB Silver / Ultegra

RIM: Mavic CXP-33 UB silver
HUB (FRONT): Ultegra HB-6500, Q/R
HUB (REAR): Ultegra FH-6500, 8/9Spd. Q/R
SPOKES: 32 x DT Competition
Front $157.99 CND.
Rear $202.99 CND.

$360 Cdn is about $270 US (today).

Hi,
I have CXP33 rims with DA hubs. Pretty much the same. They are rugged. I can knock them out of true (eventually) but it takes insane speeds over Maine's often crappy roads (I am also a Clydesdale). If you're used to an aero profile rim, they are pretty good. If you are under 200 pounds, I'd consider the Open Pros. They are lighter and have a slightly softer ride.

And, Open Pros are pretty tough to mess up, too. I'm a near to (and sometimes) clydesdale, and mine have held up really well.

Nice setup. Definitely go with the Open Pro's. If I had the bucks I'd build up some OP's with Chris King Hubs, wheeee.

Peter J. White, the master wheel builder, told me that he would recomment Dura-Ace hubs as the bearings are a lot better and will last longer.

The master wheel builder at my LBS said that Open Pros were just as strong, if not stronger than the CXP-33's and cheaper.

Depending on your size, if you are clydesdale size, you might be better to go with 36 hole on the rear.

I think that the 33s, with their taller profile are probably stronger than the open pros. It would be an advantage if you were using a low spoke count, which it seems you are not.
Even though I find it difficult to believe that DA and Ultegra use different bearings, the DA is clearly a nicer hub. So the best solution may be to save the money on the rims and put it into a DA rear hub.

I was in the same situation as you are. I decided to wait and save up some more money for a set of CXP-33's with Chris King hubs (about $430 US), it was worth the wait. These are some great rims.

I have the wheelset you're interested in and, after 9,000 miles, I am still amazed how good these wheels are. I am going to have to true them for the first time, finally, after all those miles. I had mine built by Colorado Cyclist (currently US$220 for the set). I am an average size guy, 5'9", 165 lbs, but I got the CXP-33s to stand up to the messed-up country roads in my area. The Ultegra hubs were a step up from the 105s on my old wheels. They made an incredible difference in the smoothness of the ride. I am sure that the Dura-Ace would make them even better yet.

Over a year ago there was some heated debate in this forum about CXP-33 vs. Open Pro. If I remember correctly, the CXP-33 set weighs 90 grams more than the Open Pro set. FWIW, I think the CXP-33s really look great on the bike I have now, but the Open Pros will look better on my new bike. So my new bike will have Open Pros built on Chorus hubs.

Rich

Buy the wheel set that is connected to a Bianchi :D

That would make a fine wheelset. I rode on Record hubs with OP last year and they held up wonderfully under my weight (225+ at the time) so you may want to look at those for something a little lighter too.

This year I'll be riding a Ultegra equipped bike so I'm building up some Chris King's on Velocity Aerohead rims. Should be a nice wheelset when I'm done. We'll see how they hold up (the rims that is, I already know how the Kings will hold up )

If you are choosing between CXP's and Open Pros, go with the Open Pros.

They are cheaper, lighter and just as tough. They look classicly good. I am partial to the black ano look (maybe it's called the ceramic coated?)

Anyway, for that setup good, reliable, lightweight strong rims would be Open Pros all the way in my book.

If you are using the ceramic rims, you should invest in a set of KoolStop green compound brake pads. They are designed specifically for use with ceramic rims. Good stoppong power and long life.

Like I said "buy the ones on the end of a Bianchi" :D

bianchi_rider,i think we understand you really like bianchi but if i'm wrong,please correct me.LOL

bianchi_rider,i think we understand you really like bianchi but if i'm wrong,please correct me.LOL
What ever gave you that idea??? LOL :D
Did the picture attachments give me away?? LOL

I ride CXP-33 on CK hubs. Nice wheelset. Its a tough pick in the CXP-33 vs Open Pros contest. I like the look of deep section rims and I'm 210lbs, so I went with the CXPs, but if you can forgo the grams and the assumed aero advantage, there's nothing stopping you going with the OPs. I'd ride them no problems, but I've opted to give the RolfPrima Vigors a spin this year.

Unless you're 250lbs and a hack, the OPs will be fine - just please, PLEASE get a decent wheelbuilder. It's the difference bewteen a great set of wheels and a crap one.

Mavic's are good rims BUT there are other companies out there that make just as good if not better rims for less money. Sun makes a rim called the Assault that looks just like the CXP-33 and weighs only 410grms vs 470 for the Mavic and cost less too.

ALSO Torelli makes a rim called the Master Series (ones I use) that looks just like the Open Pro and weigh very close to the same and is every much as strong but the Torelli's cost a third less. Most of the European Pro riders train on the Torelli's.

With Mavic's you pay for the advertising.