Road Cycling - Ksyrium SLs vs. Velomax Ascent II vs. Bontrager Race X Lites

Any thoughts on the above? SSC SLs appear to be everyone's "Trek" of wheels--lots of inspired, polarized passion. Two LBSs have given (surprise) contradictory input. One loved the Velomax Ascents, another hated them. Both agreed on the SSC SLs. Bontrager was "pro" from the Trek dealer (shocking!) and no opinion from the other dealer.

Thoughts? Also, anyone have any later experience with the FSA RD400s? There's a post somewhere on here about that set as well. They are way less $ than the above sets.

I would buy Rolf Prima Vigors at that price. I have the SSC SLs, and they are workhorses and bulletproof (over 8000 miles and haven't been touched). The Ascents that I owned for a short while developed cracks in the rims at the eyelets. No offense, but I really don't understand why anyone would "upgrade" to an OEM wheel builder like Bontrager, unless *maybe* you were sponsored and were going with their carbon wheels.

The Kysriums are very expensive "everyday" wheels. There is really nothing wrong with them, per se, but they are a so-called "jack of all trades and master of none." They really aren't very aero and they aren't that light (for the money)- and they are not cheap. They ARE durable.

I rode the new Rolfs for a few weeks, and the hubs were so smooth and they are deep enough that there are some aero benefits AND they are light. These are NOT the same Rolfs that were affiliated with Trek a few years ago.

I've been researching just a little and the American Classics look good if a little expensive. Good reviews...seem durable, and quite light. Any comments

Are these going to be race wheels or everyday stuff? If they're going to be race wheels you might want to check out Nimble Flys or Spiders, really good prices and weight (Flys, $800, 1200g set; Spiders, $500, 1400g)

Say what you want about Bontys being OEF and all but the truth is, their damn nice wheels. I own the Race Lites and love them, but I've also tested the new Race X-lites and, although there doesn't appear to be an earth shattering difference in performance (based on 1 long ride) those new X-Lites are amazing to look at.

That said, my second and third sets are Neuvation M28 Aeros and Mavic Open Pros. Both fine but not in the same league.

55/Rad

I have owned both xlites and SL's. I sold the xlites a couple of months after I bought them. The xlites were too flexy for my tastes. I still ride the SL's and love them. I weigh 195 for reference.

Bill

Thanks all. I am 175lbs and 6-4. I will prob go with the SLs once I upgrade my whole bike. I will prob get a 5900 superlight and swap the wheelset at purchase. I do not race but rather am a speed freak and also have started to really love climbing. I know these are pretty stiff but believe me, after riding my 03 Giant TCR1, anything will seem cushy compared to that filling rattler. Was going to get a set of SLs for this bike but have been advised it would make the ride almost unbearable.

Sandico,

Great choice with the 5900. I have the SL's on my 03 superlight and love the ride. Very fast but forgiving.

Bill