Cyclocross - aksiums or open pro/ultegra

I asked this in the road forum, but I think I'll get a more relevant reply here...

I'm in need of a road training wheelset that I'll hopefully be using for some cross riding and racing in the fall. Both are similar in weight and price. Any comments on durability? I'd probably get the mp3 protection on the mavics. The ultegra/open pros would be more easily serviced, but if i go with the aksiums, they'd be covered even if i trash them.

Any opinions either way?

I’ve had both and I like them both, but I sold the Mavics (as well as some FSA’s) in order to have traditionally spoked wheels on both my bikes.
Both wheels roll nicely, the Aksiums feel a little stiffer while the OP’s feel a bit springier- it’s all down to rider preference.

Make sure you’re making the distinction between maintenance and “trashing” them. If you break a spoke (not sure if that’s covered under MP3), the OP’s will likely be fixed at your lbs a lot quicker. Also, Ultegra hubs are known to last for ages, and would be easy to rebuild around should you wear out a rim or bust one.

Open pro/ultegras . . . like butter . . . and super strong

http://gallery.a-symmetric.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=255&g2_serialNumber=2

http://gallery.a-symmetric.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=263&g2_serialNumber=2

I'd probably get the mp3 protection on the mavics. The ultegra/open pros would be more easily serviced, but if i go with the aksiums, they'd be covered even if i trash them.


I'm thinking you go and trash your Aksium/s and then you have to deal with:


Freight to Mavic is the responsibility of the customer, return freight is paid by Mavic

That quote is from Mavic's website.

Do you want to pay to ship the trashed wheel to Mavic? How long do you want to wait to get your wheel back?

Ultegra + Open Pros

I went for Ultegra + CXP33s myself.

OP - another option - Neuvations - M28 or R28s

I used them for a while and they work great. No issues.

I totaled a front wheel about 2 months ago - and John replaced it fast with no questions asked. He said he would replace it quickly every time since I bought the wheel protection program thing...

He even covers cross racing/riding. So not too bad...

I know some folks dont care for the wheels...

I say go with the classic. That Ultegra / OP setup will run forever. Aside from the occasional clean and grease you'll be able to completely forget about wheels for years. If you get them from a mass marketer they'll probably be machine built and a bit slack on the spoke tension. Either check it or have it done before riding and they'll be as light and reliable as you can expect.