Dylansbob 

Just wondering? Picked up a rear wheel at the bike swap and was wondering if there is actually a difference or just the race is the OEM version. Thanks,


brent

timtak

I would like to know too.

FBinNY 

First place to look is at the specified weight of both pairs. If they're identical it would argue that the wheels are the same. If different, then it's a question of finding the difference.

Of course it's possible for wheels to weigh the same, but be different in quality, by virtue of better materials in key places, more precise bearings, etc, but weight is a good place to start.

I'd suggest calling customer service at Mavic, but don't want to go off on that tangent.

FastJake

+1 Look up the weights. That will tell you for sure.

It's the same basic wheel but IIRC the "race" version is lighter.

hueyhoolihan

i don't have either one, so...but,

i would be surprised if they marketed them at any time in the same year that they would be the same.

a bit verbose, but if you read it a couple of times, it may make sense.

timtak

I did do that, but I did not find a difference. Or I found at least one site that did not seem to differentiate
(citing one phrasing in one part of the page, and another phrasing in another part of the same page). Confusing.

Aksium are bullet proof, fairly light and cheap. They suffer from a dubious free wheel design that lacks a free wheel
bearing and relies on a plastic bush/washer thing that wears down, especially in the (my) absence of maintenance/cleaning.

Even so I have bought another 'Aksium Race'. I have 2.5 sets. It seems that a lot of folks get rid of spec Aksium to
upgrade to purchase Krisiun, but Aksium are fine by me. 200 grams?

I may buy "Dr. Hub" free wheel bearing, and even ceramic wheel bearing replacements so that the wheels last at
least as long as the rims. Aksiums often come with free tyres too. Aksium (Race) ahmen.

By the way, the Mavic CXP22 wheels that came with my FELT Z5 do not have sealed bearing. We are talking balls!
They may be strong, but balls (ball bearings)? grease? Ooh, no. Upgrade your CXP22 to Aksium (or if you are rich
Kirsiun) now.

HillRider

Cup-and-cone (loose bearing balls) hubs are strong, smooth, easy to maintain and super durable with any modest amount of care. It's not a defect.

timtak

You are right, for you, zen-and-the-art-of-bicycle-maintenancers, and many many other people.

I am not sure why closed bearings have become the norm. But when the ball bearings fell out of these wheels and I was faced with the prospect of cleaning out, slotting them back in, (maybe loosing one or two - I seem to have 18 balls, should there be nine per side?) greasing, and tightening up, (I guess that is all it takes) I felt very unenthusiastic. The biggest worry is I think the uncertainty. Closed bearings give the impression of 'can't go wrong'.

"Dr. Hub" who sells his/her after-part closed bearing replacement for the rather naff plastic free-wheel bush in Mavic free-hubs (Aksium and above), also sells ceramic (is that good?) closed bearings to replace the closed bearings in the wheels.

I can remember doing things with ball bearings, worrying about whether the race was too pitted, getting as much grease in as possible, when I was 18. These days, 30 years later, I think that I would rather plop in closed bearings, even though I am sure that they are more expensive then ball bearings, because I am and old, lazy, 21st century, consumer.

I may add some studded tires, and keep the CXP22 as ice/snow day spare wheels for my commuter.

FastJake

But of course cartridge bearings do wear out eventually, and must be replaced. Have you ever replaced the cartridge bearings in a hub before? It can be a royal pain without the proper special tools (bearing press). On the other hand, anyone can easily repack a loose-ball hub with a couple cone wrenches, some grease, and new balls. All my hubs are loose-ball.

timtak

No, I have never changed cartridge bearings. I have used my cartridge bearing wheels for a few years and not changed anything. I don't have a bearing press. But, I found myself with bearings all over the floor after 3 months of owning a pair of CXP22 wheels.

I will view them with more respect.

timtak

The rims of my second pair of Aksium Race wheels are concave and the external wear indicator has disappeared. So I want some new wheels very soon.

But I still don't know the difference between Aksium Race and Aksium (Elite).

This forum claims that the race is lighter than the straight Aksium
Singapore Mountain Bike Forum (Biking Since 1999) :: View topic - road bike stuff

Aha, it seems that the Race my be the Elites since the Amazon.com weight for the Aksium Race is 1735
https://www.m.amazon.com/Mavic-Aksium.../dp/B00MCSXH2Q
which is the same as the Aksium Elites at CRC
Mavic Aksium Elite 25 Wheelset 2015 | Chain Reaction Cycles

Others who want to know include
https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdale...ic-aksium.html
boards.ie - View Single Post - Dr Ferrari's Camper Van (off-topic discussion)

I am happy with my Aksium Race even if the the free wheel hub design (bush) is poor.There are Aksiums at about $160 US but I don't want to downgrade. There are Elites at about $225 with tyres (that I don't really want).

There are Fulcrum Racing 5 are also $225 and @1645g 85g lighter. I think I will try them for a change.