Sasquatch16

I have a chance to get a very good deal on a bike that has Kysrium ES Special Anniversary Helium Edition wheels. That have 22 bladed spokes. Will they hold up under 250lbs?

FatherAlabaster

It kind of depends on how you ride, but the short answer is no. You probably want something with minimum 32 spokes, 36 if you hit curbs like I do, and hubs that don't have the following phrase written about them: "While this reduced the weight, it also sacrificed some long-term durability." If it's an awesome bike and the wheels are in good shape, buy it, sell them, and you should have plenty of money towards a good sturdy wheelset.

gyozadude

Depends on age and mileage. The wheels are indeed light and fairly strong for the sub 200 lb cyclist. But not many people splurge for a $1000 wheelset. But those that ride a lot seem to claim they break after 4000+ miles and may require a rebuild, which may not be supported cheaply. So if it cracks, you're likely looking for a new set or paying a lot. For us Clydes, I recommend non-proprietary components, and more spokes. Factor that into the purchase price. If it's still a good deal...

gyozadude

Yeah, if I recall, the ES Heliums have a rear freehub that uses an inner bushing that rides on oil lube film and not second set of bearings (in order to shave grams off). The down side is that wears easily and quickly, especially under dirty or grimy conditions. But if you want a really light wheelset, I guess that what it takes.

FatherAlabaster

Yeah, that's what I read too. Apparently they need frequent servicing. I'm about 200# and I've had problems with weak wheels and finicky hubs. I don't want anything that isn't bulletproof. I could probably shave off a few grams cutting back on the beer...

Sasquatch16

Thanks for info. Bike is an Ultegra equipped Cannondale Six13 for $1000.00. My research shows this to be a good price. I was thinking that when time came to get a new bike I would go with a carbon one but this presented itself in my size, 63cm, which is hard to find. I may just get it and ride it till they break and then deal with it. What do you think they are worth if I were to sell them?

Lazy Dog

Here are the wheels I have on my Roubiax (Williams 30x). I've had them nearly a year and put a couple thousand miles on them and they are still true. I climb a lot of hills where I live and haven't had a broken spoke yet. They are made in the United States and the delivery/service has been impeccable. Highly recommended....

https://www.williamscycling.com/Wheel...count_p_9.html

snidely

I ride Ksyrium Elites at 240#, and have had no problems. Not sure I'd go for Heliums at my current weight. As said in another post, sell them on ebay. You should be able to get $500-$600 for them, and then have something else built.

TrojanHorse

Anything with the word "helium" in it should probably be avoided unless you're the size of a climbing specialist on a pro tour team...

I've had a 28 spoke rear for thousands of miles and my lard butt was as high as 242 and it's still true as heck, but I usually shoot for 32 spokes for the rear for me (I'm 213 now). The front is a lot less critical.

redvespablur

It is a good enough deal on the bike not to worry about the wheels.

I'm 275 and ride Fulcrum Racing Zeros and Campy Zondas with no problem so give them a whirl or if worried part out and replace

jmeissner

I have a set of these on a used cyclocross bike I just picked up earlier in the year and they have been holding up just fine. The bike was 4 years old when I got it and I assume that they are the original wheels. I started riding it at 230 and now I am closer to 220 but I feel I have ridden them pretty hard. I have only used this bike to train for and race with in an event that was at the end of March (so in Ontario that is lots of snow, ice and mud) that was run over rail-trails, gravel roads and farm roads. I have only put about 400km of that type of terrain on them myself and they are still perfectly true.

eja_ bottecchia

Great advice. I ride Fulcrum Racing Zero on the C59 and Campy Eurus on the Infinito. Both have only 21 spokes in the rear. Both wheelsets are light and strong.

Buy the bike, save some money and replace the wheels when needed.

squatchy

Sell the wheels now before you trash them. Then you will have some money to buy a set that will last you. I'd suggest Hed Belgium clenchers with DT Swiss 350's in 32 spoke. You'll never have to even think about them. Although you will grin every time you get on your bike