stykthyn

I'm looking for an entry level 11 speed wheel to start my 5800 conversion.the bike will be an all purpose townie/ endurance bike so I need a wheel that will be able to hop a curb and take a pot hole. The rs11 is on the list because I can grab a low mile set with brand new gatorskin tires for 100 dollars. While I think they will do the job everyone is ditching them for a reason. The cheap price is attractive though. Honestly I'm really liking the fulcrum and the mavics. They are both in the same price range. What would you guys choose?

ypsetihw

reliability of wheels/rims comes down to how they are used. I am on my 3rd light season on a pair of RS10s, and I've never had to true them. I also know how to bunny hop pot holes.

a pair of trued rims with gators for $100?! why even ask. if you get 1000 miles out of them it's worth it, and if they last longer, you win!

stykthyn

I was kind of wondering if there was enough difference in feel with the other two choices to warrant them over the cheapest option.

IamNed

I've had RS10's on my 2013 CAAD10 for 10,000 or so miles and four years. They a very nearly true as in I can barely see any lateral movement when spinning them in a work stand. The spokes have been untouched for four years. I really can't complain about them at all. Despite that, yesterday I ordered a set of Quattro LG simply because I want new better looking somewhat aero wheels, and a little over $200, what the heck. I ordered a new cassette along with it, so I'll have my Quattro's, and a back up set of "like new" RS10's. I'm hoping I notice some type of difference, but I suspect other than looking a little cooler when standing still, they will be nearly identical in performance.

Before my son destroyed his bike and wheels in a pile up during a race, he loved the Quattros on his Felt F75 and did indeed feel a difference.

Stratocaster

My 2015 Caad 10 came with RS11 wheels. They have been great so far.
I think the reason you see people "ditching them" is because there are lighter options available. These options aren't necessarily more durable.

In my case, I purchased a lighter wheel and will be putting them on my bike in a couple of months. The reason I'm changing wheels is that I bought the bike to race, and lighter wheels means less weight to haul around - I also want climbs to be a little easier on my group rides.
Another reason some people might ditch them is because the rear has 20 spokes; the front has 16. Some heavier cyclists might want a little more "support" in their wheels.

I'd bet that if you checked, you would see that MANY cyclists ditch the wheels their bike came with (regardless of brand). The stock wheels might be good for some; others like to experiment, or have other needs.