cydewaze

Ok, I'm strongly leaning toward a pair of Mavic Ksyrium SLs as my next wheelset, except now I'm a bit confused. When I do a google on them, I also come up with "Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL" wheels, which seem to be around the same price and weight as the SL. But the SSC isn't listed on Mavic's website.

What's the difference between the SSC SL and the regular SL? And does anyone know if either of them come in black?

galen_52657

Not positive, but one probably morphed into the other via marketing. Or, one is sew-up and the other clincher. Most likely the same wheel.

56/12 and 22/28

Same.

55/Rad

Different model years.

cydewaze

Ok that's good enough. I think I found a good price on a set, but they aren't listed in black.

sleepystarz

Cydewaze ~ mine are SSC SL, and are 2003 model. They are black, but the 2004+ are all silver. 2003 will have that black/silver machining on the rim where the spokes enter the rim. The stickers on 2003 are also mainly black, while 2004+ are not.

Good choice, there's lots of wheels around 1500grams and decently strong, but the SLs never fail to be a very reliable and strong wheel. I absolutely love mine for everyday riding and abuse.

cydewaze

ugh... I guess there's always spraypaint.

SpongeDad

I can't vouch for this, but this website has SSC SLs and SLs listed as differing by about 50 grams. https://www.speedgoat.com/

I have 2004 SLs (maybe SSCs but can't remember). They are great wheels that came on the bike, which itself came at big discount, so there was no issue re swapping them out. Not sure if I'd drop $800 on them. I'm sure someone with direct experience will start singing from the Mark Garcia songbook. If you do get them, however, I'm sure you won't be unhappy with them.

cydewaze

Well I'm not 100% sold on them, but they are the front runners.

I want a wheelset that's around 1500g, and very stiff laterally. I don't want hidden spoke nipples, and I don't want paired spokes. And I want them to be black. Oh, and I don't want too tall of a profile (cross-drafts).

It narrows the choices down some, but there are still a lot of wheels that fit those criteria. I need to find a database somewhere or something, so I can add/remove options and see what's left.

SpongeDad

SLs do get a bit "kitey" in a crosswind - it's the bladed spokes. Nothing to get to nervous about, but it is definitely a bit more than you might feel with round spokes.

Grasschopper

Hmm sounds like you want my wheels. Could have gotten black spokes to go with my black rims and hubs had I chosen.

Oh and Spongedad it is Mike not Mark.

cydewaze

I haven't ruled out getting something from MG. Mind if I ask how much those were?

Grasschopper

$349 shipped but I got them before the price increase last summer. I think they are $389 now...that includes shipping. If you go with round rather than aero spokes the price might be lower but ask Mike. Spoke count is up to you. The aero spokes make for a stiffer wheel...mine are plenty stiff for sure.

sleepystarz

Hey, I think those DTs would look killer with black spokes... very nice looking already though.

Forgot to mention my 03 SLs also have the black aero spokes. I picked them up on ebay for 400 shipped a while back.

cydewaze

Hey that's not bad, especially considering my price ceiling is around $900. I might have to give Mike a call when I'm ready (he seems to ignore emails).

Grasschopper

They are HORRIBLE with emails, but when you call you will either talk directly to Mike or Alex...who can get you Mike. You would think that if you were running an online buisness you might want to consider being able to answer an email in a timely manner...oh and having your web site fairly up to date which they also have issues with some times.

cydewaze

Too bad I can't work up a barter deal. They build me a nice set of wheels, and I build then a nice website.

Grasschopper

You may want to run that by them...you never know.

gpelpel

Why don't you look at the 2006 Ksyrium ES? They are a bit lighter than the SL and SSC SL and have more black than the SSC SL. I have a set of 2003 SSC SL in black, I like them a lot. They are lighter and stiffer than my previous Ksyrium Elite but feel more comfortable. The are mostly black but the cutouts/shavings along the rim between the spokes is not painted. So from the top of the bike it looks like the wheel is silver, they look agressive from the side though. The new ES is all black with one red spoke and red hubs, pretty cool. I saw one for sale on Craiglist the other day for $800 (300 miles only).

Grasschopper

Or here is another option: https://www.totalcycling.com/ProductD...1-3bc5bb85eb53 2006 Eurus in black $682.34 plus shipping, 1490g, Shimano freehub, DEAD SEXY.

sleepystarz

Yes, you have to call if you want any info They took forever to respond my emails, but when I called I talked to Mike directly and he was very helpful.

He's going to build a Niobium 30 wheel around my powertap after I sell my SLs... black spokes/rim with gold nipples. 24 front, 28 rear.

Complete weight is going to be about 1650grams WITH the powertap hub

Cydewaze ~ I'd offer my SLs to you for a nice price, but you probably want a new wheel I assume. FYI my SLs are still perfectly true and no loose spokes ever. Hopefully the Garcia wheels can hold up nicely too.

Grasschopper ~ Your wheels are holding up fine I assume? Any comments on the mileage you've put on them or any problems?

Grasschopper

I have a couple thousand miles on them and they have been bomb proof.

cydewaze

Seems kind of heresy on an all-Shimano bike, although I do have a Campy seatpost binder...

As far as the ESs go, I hadn't considered them because they were over $1000 everyplace I found them, and $900 is my absolute max limit, shipping/tax/etc included.

Other rims I'm considering:

AC CR-420's
DT Swiss RR 1450 (assuming I can get them in black)
Easton Orion/Ascent (what's the difference?)

I've ruled out the FSA wheels (hidden spokes), the Rolfs, and the Bontragers (paired front spokes).

Grasschopper

https://www.totalcycling.com/ProductD...1-3bc5bb85eb53

The Orion has a few more spokes than the Ascent for greater durability which translates into a bit more weight.

For $900 you can get a HELL of a nice set of hand built wheels. Go for some wicked light hubs, DT Swiss RR1.1 rims and Spiam Xray spokes.

cydewaze

I can't imagine how much shipping from UK for a wheelset would be. I had found a set of SSC SLs for $655, but they're silver.

Maybe I'll just wait and give Mike a call.