jstraw97

Can anyone give some input on the differences between these two wheelsets? I'm considering purchasing one or the other of these sets, but I can't for the life of me see much of a difference between the two other than the price. Opinions? Advice?

grahny

"The Mavic Ksyrium SL Premium include a titanium/aluminum axle, titanium quick release skewer and a wheel bag. For 2008, the Mavic Ksyrium SL Premium has some significant changes. First, start with the famous Ksyrium ES with its unique features (different rim heights, carbon front hub, optimized rear dish...) and add an asymetrical rear rim for more stiffness and an increased durability to get the 2008 Ksyrium SL Premium. A great choice for climbing acceleration and solid handling."

I only got the SL's because I got a deal on them at the time that brought them to the same price range as the ES's. Now though ES's are discounted so much I'd go in that direction. IMO mavic wheels are overpriced, so only get the SL premium's if you're getting a good deal.

teterider

For 2008, there are the SL and SL Premium. The SL version is the one that looks almost identical to the ES with the red spoke and hubs. The SL Premium is all black and costs more. Main difference is the asymetrical rear rim.
Just go to Mavics website for the differences. Pricewise the 2008 SL can be had for not much more than clearance ES sets. Some people on this forum found new SL sets at very good prices.

Avalanche325

Do you really need climbing wheel in Houston? I am not trying to be a jerk, just asking.
I have Elites and a borrowed a front SL when I got to the shop for a group ride and had a flat. The SL flexed too much for me. I could really feel it and could make it rub the brakes from time to time. The Elites are rock solid. I am 6ft and 192lbs, so on the bigger side.

wanders

+1 on the elites. They are my everyday wheels and I weigh 215lbs.

Looking at the specs., the difference between ES and SC(not Premium) is one red spoke and a blingy carbon hub sleeve. Weight is almost identical.

I also have a set of SC's but haven't noticed any flex. My 2 cents.

jstraw97

It would be nice to have them in Austin, where I do a lot of riding. You'd be surprised how hilly it gets west of town there.

Thanks for the opinions. I checked the specs on the Mavic site, but was looking for personal experience with either set, so I appreciate the input!

agilis

I went from 2004 SL clinchers to 2007 ES tubulars. Don't regret it a bit. Feel great, ride great, a bit lighter... and great bling factor.

PipinFan

That was kind of a good explanation,but get the ES's.

ibdrider

I got both front & back pinch flats on my new (200 miles) Mavic Ksyrium ES wheelks even at 115psi. The tires are Michelinen Race Pro 23 installed by the dealer who sold me the Specialized Roubaix bike. Any chance this is a design flaw or installation flaw? I didn't get a single pinch flat in 20,000 miles on my previous Eddy Merckx Ti bike with conventional Mavic wheels & the same Michelin tires. The front flat sent me to the hospital with a pair of fractured ribs.

stevesurf

My Rear ES is out of true, but I just don't care, it's a great wheel, very fast and durable. I'm at my heaviest now at 215 and I can tell the difference up hills.

sorry to hear that; feel better

botto 

ES's look better, but go for the SL's.

Brian6751

neither. They are overpriced.

LifeIsSuffering

I don't how quickly you want these. Last winter steepandcheap were blowing out the ES in clincher for about $550.

Obviously, you missed that boat. But it can't hurt to subscribe to their notifications. Inside word is, they will be carrying more bike parts.

ebay has several for around $770 right now. Just keep in mind that Mavic will most likely NOT cover warranty issues for items bought on that site (unless you have a Mavic dealer hookup at the lbs).

stevesurf

Nashbar still has large stock of the ES's, so it's a good gamble to subscribe, wait and watch for another price reduction. Sometimes the Campy version gets reduced first and it's simple to have the LBS switch out the freehub. Here are the current links:

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Mavic%20Inc%2E

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Mavic%20Inc%2E

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Mavic%20Inc%2E

mattm

i like my SL's

botto 

incorrect.

Brian6751

I think they are. You can get a set just as good if not better for $100 less than the best price on SL's or ES's.

LifeIsSuffering

This is true.

My prior post was more focused on addressing the OPs question.

If the going rate for ES clinchers are around $800 (brand new), then yes, wheels just as good (or arguably better) can be purchased for less.

For example: Excel Sports can build a set of DT Swiss RR 1.1 with DT Swiss 240s hubs for about $650.

I had custom set built of the RR 1.1/240s/DT Comp spokes (by another wheel maker) for my 29er. It truly does live up to the reliable/hassle-free/silky smooth hype. With shipping, it was around $550.

My workhorse clinchers are the Neuvation R28SLs. A little more flex than my previous ES and the front wheel's braking surface isn't as smooth. But it's actually more comfortable, the spokes are easier and cheaper to replace (not that I've broken any), and with the ceramic upgrade I paid around $360 or so on sale. Most importantly (for me), it's just as fast as the ES was WITHOUT riding as harshly (I run Enduro ceramics on both).

Mavics make incredible wheels - on that I'm a believer. But there are other options.

the beef

+1 for ES looks cooler. But SL is a great choice.

I got a pair of older SLs on CL for $300 the other day. Quite happy.

fskywalker

I bought recently the ES with several discounts from Nashabr, payed $630 shipped. I bought thye campy version, even though needed shimano, since they were $120 less in price (imagine campy's does not sell as well as shiomano's) and got a new shimnano freehub on Ebay for about $50. I understand the ES and the new SL are technically similar, so nif you can get a good deal on the ES I would suggest you go that route. Also, I love the graphics of the ES wheelset and those fancy red bags.

Regards,

Francisco

jstraw97

Wow, thanks for all the great advice on these wheels. After a month or so of searching for a good deal I found a brand new set of ES's for just less than $700 with wheel bags, tools, the whole 9 yards, so I pulled the trigger. They should be here in a couple of days and I'm looking forward to getting them on my bike and putting some miles on them. For the record for anyone else searching for info on these wheels, I would have just as easily gone with the 2008 SL's since they're almost exactly the same as the 2007 ES's from what I can tell (same carbon hub bling, same single red spoke); it just came down to which set I could get for a better deal.

Cdy291

The new 2008 SL's took over the Old ES's. I think there's just one small difference, it seems like the rear axle is not Titanium. I don't know maybe it is. But I found some brand new 2007 SL's at a local Performance Bikes for just $550 back a in January. Plus I got 10% back.

Amen

Mavic confuses me with all the different model years not matching up....

Weren't the ES the top of the line a few years ago and the SL lower level?

HAMMER MAN

i Picked up a new pair of 2007 SSC SL for $605.00 at a bikeshop in dallas,nice wheels spin great,light stiff imo well worth the $

Cdy291

2007
Top: ES
Second: SL

2008
Top:SL Premium
Second: SL (= to old ES)