goose70

I recently purchased a CAAD9 5 and would like to upgrade the current wheels, which are Shimano RS10s. The RS10s (24 mm and just under 1800g) get decent reviews for their price range, so I’m not in a rush. I’m also not willing, at this point, to spend more than about $700.

Given my parameters (live near the Chesapeake, which is mostly flat but can get somewhat hilly), and after research and conversations with others, I'm considering the Soul S3.0 ($425 shipped, after certain options) and the ROL Race sl ($625). Both seem to get impressive reviews. Both are 30mm and weigh in the 1500 gram range. Ignoring the price difference for the moment, I’m be interested in hearing about experiences with these (particularly durability and stiffness). I’m also wondering if either of these are enough of an upgrade from the RS10s to be worth bothering.

ROL website:
https://www.rolwheels.com/rol_race_sl_wheels.php

ROL review by Testrider.com:
https://www.rolwheels.com/customer_press_reviews.php

SOUL website:
https://www.bikesoul.com/2009/index.p...id=3&Itemid=11

Thanks!

Quel

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe those are both using the same rim, the ROLs just have better spokes (and maybe hubs, but not sure of the relative quality there). FWIW, Psimet builds on the same rims. I had him make a similar build as the ROLs (again, not sure about the hubs), the price came out lower. Longer wait time with him though.

I'd also consider the Soul 4.0. That's on a rim no one else builds as far as I know. Might be better since most of your rides are on the flat ground.

Steve90068

Get the soul 3.0 SL...over 100g lighter than the ROLs, not to mention cheaper

intence

I'll be the first to say it, contact Psimet. You might as well add the Williams 30 to your list as well. Both the Williams and ROL Race SL appear to be a Kinlin XR-300 rim laced with decent hubs. The Williams have hybrid ceramic bearings (whatever that means) and the ROL features Sapim CX-Ray spokes. Contact Rob (Psimet), he could probably build you something equivalent to the ROL or the Williams but it would be customized for you.

Post edited ... I wasn't the first, Quel beat me to it

While many don't like Shimano wheels, i'm also a fan of the RS80 C24 wheelset. Pricing is a bit higher than the Soul, but the rims are supposedly the same as the ones on the Dura Ace C24 CL wheelset. The wheels feature very light rims (so quick spin up time). I've read that lighter rims are more important than overall wheel weight, but i'm not sure if this is true.

In any case, a Kinlin XR-300 paired with decent hubs and CX-Ray bladed spokes is always a very nice option.

goose70

Thanks for the feedback. Williams looks like it has some nice wheels, and I probably owe myself a call to Psimet (although I hate the decals....a critical component).

Quel

Mine have no decals, but I think I have them built before he had his own custom logo designed. You can probably peel them right now and get the black stealth look.

simonaway427

I have the Soul 3.0SL with prodigy hubs and 2mm spokes. I can't say enough good things about them. Light, attractive, and the hubs are insanely smooth.

soma5

Counterpoint: the Rol Race SL is a mighty good wheel. I have been running a set for about 300 miles now so I don't have any long-term data but they are growing in popularity around there. Of course, it helps that they are based here in Austin so they are local boys.