Originally Posted by
650c
Funny you mentioned Shimano WH-R550's -- two days ago I took off this exact wheelset off my bike and replaced it with some Rolf Elan wheels. It rained that same night so i wasn't able to ride. The next day i went out for a test ride, THEY FELT EXACTLY THE SAME.
Butt-dyno was super confused.. 1800g claimed weight vs 1250g claimed weight and no difference in feel at all. Except now I can't abuse these new wheels like i did the Shimanos (hop off curbs, ride straight through bumps/cracks/bad pavement)....
Now I believe Shimano WH-R550's are actually very very good wheels..
I like the inboard nipples; not only does that reduce weight at the rim it also removes them from the area of most road shock, making them less likely to go out of true.
I also like the radial spoking on the drive side; allows for a more efficient dish.
Can't beat loose ball construction for low friction
Also one of the quietest freewheels I've ever heard.
I think they might be some of the most under-rated wheels out there...