Originally Posted by Thylacine

Ksyriums are popular largely because Mavic got on the whole 'pre built' thing very early and pimped them really, really hard. The gave a lot of them away to pros and semi pros, and were the first to start instore 'try before you buy' deals.

All very smart marketing.

Also, nothing ruins a perfectly good wheelset like having someone build them that has no idea what they're doing. Mavic took away that X Factor by bringing in consistancy.

Now, the bottom line for me is, Mavic makes good stuff. No question there. I'm a huge advocate for their rims because after 20 years on the road, I think they're the best out there. But the Kysriums make very little sense. They're not that light, they're not aero, and they use a proprietary rim and spokes which means replacement is little more than an expensive chore if something goes haywire.
If you have a great wheelbuilder build you a set of Chris King hubs laced to CXP33s with Sapim X-Rays for example, you'll save yourself a LOT of cash, have a lighter, more aero wheelset that is easy to maintain and repair. There are many other good options of course, but unfortunately little of it matters because Mavic's marketing strategy was so good, most people will still lust over Kysriums, even though they're not an astute choice.

They're not atrocious, they're just not a super clever choice, thats all.