Mavic SSC or GP4
 

Are there visible design differences between Mavic SSC red label and GP4 yellow label?

I cannot see the difference AT ALL between the ones I have.
Is it really the same design, but different alloy used? (better for SSC)

Or worse, Is it possible, that someone that some GP4's were just labelled SSC and also attached with the large "M A V I C" lettering, in case they were given to pro teams (and thus not REAL better quality SSC's).

Or.. Is it possible that someone has just "relabelled" GP4 as SSCs to be able to look more "pro" or even just to sell them for a higher price?

Good question. The SSC's (in Blue/grey) came first and were very expensive. They did obtain a stellar reputation. At some point the pricey model went away and the GP4 sometimes had a little SSC label, then that went away. The GP4's were considered a durable albeit heavy road race rim, a conservative choice. One went with 330's or the 280's for lightness.

According to velobase, the red label GP 4 has an outer rim width of 20mm versus an outer rim width of 21.5mm for the red label SSC. Both have very similar weight at 395g and 400g respectively.

Mavic GP4

Mavic SSC

I suspect a lot of the fuss about SSC rims is just mainly about the "SSC" labeling that supposedly ties it to what the pros were actually using in the big races. I would not doubt if it turns out that the Mavic 330GL or maybe even GP4 rims are very similar to the SSC rims anyway and one would not notice the difference when riding them back to back if one takes off the decals from the rims....
But if you can afford the 3X price usually asked for SSC rims, why not!.....as they are quite the iconic Mavic rims to put on most 80's C&V bikes...
I kinda liken it to the difference between Mavic 801 and 851 SSC RDs..... Same thing but one looks uhmmm....."plus de fantaisie":rolleyes:

According to my vendors catalog they are the same depth, same weight, available in the same drillings the only change I can see is the width and the profile. The SSC is slightly more squared and flatter.
the GP4 arches around the base of the tyre a little more.

As already mentioned, the SSC rim is wider. I came across some NOS SSC rims for sale and to assure their authenticity I held them up to an old Mavic Open 4 CD wheel and the difference in width is obvious to the naked eye.

I always heard the GP-4 referred to as a training rim, not a racing rim. But its really just a matter of weight.

I always heard the GP-4 referred to as a training rim, not a racing rim. But its really just a matter of weight. And I always thought the SSC was intended for special rough events, like Paris-Roubaix.

When I could muster a set of dedicated race wheels I went light, 280 gram rims with a Clement 195 Seta Extra upfront and a 220 Criterium Seta in back.
Later, after I won a few races, I raced on 350 to 395 gram rims and either Cotton 260s or Paris-Roubaix (275 gram tires) the Cottons for rain or threat of rain.
Instead of lightness I wanted insurance I would be there at the end.

Where was I when this thread first came around.
Thanks for the info guys.
Anybody else add to this?
Here's my working set of GP4s and the GEL280/GL330. I like 'em both a lot, and can agree with previous posters' comments about the GP4 being a solid feeling wheel, without being super light. The 280/330 set really make the already good ride on a 531 frame even more responsive than on - say the vintage red Araya clinchers.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=389987http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=389988

OT. I have two sets of mavic bleus that I am planning to sell.

pics.