Shimano R550 wheels
 

Anyone ever use the Shimano R550? If so, how did they hold up for you? They look a little flimsy but who knows.


Tim

I have avoided them. If you google around for comments on these wheels for heavy riders, you will find a few which have been lucky but the majority of people clearly recommends tradtional 36 spoke wheels for clydes. I simply would not feel safe on them (at 250 pounds).

Another good set that is bomb proof but have the look of more expensive wheels is the Mavic Aksiums. I put 1500 miles on a set last year and they never needed truing. Twenty front, tenty-four back with bladed spokes. They look good, and will take just about anything you can dish out.

The wheels were going on my brother's Trek 1200. He was looking for an upgrade over the current Bontrager wheels. Seeing as I ride Campy and weigh a lot less, my recomendation isn't too valuable. Nashbar has some Ultegra/Mavic CXP 22 wheels 32 hole for sale. Could these accomadate a 230 lb rider?

Tim

I don't see any issues at 230 pounds.....

I have R561 Wheels which are about the same wheel. 1600 miles and no problems at 275.

I use R550's and don't have any problems with them. I'm 220lbs and have about 500 miles on them.

I had 550's, they were fine for about 3000 miles and then started going out of true quite regularly. I had then rebuilt but destroyed the front one in an accident. I upgraded to ultegra wheels and find them to be great. I would not recommend 550's for the rider with the fuller figure.

My R550s snapped a spoke in the rear after about 1500km, i was around 240lbs then. Had the wheel trued but haven't used them much since. Happened on a perfectly flat road too.