Hope everyone had a good weekend. Was hoping to utilize the knowledge/opinions of everyone here.

A kind soul has offered me one of their spare sets of wheels as a gift to upgrade over my Alex R500s. Problem is, I don't know squat about wheels.

I can choose between a set of Mavic CXP23 rims/Ultegra hubs or a set of Xero Lites (no XR or other model marking)

Both sets are barely used and ready to roll.

For reference I'm 6'2" and 195 and these will be on the "good weather" road bike not the commuter.

Thanks!

A LBS tried to sell me a pair of R500s just last week. I said no thanks, but I am curious. How have they been? Durable?

Matt

They're not particularly light or fast. They are OEM for a reason on many bikes.

However, they take a beating and keep rolling true. Guess that is the advantage of the high spoke count and not-so-light rims. As a commuter wheel with some 28-32 tires they are more than adequate. They will live out the rest of their days on my rain/winter/commuter bike.

Usually you can get them pretty cheaply second hand. I've heard good things about Neuvation wheels for a strong value/performance compromise.

Are we talking about the same wheel? The R500's I looked at only had 20 spokes in the front and 20 in the rear. Not what I would consider a high spoke count.

I'd go for the Mavic CXP23/Ultegra setup. I've had a set of CXP33/Ultegra (32 spoke) for a long time on my commuter and they have been excellent ... and I'm 6'4" 240. Hope that helps.

ahk! You're right, noob moment. The wheels are Alex NOT Shimano. Apologies.

From my experience, I can recommend the Mavics - I've had a set of CXP23 rims with Surly SS hubs for the last 5 years on my commuter, used summer and winter. I've never had to true them. I'm a big dude and it's all urban riding. I don't baby them at all, but I also don't exactly launch off stuff either. Curbs, potholes, winter, all handled. They aren't high end wheels, but they are perfect for a skinny tire commuter.

It helps that they were built properly by Reed at One on One. So IMHO,get them and then take them to a reputable shop for proper tensioning and a check up, then ride the hell out of them.