Wheelset Recommendation
 

Hi,

I have a 2008 Scott CR1 with stock Mavic Aksium wheels. I got into a crash with a someone on a mountain bike last week and now my front wheel has a broken spoke and is off true. My LBS says it'll cost $200 to ship the wheel to Mavic to get a replacement. But I'm taking the opportunity to upgrade.

I stay on the road, usual ride is 15-30miles. I'm about 170lbs. I like group rides / charity rides. At the LBS, I was introduced to the Mavic Ksyrium Elite vs the Bontrager RXL. I'm hoping to spend $500-$700. There are so many brands out there that I'm somewhat overwhelmed. I would really appreciate any recommendations. Thank you in advance.

I'd troll craigslist and get a replacement Aksium. I see them all the time for sale for very reasonable prices. The Aksium is the only Mavic wheel I'd own because they are cheap enough to be disposable, yet they are quite reliable. Consider this: They want $200, which is more than the whole wheelset is worth, to fix your front Aksium. How much worse is it going to be if your $500 Ksyrium gets trashed?

Veulta Corsa Lite for $200-230 new will be an upgrade over your Askiums

Your LBS blows. Look for a new shop.

^This... They should've at least replaced the spoke and tried to true the wheel. What kind of shop charges you to ship the wheels back to the manufacturer and charge you more than you can buy them for?

Search the forum and you'll find many threads about wheels for $500. I personally just bought a handmade set from a wheel builder for $325, should be getting them today. :-)

if you WANT to spend $5-700, Boyd Altamonts. if you just wanna get back on the road on the cheap, find a new LBS that can fix the spoke and true the rim, can't see how that would be more than $50, otherwise check out the link

Mavic Aksium 700c Front Road Bike Wheel with Tire Black | eBay

A replacement front wheel can be found online for $117 + shipping.

I just ordered a set of Shimano Ultegra 6800 wheels from Chain Reaction for $383, free shipping. Seems hard to beat.

...or...
Mavic Aksium Front Rim and Tire | eBay

They are $327.52 shipped from Merlin Cycles.

Ribble's price is $279.32 (plus shipping) this weekend 'cause they are running a 10% off. I don't know if that beats Merlin?

Shoot Rob an email explaining what you want and your budget:

www.psimet.com

OP, if I were in your position I would either get the 6800's (great prices) or some Fulcrum Racing 3's from Merlin.

I did see that one but my card wouldn't work with them because of perceived security problem..

Will Ribble ship Shimano wheels to the US? They always blocked them for US shipment in the past.

^ A few of their Shimano wheels say "Not unavailable outside the UK" - most do not say that. I'm unable to confirm through personal experience.

That's too much money to fix a entry level wheelset. I bought so Fulcrum Racing 3 a few months back from Merlin for $340 with free shipping. There are a lot of good wheelsets for under $700. Upgrade time.

I find this whole thread alternatively entertaining and troubling. $200 to fix a spoke? Seriously? Back 'n the day, a replacement spoke would cost $1 and to install and re-true would take less than 30 minutes.

Anyway, if you take the shop up on their offer, how do you know that they will actually ship the wheel back to Mavic, versus repair your wheel and flip it? Plus sell you a new wheel at a significant mark-up.

^ I think we are all in agreement that $200 is way too much. But worrying that the LBS would flip the original wheel? Keep that tin foil hat on, sir.

These wheels are in your price range.

GH

Ribble has 6800 groupset as low as $391.62 right now

Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 Spd Double Groupset at Ribble Cycles


11 speed wheels as cheap as $90

Shimano Pair Wheels RS010, Wheels Factory Built, WHEELS FACTORY ROAD / TRI

Ultegra 6800 wheels for $310.36

Shimano Ultegra 6800 Clincher Wheels Pair, Wheels Factory Built, WHEELS FACTORY ROAD / TRI

Lots of other wheel options plus an extra 10% off all orders this weekend. I would jump on that! kinda pissed I just paid $370 for 5800 haha

Insane prices. 5800 for $250!!

Yeah, and I just paid $375 a couple of months ago. I give up!!! UK price cutting is too crazy. $156 for 9 speed Sora is insane if you want to build up a cheap bike. Actually all of their group prices for all three brands are insane right now and then take an extra 10% off....my head is going to explode

The 10% off coupon isn't for groupsets, but those prices are UNSANE.

I think there is a glitch. When I go to pay it says 391.62 Pounds. That is over $500 USD.