phoshizzo

Is there a big difference between the 06 and 04 models of the Ksyrium SL?

I can pick up the 04 SL on close-out from a LBS for about $630 +tax.
I can pick up the new 06 SL w/ the carbon front hub for $750 +tax.

Is there any difference in quality, finish, or updated/improved parts in the 06 model that you might know of?

Is it lighter?

Worth the extra $120?

thanks for the help

xcool

One thing I noticed for sure is that the 06 version does away with the ugly stickers on the rim. That for me it's worth the extra $$ to go for the newer model. I value esthetics as much as performance. Just my $.02 worth.

ZachS

you are totally going to lose every race and bonk on every climb if you don't get the new ones. also, it is much better to spend $120 than to buy a can of goof-off.

Stjtoday

The more expensive ones go fasterer..

cyclintom

There is one small problem. SOME of the 04's would split around the spoke holes. I've only heard of two and one of the guys is really an abuser but it is possible that your older wheels could split. Mavic was sort of known for this in their time. But I suppose that means that they're riding the edge on how light and how thin you can make stuff.

On the other hand, who knows if the 06's are any better?

And if the rim splits on either I'm sure that Mavic would warranty it.

krazyderek

if the 04 will still come with the full factory warrantee from and support from the LBS, i say save the money. Might be a 50g difference in weight but .... meh...

jslopez

Well looking at it from a total investment perspective, how long do you plan to have these wheels and then see if the $120 realy means that much in that term?

zhmontana

You can have my '05 set in perfect shape for $500

shabbasuraj

Ksyriums?...meh ... (in general.)


save the cash go for the older ones....

SDRider

I picked up a set of Ksyrium SLs on ebay (Campy) for $375 a few months ago. Deal of the century if you ask me. I couldn't tell you what year they are though. I'm guessing 2004 but I honestly couldn't tell any difference between them and a new pair.

cyclintom

Geez, you stupid or something? They're anodized different colors and different patterns for different years.

Why else would they charge more money?

All kidding aside though, from my sig you can see that I have a lot of top quality stuff. I've used a lot of supposedly superior wheels with the best equipment money can buy.

But the Mavic hubs or more specifically the Kyseriums are the only wheels where I could FEEL a difference. I have a set of older Mavic 501 hubs in a super aero setup for my old Colnago that works so well that I can't believe it. I installed the Kyserium SL's on my C40. I've been so satisfied that I also bought three sets of Equipe's for my CX bikes and my Look KG241. I installed a set of original Heliums on my Fuji.

In every case I've been able to tell that there is less friction.

Maybe that's because I'm getting old and the ounce or so difference is more easily detected?

SDRider

Mine don't look any different than the ones I see at my LBS. If there is a difference it must be a subtle difference at best. Not like one is black and one is silver anyway.

BTW-I have 2 road bikes. A LOOK KG461/Campy Chorus 10spd (which has the Ksyrium SL wheelset on) and I have a LeMond Zurich/Campy 9spd on Record hub/Mavic Open Pro wheels. Certainly not low end bikes.

Jet-man

I have a set on the '06 613 - I got the stickes off - but it was a pain in the a$$ for sure - now that it's done though, they look much cooler IMHO

Bob S.

Jet man; I am about to pull the stickers on mine. Others tell me I am nuts for even considering it (proably am). I would rather go simple & no declas like the rest of my bike. I hafve yet to see a pair of no decals Ksyriums. Do they really look better?