stristra

Hi, I have a one off opportunity to spend some dollars on a wheelset. I want to use the wheels for everyday commute and weekend bunch rides and maybe low level racing - I weigh 85 kgs. I have either Easton EA 90's , mavik Ksyrium elites or shimano carbon laminate 7850 on my list. I was full on for the eastons, and then read two very bad reviews about noisy hubs and creaking. The Shimano's sound great, but I was worried when one review mentioned about not using "aggressive break pads" because of the heavy wera on the "thin" breaking surface. They said that once the "wear indicator" had worn through, the rims are no good. This makes them sound like disposable wheels. How soon would the rim wear through with "normal use" - whatever that is.

Any comments appreciated. I am very nervous about spending a lot of money and getting a dud.

Cheers,

Zen Cyclery

I would think about a handbuilt set.

Namenda

The hubs on EA 90's are awesome in every respect. I've never seen a bad review. Silent when pedalling, and the usual buzz when coasting. I love mine.

wirelessness

I'm not sure what the reviewer means by 'aggressive' brake pads. I switched to Kool Stop Salmon brake pads when I bought my 7850's because they stop very well, don't squeak and are gentle on your rims. Seems like a logical thing to do with ANY rim. I'm not sure if this is really something to be concerned about. That being said, I love my 7850's!!!

intence

Why not handbuilts. I heard there's a guy on the forums who does some very nice custom builds at some very nice prices.

Also, the user psimet has a lot of good informative posts on wheels.

If handbuilts are out of the question, i'd consider the Eastons. I've not sure if the Carbon laminate has any real benefits, but Easton wheels are fairly nice, most use Sapim spokes I believe. IMO, I think they have to offer more as opposed to Mavic (who has brand recognition) and Shimano (who OEMs on a lot of bikes). I've been very happy with the EA70s i've had for about a year, and wouldn't hesitate to buy Easton again if handbuilts weren't an option.

entukay

ea90s

NealH

I've been riding a pair of the 7850s for a year now and, by a large margin they are my favorite wheel. In my opinion, they are so good that it makes little sense to look for handbuilts, because I just can't see them providing a more rounded set of desirable characteristics in a wheel. The 7850-CL24s are really nice wheels. Get a pair, you won't regret it.

merlin55

I have some of these Shimano wheels and also some EA-90SL wheels. Based on your weight I would choose the Eastons which have more spokes and are a little stiffer. I weigh 75 kg and I can feel the Shimano wheels flex a little side to side when sprinting out of the saddle....but they have a nice ride on bumpy roads. Both are great products, but a 16 spoke front wheel is just a little dainty for most riders

Blacklab78

I know guys at 110kg on the DA carbon laminates and they have been bombproof. The hubs are also the best in the business.

To get lighter wheels, most handbuilt's will actually cost you more.

Buy em and enjoy em, you won't regret it.

a_phat_beat

I was in this exact same position. I opted for the EA90's due to not wanting to go over my budget. I got em for around 700 shipped, brand new. The 7850 c24's would have been about 300 more. I'll have more to contribute to this thread once I put a few miles on them. good luck.

youcoming

I have a set of 7850 50mm carbon clincher and lov ethem. As for braking surface, I see no issue, it's an aluminum surface not carbon. Not the lightest wheels but hey I weigh 225lbs another 200g on my wheels ain't going to hold me back. And yes these are tough wheels, have hit my fair share of pot holes on our lovely roads in Ontario with no ill affects. These wheels are stiff!!!! Have felt no flex at all when sprinting.

wirelessness

The C-24's retail for like $1299 US. They are much cheaper on the various UK based e-tailer sites. I was able to get my local shop to come down the $950 which is still a lot more than EA90's but I'm glad I went that route nonetheless.