bonz50

distinctly possible I'm picking up a bike this weekend, stock it comes with Aksiums, figure if I can get the LBS to do a swap on the wheels at this point it aint ever gonna be cheaper... Easton EA50's are available at the shop (in stock), we haven't discussed pricing on em yet, is that a worthwhile swap if the price is right?? what would be the right price?? swapping up to ksyriums looks like would be cost prohibitive... what's the 41 think?

Thx!!

valleycyclist

Please tell us a little about yourself (weight, riding style, ride mostly on hills or flats, etc.) so we can help you.

I wouldn't consider Ksyriums at all. They are not aero and not super light, so I do not see why they are so popular. I rarely see someone break a spoke on a ride, but every time I have seen a broken spoke during a ride it was on a Ksyrium wheel.

MikeyBoyAz

Running an aero wheel is not necessary. Apparently it is the popular thing to do, but square frame rims allow for more shock absorption and the blade spokes are nice. the EA50s are not bad, but they're not great either. Personally if I were to go aero I would to at least an EC90+ else not bother. Weight on the EA50s are not that great either, keep what is on there until you have enough for an excellent wheel and keep what came on the bike for training. Biggest thing about Aero wheels for me is the cross wind factor, and thats not fun.

bonz50

weight - 210
style - aggressive recreational/fitness
I live in IL, few hills of consequence
money is an object on this, sole reason for considering doing it up front and doing a dealer swap kinda thing... sounds like i'll be better off waiting until these things become worn out/broken/bent...

valleycyclist

For 210lbs I would recommend a wheelset with more spokes. The Aksiums seems to be pretty strong, so it may not be anything to worry about. If the shop has a 32 spoke wheelset with Ultegra hubs/(name your rim) for $150 more I would take it. Otherwise just keep the Aksiums.

You may want to try to get a deal on different tires when you pick up the bike. I would recommend 700x25 tires which can be pumped up to a lower pressure and will give you a more forgiving ride. Michelin Krylion tires are very good and probably much better in terms of puncture resistance than the stock tires.

bonz50

already had planned to go to 25's on the tires regardless, i think i'm gonna hold off on the wheels though, wait til my weight comes down some more and ride em until I just need something more/newer, could take a while, I have no gripes with that... thx!!