Mavic Open Pro Ceramic rims - any experience of durability?

Bronzie

I've got a pair of Open Pro CD rims on my winter hack bike which have worn really badly after just 2 seasons due to the road muck eating them away when braking.

As a replacement I'm considering the Open Pro Ceramic rims - are they worth the extra (£65/rim compared to £31/rim) in terms of durability? Anyone out there run them through the winter?

Kléber

They're tougher. Expect to fork out on brake blocks though, for if the rim surface is tough it means it grinds down your brake blocks. A ride in the rain and muck can sometimes eat through a set of half-worn brake blocks.

maddog 2

I've got a set. No observable wear whatsoever so far, after two summers. But I don't use them through winter - they're to nice for that - so I don't know how well they'd stand up to full crud attack.

The answer is discs of course, but that costs a bit more to make the changeover.

bagey

The brakes will perform much better & last longer if you use ceramic compatible pads. Shimano sell ceramic specific inserts for their brakes. They last several times longer than normal pads & leave no black staining after a wet ride. See http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... %20inserts

Bronzie

Thanks for the replies - the ceramic rims (approx £240/pair built up on Ultegra hubs from Parkers) look like the way to go, coupled with the Dura-Ace brake blocks.

Winter crud, you have been warned!

maddog 2

give paul hewitt a ring. He should be able to get close to that price and he's a top builder. He'll also be able to advise on spokes+nipples for your weight/riding - an important consdieration, often overlooked, which greatly affects how the wheels ride.

mekonta

I'm running them on my commute/winter bike and think they're great. Using proper ceramic pads and the blocks have lasted a year so far and look barely worn