New series Mavic Aksiums, lower rear spoke count..any issues

Ainsy8

I have just purchased some new aksiums online from PBK. Having a look on the Mavic website it seems these are now 20 spoke front AND rear compared to the old aksiums that had 20 front 24 rear spoke count.

I ride a bit on bike paths on a flat bar (yeah I know!) and am now unsure of the suitability of these with the lower spoke count on the rear as I am coming from entry level Alex DA16's with Tiagra hubs (32's) that seem rock solid regarding trueness. I am 5' 8 and approx 185 lbs.

Does anyone have any feedback on these new wheels and their suitability/durability compared to the old ones? Would it be better to try to get a set of the old aksiums to reduce the chance of needing to true too often?

Many thanks for any opinions or comments.

cj504

I've ridden the old ones over last winter and now use them to commute, they really are rock solid! I've hit kerbs, speed bumps and level crossings hard and they don't seem to (touch wood) have moved an inch (or mm ) I'm no expert but I can't really see the loss of that few spokes making a huge difference?

Ainsy8

Thanks CJ.

Not much I can do now as they are on the way. I just hope they offer better reliability than the shimano 500 or 550's and don't require too much attention regarding keeping them true and or breaking spokes.