Wheels--Xero or Reynolds?

FOGcp

I had just decided to order a pair of Xero XR1 wheels but have just noticed that Planet-X are doing Reynolds Solitude for £125, £75 cheaper than the Xeros. What do people think ? are the Xeros worth the extra or should I just go for the cheaper Reynolds?

System_1

Get the Reynolds, without a doubt. £125 for wheelset that everywhere else is selling for about £300 is a bargain.

I've not tried the Reynolds but the Xero XCR1 I had were absolutely shocking. I was quite happy with them at first, they were really light and stayed true but they are the least stiff wheels I've ever used, contstant brake rub every time you put power down and forget climbing out the saddle. The spokes pulled through the rear rim within a year as well and I'm not the only one that's happened to so it's obviously a common problem. Peronally I'll never touch Xero wheels again.

simbil1

Depends on your riding style and weight - if you are big and/or powerful, I would not go for either and would choose a stronger wheel instead.
The solitude at that price is very tempting though

scherrit

My 2p is that you should consider who supports long-term availablity of spares (eg freehub bodies.. unless you're goin gto treat them as disposable?) of these wheels. As far as I know the Reynolds distributors here will go on supporting the older wheels for spares (I had to get a freehub for an alta comp recently), but I have no idea who supports zero... you should ask if it's possible to get a freehub body as a spare for example.... we've found that spares availability has sometimes been poor for non-mainstream wheels (mavic, shimano, campy are what I would consider solidly mainstream)- and I find it a bit of a heart breaker to chuck a set of wheels when the freehub goes for example....
Good luck,
S.
www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk