Racing Zero, Shamal Ultra or Ksyrium SL

KieranHardman

This has probably been done numerous times before but as a general set of lightweight wheels (not doing any races but want lighter wheels) does anyone have any preferences?

Im looking at 2009 Racing Zeros, 2010 Shamal Ultras or any year Ksyrium SL. My other option is to go down the wheelbuilding route and spend the money on handbuilt wheels. No experience of doing this though.

I was leaning towards the Zeros but have read reviews of the shamals and they have a carbon hub and ceramic bearings which could be better? Im riding Campag and have a titanium/carbon frame so not bothered if they are "overly" stiff.

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Kieran

APIII

The handbuilt vs factory wheel debate has been done to death so I'll just offer my comments on the three sets you suggested.
I've had a pair of Kysrium SLs for years and found them to be bombproof (rode cyclocross this year on them without issue). I've also got a pair of racing zeroes, but not had a chance to fully road test them yet. I don't think you'd be disappointed with any of them tbh. One point, which i think worth mentioning, is that the Mavics use sealed bearings, so you replace them easily (ceramics if you really want). Fulcrum/campag are the traditional loose bearing, so they are a bit more fiddly to service.

il_principe

Can't speak for the Kysrium SL's but I've had a pair of zeroes for 2 years and they are stonkingly good.

akkers

Ive had Racing Zeros for 2 years...they are awesome, I repeat awesome.

Also - IMO theyre the best looking alu wheel out there

guinea

Been using 2008 Shamals since the came out. Ridden up Alps, commuting in London, and laps of Richmond park. Done 000s of miles and are still perfectly true.

I've very glad I got them. There was a noticable difference between those and my old Fulcrums.

Monty Dog

FWIW Zeros and Shamals are pretty similar - the only difference is the spoking pattern - the hubs are near identical and the benefits of ceramic bearings are marginal. You need fewer specialist tools to service/adjust the Campagnolo / Fulcrums that the Mavics. I have Shamals and Ksyriums - I prefer the Shamals because they're not quite as harsh - both are bomb proof. Choice should also be dictated by your weight, riding style and what you're using them for.