Help - quick decision: Ksyrium or Ardennes
brettjmcc
Posts: 1,361
Need some swaying either way. Want some new wheels, but having a head vs. heart moment
Options are Mavic Ksyrium Elites for £360, or HED Ardennes with FR (Flamme Rouge) Front and SL rear for £612
Help me decide please... my Scottish half is causing an internal struggle :?
Options are Mavic Ksyrium Elites for £360, or HED Ardennes with FR (Flamme Rouge) Front and SL rear for £612
Help me decide please... my Scottish half is causing an internal struggle :?
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Comments
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left the forum March 20230
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I wish I could help you more, as I'm in a similar dilemma.
The Ksyrium's are more than adequate and proven to wear well. If you're after the C2 rim may be worth having a look at the A23 Velocity rims as a slightly cheaper alternative to the Ardennes.
Bike-discount.de have some keen prices on Fulcrum Racing Zero's currently.....Plymouthsteve for councillor!!0 -
I've got the HED Belgium rims (C2 ally) built on DA hubs. There about 1600grams, not the lightest but then neither am I.
I'm sold on the wide rim technology. The Hed rims are really good quality. I think if I was to buy again, I'd probably just buy some Dura Ace clinchers.0 -
ugo.santalucia wrote:
Based on what - have you actually ridden both these wheel sets?
I have the previous generation of Ardennes (2009) on the C2 rims and I have been blown away by their performance. They are lighter than my previous Mavic Ksyrium ES, roll far better and are stiffer. On top of that the wider rims make the ride more comfortable, and I am sold on the idea that they aid aerodynamics, I seem to descend in a straight line far fast than my riding chums on their Mavics (not a scientific test I know!). They have also required zero maintenance and have survived a couple of shocking potholes unscathed.
The only negative if it bothers you is that they do not have the bling factor of other wheel sets, such as wide flat spokes or pimped up hubs.0 -
I already ride a set of Elites, though they came with the Cannondale when I bought it off someone. I am 82kg (and hopefully less for the summer). I have no issues, but they are getting on a bit and I want some new wheels. So getting the later ones should be an easy decision.
but... I have read really good things on HED Ardennes. I have a Jet 6 rear on my TT bike and it is good. Its £250 more though.
The fact they are different appeals to me
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ajb72 wrote:ugo.santalucia wrote:
Based on what - have you actually ridden both these wheel sets?
I have the previous generation of Ardennes (2009) on the C2 rims and I have been blown away by their performance. They are lighter than my previous Mavic Ksyrium ES, roll far better and are stiffer. On top of that the wider rims make the ride more comfortable, and I am sold on the idea that they aid aerodynamics, I seem to descend in a straight line far fast than my riding chums on their Mavics (not a scientific test I know!). They have also required zero maintenance and have survived a couple of shocking potholes unscathed.
The only negative if it bothers you is that they do not have the bling factor of other wheel sets, such as wide flat spokes or pimped up hubs.
Lighter stiffer... this is what the industry wants you to believe is good... I am talking about the best hubs on the market, which are DT Swiss and the likes... not Mavic, not HECleft the forum March 20230 -
ugo.santalucia wrote:ajb72 wrote:ugo.santalucia wrote:
Based on what - have you actually ridden both these wheel sets?
I have the previous generation of Ardennes (2009) on the C2 rims and I have been blown away by their performance. They are lighter than my previous Mavic Ksyrium ES, roll far better and are stiffer. On top of that the wider rims make the ride more comfortable, and I am sold on the idea that they aid aerodynamics, I seem to descend in a straight line far fast than my riding chums on their Mavics (not a scientific test I know!). They have also required zero maintenance and have survived a couple of shocking potholes unscathed.
The only negative if it bothers you is that they do not have the bling factor of other wheel sets, such as wide flat spokes or pimped up hubs.
Lighter stiffer... this is what the industry wants you to believe is good... I am talking about the best hubs on the market, which are DT Swiss and the likes... not Mavic, not HEC
So that'll be a no then, you've not actually ridden the wheels you have dismissed.0
