If I fitted a wheelset of Mavic Ksyrium`s to my 2012 Caad 8

Raffles

I can get such a wheelset in my LBS for 350 quid new, Im very happy with the low weight of the CAAD8 and its a very responsive bike. I have the stock Maddux wheelset on it that the bike came with , but if I shelled out for the Ksyrium wheelset ......is it going to lead to change in how the bike performs like a Mike Tyson punch to the chin, or is it going to be a whole lot subtler ? I think the ksyriums would reduce bike weight even further, but when it comes to nasty hills , would the ksyriums make themselves known then ? I dont want to waste 350 quid, but if they do make a big difference then ill consider them.

ugo.santalucia

They will feel better, no doubt and your average speed will go up a bit, half an mph, maybe even a touch more.

If you can't climb, you won't still be able to climb, light wheels don't do much there... maybe shave off the odd second here and there.

In essence, if you expect miracles, these won't happen, if you expect an improvement, you are likely to be pleased with the wheels

Happy?

ddraver

They re good wheels for an excellent price. You won't be dissapointed, but make no mistake, you re still going to have to turn the pedals to make it go...

unixnerd

I had a CAAD5 with the stock wheels, about 1900g. I put 1500g Pro-Lite Braccianos on it (about the same weight as Ksyriums) and the difference in acceleration and responsiveness was amazing, it was like a new bike. Climbs better too. Not a huge difference in overall average speed but it's far more responsive to power inputs. Ksyriums are class wheels, you won't regret it.

amaferanga

To expect a 0.5mph increase in speed would be a little optimistic. 0.05mph would be more likely (i.e. not noticeable). They look better though.

djhermer

I did exactly this upgrade several months ago. It was well worth the investment and did make a difference to ride, responsiveness, roll etc. The stiffness helps on climbs - although without labouring the point, they don't make you fitter or any better at climbing. It's a very good investment. My CAAD8 was subsequently wrecked by a bint in a Fiat 500 - as was my front Ksyrium Elite. My new replacement bike has Mavic Aksiums as standard and whilst they are a good wheel, the difference between these and the KEs is massive. So much so that I'm just about to buy a front KE on Ebay and put those ont he new bike, saving the Aksiums for the winter hack.

Do it!

unixnerd

How did you rate the Aksiums generally? My nephew has some fairly generic heavy things on his Ridley and I was debating getting a set of those as a present for him.

djhermer

I would say, for the price, they're a good buy. I am happy to put them on my winter hack - which i'll still cover a lot of miles on over the next few months. I'm not sure what they retail at exactly, circa' half the price of the Elites i think. Despite being very pro-Elite, i am still more than happy on the Aksiums.

ddraver

I think they re the best Value for Money wheels you can get. They re at the very start of the law of diminishing returns as it were....

simon_masterson

ugo.santalucia wrote:

They will feel better, no doubt and your average speed will go up a bit, half an mph, maybe even a touch more.

If you can't climb, you won't still be able to climb, light wheels don't do much there... maybe shave off the odd second here and there.

In essence, if you expect miracles, these won't happen, if you expect an improvement, you are likely to be pleased with the wheels

Happy?

Well said.

If you want to see dramatic improvements, always start with the engine. In other words, find someone much better than you and have them ride your bike.

buckmulligan

I'm planning on doing the same thing and from everything I've read, I'm expecting them to be a significant improvement over my current Shimano 2200/CXP22s!

Another important factor to consider is tyre choice and this can make a huge improvement as well. As the winter closes in, I've refitted my Specialized All Condition Armadillo tyres (23s) and for the first couple of rides I honestly thought my brakes were rubbing, they were that slow. Just looked them up on the internet and they weight 405g... EACH!! The Schwalbe Ultremos that I took off weigh less than that for a pair! That's nearly half a kilo of weight added exactly where you don't want it, so think about your tyre choice wisely.

Personally I'm sticking with the Specialized Armadillos and my current wheels for the meantime. If I train on those all winter, I'll be flying when I fit the Ksyriums and Ultremos!

Raffles

how strong are the ksyriums ? are they a 20 / 24 wheelset ? i ask because some of the road surfaces on regular rides are abysmal and id hate to be having to replace spokes with any kind of regularity.

unixnerd

The spokes Mavic use are made from superb quality steel, they look like they'd survive almost anything.

Raffles

unixnerd wrote:

The spokes Mavic use are made from superb quality steel, they look like they'd survive almost anything.

are the nipples alloy or steel ?

mallorcajeff

spend the extra and get some elites then you will notice the difference more. i have just put some on my bike and its feels very different. definately climbs better as they are stiffer than the dura ace c50s they replace (not to mention lighter)

nferrar

Ksyrium Elites are strong and stiff, although that stiffness can make some bikes feel a bit harsh (if the frame itself is harsh and a previous smooth ride was coming from noodly wheels - a decent frame won't be relying on the wheels for the comfort though)

ddraver

I'm the wrong side of 100kg and some of the paths here are closer to cobbles that paths (and the first/last 2km of my commute ARE cobbles) and they ve been fine with me so far....

Moreyn

I've just purchased the 2013 Ksyrium Elite S, Wheelset, came with Mavic Tyres, I like them. Got a new Ultegra Cassette to go on them. The wheels and Ultegra cassette came from my LBS - I had a good deal for the 2013 model, as it's 30, grams lighter in weight than the 2012 model; and the 2013 Elite S comes with tyres. I spent £500 for the lot.

I just missed out on the Wiggle Deal for the 2011, Elites at £332. But I'm still pleased with the LBS deal.

ricky1980

500 is a fair bit might get a set of hand built ones for less weight but KE are good set of wheels nevertheless. I have 2011 on my caad8. They are great. It does feel faster on the wheel, any weight saving helps in hill climbs.