Best value Shimano Wheels

kikonameko
kikonameko Posts: 65
edited June 2013 in Road buying advice
Ive been reading a lot about how Shimano wheels are an awesome bang for the buck wheelset. My simple question (apologies if this might sound ignorant) is.. why would I buy an Ultegra 6700 wheelset vs the RS80-C24? in most forums i went to the RS80 is the top choice but on Shimano's website the Ultegra is in the higher end of the spectrum. Thoughts?

Comments

  • clickshots
    clickshots Posts: 91
    Ultegra 6700 wheels are tubless compatible and I've heard they're slighly stiffer than the RS80's.

    I have the RS80's on one of my bike and they're pretty decent rims. Out of the two I'd choose the RS80's personally (well I suppose I did back when I got them!). I'm about 70Kg and never had any issues with the RS80's not being stiff enough - although some people I know have mentioned it being an issue. I suppose it'll depend on your weight and riding style.
  • EarlyGo
    EarlyGo Posts: 281
    Hi kikonameko,

    Don't forget that the RS series is a stand alone range (Road Sport) so not directly equatable to the normal Shimano range. RS80's have the Ultegra hub with a version of the Dura Ace rim, that's why they are lighter than the Ultegra wheelset. I replaced my RS20s with RS80's and have been really pleased with them (Planet-X 320 quid). They are noticeably lighter (about 400gramms) which you can feel when accelerating, particularly so uphill. RS80s are not the stiffest of wheels though so if you are heavyweight or generate huge amounts of power they may not be for you. As an aside, RS20's, RS30's RS80's and Ultegra all have the same hub, it's just the colour that changes! Check the Shimano web site for those who don't believe me. So to answer your question as to why you would by the Ultegra wheels over the RS80 wheels, purely because you couldn't stretch to the extra cash for the RS80.

    Regards, EarlyGo
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    EarlyGo wrote:
    Hi kikonameko,

    Don't forget that the RS series is a stand alone range (Road Sport) so not directly equatable to the normal Shimano range. RS80's have the Ultegra hub with a version of the Dura Ace rim, that's why they are lighter than the Ultegra wheelset. I replaced my RS20s with RS80's and have been really pleased with them (Planet-X 320 quid). They are noticeably lighter (about 400gramms) which you can feel when accelerating, particularly so uphill. RS80s are not the stiffest of wheels though so if you are heavyweight or generate huge amounts of power they may not be for you. As an aside, RS20's, RS30's RS80's and Ultegra all have the same hub, it's just the colour that changes! Check the Shimano web site for those who don't believe me. So to answer your question as to why you would by the Ultegra wheels over the RS80 wheels, purely because you couldn't stretch to the extra cash for the RS80.

    Regards, EarlyGo

    This is a nice little review, which actually says something interesting, beyond the usual magazine-read nonsense...
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  • antfly
    antfly Posts: 3,276
    The RS-80s biggest asset is the remarkable comfort they add to a bike compared to other wheels but the hubs are the same as the ones in the cheapo RS10 wheelset, I believe, having replaced the rear hub recently.
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  • Bagggers
    Bagggers Posts: 348
    I ride RS80's and went through a good few days looking at the pros and cons against other wheels. I am glad I chose them. They are light, roll fantastically and I dont have any issues with stiffness. Im 84kg and dont notice the difference in stiffness between them and Ksyrium elites which i have other than i think the RS80's are quicker both rolling and on climbs. A great wheel with a good price point in my opinion.
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  • antfly
    antfly Posts: 3,276
    I also have a pair of new Ksyrium Elites but there is little doubt to me that they are stiffer and better for climbing, also a harsher ride.
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  • kikonameko
    kikonameko Posts: 65
    Really nice feedback guys, thanks. Seems like ill be heading to the store to get those RS80 wheels then.
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    kikonameko wrote:
    Really nice feedback guys, thanks. Seems like ill be heading to the store to get those RS80 wheels then.

    Zonda is a more comfortable wheel thats plenty stiff enough for the same money IME. Just saying. Plus if you ever make the switch to Campag you can, and the new one is Shimano/Sram 11 speed compatible as well as 8/9/10
  • antfly
    antfly Posts: 3,276
    I don't know if you have used the RS80s but they really are exceptionally comfortable with the carbon section, I find it hard to believe the Zondas are more comfortable.
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  • wacka
    wacka Posts: 169
    Just got a pair of RS80's from Merlin Cycles, but am a bit dubious about ridding them now as I am 91kg's. Will it be best to lose a few kg's before fitting them or are they tough enough?
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    Wacka wrote:
    Just got a pair of RS80's from Merlin Cycles, but am a bit dubious about ridding them now as I am 91kg's. Will it be best to lose a few kg's before fitting them or are they tough enough?

    Why did you buy them then? They won't collapse...they will last less if you weigh more, that's all... I think it is a bit pointless to keep them in the garage until they become roadworthy for you... go out, enjoy them, don't think too much
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  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    Planet X had the RS80s for 320 recently, with a deal code. Not sure if it's still running. I can dig out the code if it is.
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  • chris_bass
    chris_bass Posts: 4,913
    i'll be looking to get some new wheels soon, are the RS80s really £100 better? Ultegras are £233 and RS80s are £335 on ribble at the mo? so (and I know this is pretty much unquantifyable!) are they basically half as good again?!

    i'm not sure i can stretch to over £300 so are the ultegras a good choice for the price?
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  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    antfly wrote:
    I don't know if you have used the RS80s but they really are exceptionally comfortable with the carbon section, I find it hard to believe the Zondas are more comfortable.

    Yeah I have.
  • kikonameko
    kikonameko Posts: 65
    i was about to to get the RS80s when a friend mentioned to be about the campy zonda's.... after doing a bit of research it does sound good.. a bit cheaper.. sure a bit heavier.. what does everyone think about this?
  • rudivoller22
    rudivoller22 Posts: 492
    Aren't Zondas and RS80s pretty much the same weight? 1550 for Zondas and 1521 for rs80? Zondas look stiffer from the reviews I've seen but pretty similar otherwise i would guess.
  • supermurph09
    supermurph09 Posts: 2,471
    bumping this thread as I'm looking at the RS80's. I'd appreicate that Planet X code too!!
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  • Alexvs
    Alexvs Posts: 52
    Just to let you know the Planet-X code probably won't work as was for one day only according to the email I received. However they're £10 cheaper than PX over on On-One which is the same company funnily enough: http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/WPSHRS80CA/ ... lset_(pair) or they're £335.76 at Ribble. Shame the code XTRA10 on Ribble doesn't apply to wheels too as that would be bargain! I'm also considering the RS80's and over on another forum I've been told to consider the Ultegra's but prefer the look of the RS80's over these. Also like the look of Swiss Side Francs but they're a little unknown currently.
  • supermurph09
    supermurph09 Posts: 2,471
    Just to ask, when people say RS80's are they talking about these:
    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/w ... ncher.html

    Or these:
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... tAodB0cApA
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  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    Supermurph09 wrote:
    Just to ask, when people say RS80's are they talking about these:
    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/w ... ncher.html

    Or these:
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... tAodB0cApA

    there you go

    viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=12921629
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  • rudivoller22
    rudivoller22 Posts: 492
    Campagnolo Zondas seem much better value. The new 2013 shimano fit ones are down as low as £265 on some places and are same weight ish as rs80s but seem a much better wheel.
  • kikonameko
    kikonameko Posts: 65
    Has anyone tried both RS 80s and Zonda's? the zonda's looks more bad ass as well..
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    Yes, I have.

    I don't think my full appraisal of both wheels would help you much though as I don't make opinions on things based on whether they 'look more bad ass'.
  • neilrobins
    neilrobins Posts: 102
    My LBS has returned a set of RS80 (24) as the carbon laminate, delaminated. Personally I didn't like their finish and went for the Fulcrum Quattro a little heavier but better hubs.
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  • alanparsons
    alanparsons Posts: 529
    This might sway it.
    http://www.probikekit.co.uk/offers/shimano-6700-ultegra-wheelset.list?utm_source=ENPBK-_2093793479&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ENPBK-_2093793479&affil=thgemail?utm_source=ENPBK-_2093793479&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ENPBK-_2093793479&affil=thgemail

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