Shimano RS80 50mm Carbon Cl. versus Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL

SamuelRemings

Hi all

I know, I know...another which one thread. Anyway, it's time for a new set of hoops and as you can see I've narrowed it down to the two above - both carbon clinchers with alloy braking surface.

I'm choosing clinchers for two reasons; firstly, because I want the ability on hot summer days to go out for solo rides (as well as racing) without having to worry about fixing a tub on the side of the road, or for that matter when I get home as I'm not sure I'd excel at this, and even if I was brilliant at it I'd still want to go for solo rides without having to carry extra tyres! Secondly, because the kind of racing I'm going to use them for - closed circuit, is less about weight and more about aero qualities.

So, which one and why? I already own a (very non-aero) set of Mavic Ksyrium Elites which I like a lot. I also bought a new Cannondale earlier in the year which came supplied with Shimano RS10s. Now............I know that the Ksyriums have done a lot more miles, close on 12,000 but the Ksyriums are 4.5 X more expensive and on the flat at least, I really don't notice that much of a difference. I know this is a tenuous link and the wheels I'm thinking of buying above are completely different. I know also that the Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL has had some great write ups too. And just to add more personal experience I also owned a set of Planet X 60 mm clinchers with alloy braking surface which I wasn't overly impressed with, so perhaps both of the above may be a disappointment?

All thoughts are appreciated and thanks in advance.

ugo.santalucia

Get the Mavic, they do look a lot nicer than the RS 80/50, which frankly are the worst looking set of hoops on the market today. The drawbacks are the same for both, so you might as well go for the nice looking ones

shamrock134

If you liked the Elites, aren't the Cosmics Carbones basically Elites with a carbon fairing stuck on?

My carbones came with my bike and I can't fault them, but I don't know if I gain anything in the aero department. They don't seem to climb any better than a set of Miche wheels I have that are near 2000g a pair.

I think I'm swaying to ugo's way of thinking.

imposter2.0

SamuelRemings wrote:

Secondly, because the kind of racing I'm going to use them for - closed circuit, is less about weight and more about aero qualities.

Not sure I'd agree with that. Closed circuits or crits usually have a lot of corners and pace changes, so weight is important and aero is largely irrelevant if you are sitting a bunch with 60 other riders - unless you are planning on TTing off the front of every crit you ride in.

SamuelRemings

Fair enough Imposter, but there do seem to be a lot of folks riding them on closed circuit...?

What would you recommend instead?

imposter2.0

SamuelRemings wrote:

Fair enough Imposter, but there do seem to be a lot of folks riding them on closed circuit...?

Sure, plenty of people ride deep sections in circuit races, but those are more likely the carbon tubular variety, which are light, stiff and strong (as well as being aero). Some may even ride RS80 50s, but they are seriously heavy wheels for the money and certainly not ideal for circuits.

SamuelRemings wrote:

What would you recommend instead?

For circuit races - depends on budget, but I use Planet X tubular 50s. You need light and stiff - aero is nice to have and won't do any harm, but don't base your buying decision around it.

SamuelRemings

Okay, that's really helpful Imposter, cheers.

Out of interest do you use the Planet X tubs for training rides, or, for reasons of practicality, just racing? Initially, after my first season of circuit races this year, I was going to opt for tubulars for next season but am still rather put off given the hassle involved if a puncture occurs (I know this isn't a racing consideration as tub or clincher your race is over with a puncture anyway) but for non-competitive road rides they (tubs) would appear to be more hassle than it's worth.

And I'm happy to invest in a set of tubs for racing alone, if that's the thing to be done?

Thanks again.

imposter2.0

SamuelRemings wrote:

Okay, that's really helpful Imposter, cheers.

Out of interest do you use the Planet X tubs for training rides, or, for reasons of practicality, just racing? Initially, after my first season of circuit races this year, I was going to opt for tubulars for next season but am still rather put off given the hassle involved if a puncture occurs (I know this isn't a racing consideration as tub or clincher your race is over with a puncture anyway) but for non-competitive road rides they (tubs) would appear to be more hassle than it's worth.

And I'm happy to invest in a set of tubs for racing alone, if that's the thing to be done?

Thanks again.

I don't use them for training, mainly because my tyres are £60ea and I'd rather train on something cheaper like ally clinchers. Lots of people ride tubs all the time, but it is nice to have a set of light wheels which only get used for race days...