Cosmic SLE or Red Wind XLR

How Far is too Far
How Far is too Far Posts: 534
edited February 2014 in Road buying advice
Just about to buy a set of wheels (ready for the nice weather 8) ) and I am between a Cosmic SLE or Red Wind 50 XLR.

I am 80kg and they will only be used for flatter rides, I already have another bike with Fulcrum Zeros for hillier rides.

What wheels would be considered best for faster flatter rides?

If I go for the Red Wind is it worth spending the extra on the CULT bearings?

Thanks Richard...

Comments

  • smidsy
    smidsy Posts: 5,273
    Cycling Weekly Verdict
    Cosmic SLE
    They carry speed well, make the requisite noises when accelerating and undoubtedly look the part. These days though, there are better performing wheels in an aerodynamic capacity.

    Cyclng Plus Verdict
    Red Wing XLE
    Though the Red Winds are certainly quick, there are times when they are less stable than the wider profile aero rims that are rapidly gaining in popularity.

    Overall these are a well-made, competent set of medium depth hybrid wheels with superior bearings and decent, if dated, aero performance, but still capable of mixing it on all terrain.

    Both seem a good way to waste over £1000 to me. Mavics look better though, the Fulcrums look crud.

    Also ceramic bearings are more trouble than they are worth - plenty of discussions on here regarding that.
    Yellow is the new Black.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,310
    Look at these

    http://www.hedwheels.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JET57HOPE

    They are hand built, fully serviceable, they use good quality hubs proven to last in this miserable country (weather wise), they have the best aero rims out there... they use standard J spokes that can be sourced easily, they have alloy brake tracks... they are not light, but you say you have other wheels for the hilly rides... they sound perfect to me
    left the forum March 2023
  • How Far is too Far
    How Far is too Far Posts: 534
    I ended up buying the Red Wind XLR CULT

    Took a cople of pictures of one bike with Zeros and the Red Wind on, I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I would not ay they look Crud :-)

    20140201_125606_zpsb83b8d59.jpg

    20140201_125304_zps99c25942.jpg

    20140201_125226_zps8026c3fa.jpg
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    Might be worth investing in a saddle wedge bag, that handbag is far from aero...
  • aberdeen_lune
    aberdeen_lune Posts: 547
    Loving the wheels. That's a bit of a minimalist cassette you have on the deep section wheels. Might be a struggle up the hills.

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