Mavic Aksium wheel questions

JACE100

Hi,

Just spotted this deal on Decathlon http://www.decathlon.co.uk/aksium-road-wheel-set-black-id_8164046.html?utm_campaign=roadcc_shopping&utm_source=roadcc and am tempted to by these as an upgrade from my stock wheels on my Defy 3. The questions I have are;

How is easy is it to transfer a 9 speed cassette to these wheels?
Does anyone have any experience of upgrading stock wheels to these?
Is this a good price for this wheel set?

Thanks in advance

arlowood

This offer is for an 8,9 & 10-speed hub wheelset so should be OK for you.

Looks like a pretty good deal to me compared to other retailers - some of whom are offering the new 11-speed hub but others only the 8,9 and 10 speed hub.

Your cassette will transfer with no problems - make sure you transfer any spacers fitted with your current wheels. It can be very easy to miss a spacer if it gets stuck to the old freehub body.

navrig2

Mavic hubs will take 11 speed and have done for many years so there is no difference.

If you look at page 6 of the manual http://www.mavic.co.uk/sites/default/fi ... _Guide.pdf

you will see that to "convert" from 9/10 spd to 11sp you take off the spacer.

A 9spd will fit no problem and to fit you will need a Shimano cassette tool and a spanner. To remove a cassette you will need a chain whip.

lakesluddite

I think they usually go for around £200 online elsewhere, but that usually includes tyres and inners, but I think this is still a good price. I have them as stock on my Scott CR1 team, and I really like them - I have been looking at upgrading, but to be honest I don't really need to as the Aksiums have never let me down.

Seeing this, I'm tempted to get a pair to replace the wheels on my winter/commuter as the bearings on the Formula Hubs are on their way out and won't last much longer - so thanks for pointing me in this direction!

SoSimple

I've got a Defy 3 and bought a pair of almost new Aksiums from the classifieds on here to replace the Giant stock wheels and switched the cassette over myself without any fuss (and that's a complete novice /non mechanic talking).

They are a significant improvement in quality and roll much better but you'll also need to change tyres to get any noticeable improvement - assuming you're running on the original Giant ones. I went for Conti 4 seasons which I've been really pleased with.

Not sure it's the wheels or improving fitness that makes me faster but they look good and have been a worthwhile upgrade.