Zipp 404 Vs Mavic Ksyrium SLR WTS Exalith

Fishboyz
Fishboyz Posts: 152
edited October 2014 in Road buying advice
I'm currently using the 404 FC tubulars on conti competition 24mm tyres. Tbh they might look super cool but might be a bit OTT for my 2/3 weekly thrash around the country lanes :oops:

I'm thinking of switching to the Mavic Ksyrium SLR WTS Exalith's...

Can anyone give some direct comparison between these two wheel sets? I'll more likely run conti gp4000's in 25mm or ultremo 25mm. The Zipps I don't find massively over stiff or uncomfortable but slightly concerned on the mavic being a but too rock like and unforgiving. I'm 84KG if that makes a difference.

Cheers

Comments

  • chadders81
    chadders81 Posts: 744
    I think the Mavic would also be OTT unless you're climbing in the alps or doing loads of hilly races.

    No point changing if you're only concern is looking less flash.

    Lot of money to spend to just thrash round the lanes and a strange investment to be thinking of making in mid-October.

    That said - my advice is usually but whatever makes you happy. It's your money and you earned it.
  • ai_1
    ai_1 Posts: 3,060
    Fishboyz wrote:
    ....I'll more likely run conti gp4000's in 25mm or ultremo 25mm. The Zipps I don't find massively over stiff or uncomfortable but slightly concerned on the mavic being a but too rock like and unforgiving. I'm 84KG if that makes a difference....
    Wheels don't make much difference to comfort. Tyres (type, size & pressure) make a big difference and saddle, seatpost, bar tape and the frame will all make some differnence. But wheels don't flex much vertically so there's not much comfort impact.
  • intheknowcycling.com
    intheknowcycling.com Posts: 75
    Because the SLR have traditional narrow rims (15mm inside width, 19mm (front) and 20mm (rear) outside width) compared to your Zipps, you may find them less comfortable. You'll also not likely want to run more than a 23mm wide tire on them.
  • northpole
    northpole Posts: 1,499
    Sorry, this probably doesn't really help but it might be an idea to keep your FCs as Sunday best and get a cheaper set of wheels for winter/ crappy weather rides. That's what I've done. Incidentally, there seem to have been quite a few disappointed people when the exalith rim coating wears off.

    Peter
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    northpole wrote:
    Incidentally, there seem to have been quite a few disappointed people when the exalith rim coating wears off.

    This is because a lot of the time the owner hasn't taken proper care of them or they're the older first generation model. If you don't ride them in winter and always check the break pads for debris they'll look good for a lot longer. I'm a year into a pair of RSY SLR's (2013 Exalith 2 model) and they still look as good as new.

    But yip, keep the Zipp's for the good weather and buy a cheaper pair of wheels for thrashing.
  • Fishboyz
    Fishboyz Posts: 152
    Well I'm looking at a change possibly to a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX which has these as standard in the SLX range

Categories