Mavic Wheelset weight limit?

razor_USMC said:

As you could tell from another post...I have narrowed down my bike selection, but am narrowing down my wheelsets. I really like the Mavic wheels and would very much like upper eschelon models but i am a heavy rider. I am currently 215 but I wont get much lighter than 180-190 or so when I am my lightest. I tend to be built like a middle linebacker and although very fit, may give a delicate wheelset some problems. As much as I would like them I am afraid I would demolish the SSLs. I was thinking of Mavic Elites. Strong but not too light. Anyone have any suggestions for wheelsets for a person who is "heavy" by cycling standards? I have heard nightmares about spokes pulling out from rims and I have read in these forums about Mavic not honoring a warranty and if I can avoid a premature breaking my wheel and finding out how good Mavic's customer service is first hand, I will. Any other high performance wheelset suggestions are certainly appreciated.

I'm 6'3" and 180 lbs and ride on Mavic Ksyriums. I had an issue with one of the spokes pulling out of the rim in back and sent the wheel off to Mavic through my local dealer. Cost about $45 in shipping, but I got a new rim. Now in the past couple of months I have had two broken bladed spokes - both broke at the hub when I was sprinting in my highest gear. The spokes are $10 each and I paid someone $25 each time to put in the new spoke.

I don't know if it's because I'm too heavy or too strong (I wish) but it's crossed my mind.

A friend of mine has Velocity wheels and is very happy with them. Another friend has Rolf wheels and likes them alot. Both guys though are probably around 165-175 lb.

I've heard about rim cracking problems with Ksyriums, but on the whole I've heard enough anecdotal evidence from heavier riders running the SSLs to think it isn't going to be a significant issue. However SSLs are pricey for what you get, and especially so for the Elites.

A traditional build with high-end components will be lighter than Elites/comparable to SSLs, and be easier to repair and stronger (if built by a good wheelsmith.) They won't look almost as nice as Ksyriums though.. 😉

There are a number of other factory built options available to you (Campagnolo, Velomax, Shimano, Topolino, FSA et al.) but not too sure how they fare.

I am currently using American Classic 420's and am 6' and weigh around 200lbs They have only ever required 1 truing and that was when new which was more due to the wheels settling in.

I ride on some pretty crappy roads and have hit many a pot hole etc and they are still perfect.

Hope that helps.

I'm 6'5" 200 lbs. and I'm running the Ksyrium Elites. So far no probelms but I've only put maybe 1000 miles on them (although they did have 800 or so miles on them when I got them). Others here have said that the Ksyriums are over-priced for what you get and that you're essentially paying for the "bling" factor. If I were you I'd consider picking out a nice set of rims and hubs and having a custom set laced-up. Good luck!

Count me in Team Cyldesdale, 6'3" 210 I've been riding Mavic Ksyriums as well. No Problems so far.

Salsa Rider said:

Count me in Team Cyldesdale, 6'3" 210 I've been riding Mavic Ksyriums as well. No Problems so far.

That's good to know Salsa Rider. How many miles do you have on yours? Mine came on a raod bike that I bought used. I've been happy with them so far. And they are cool looking (IMO)!

meehs said:

That's good to know Salsa Rider. How many miles do you have on yours? Mine came on a raod bike that I bought used. I've been happy with them so far. And they are cool looking (IMO)!

Hard saying how many miles... I had them on there before I put a computer on, then I changed computers, which reset the mileage......I've been riding them since last Nov. probably.....1200-1500 miles I guess... I've never trued them, hows that for a testimony. My mileage will pick up this fall, I've found regular area rides including a couple of centuries and am more apt to go out alone now.

I'm 6'0" and 195 lbs and ride Ksyrium SSC SLs, but started on these wheels at 225 lbs. I just sent my rear wheel in for a fix where tow spoke locations had cracks in the rim. Investigating this I don't think it is a weight issue as 145 lbs riders have had similar problems. It looks like it was either a manufacturing process problem or bad materials. My wheel will be serviced under warranty, I just hope it will last afterwards. I have about 3500 miles on them.

If I were you I wouldn't rely on a fancy wheelset as your only wheels. I have a pair of open pro cds that I had before the Ksyriums, otherwise I would not be riding at all right now. If you can only go for one wheelset, I would go with a built up with top of the line equipment over the super light wheelsets.