Ksyrium SL
The only noticeable change for 2004 in Mavic's top-dog wheelset is the color. Instead of black rims and spokes, the 2004 SL has a silver rim, silver hub, and silver spokes, exactly like the Special Edition Tour de France Ksyrium SL you saw on so many pro bikes during the Tour. The machined rim surface in between the spokes doesn't look anywhere near as ostentatious. In fact, the machined areas are completely camouflaged amidst the silver surface of everything else on the wheel. If something silver can be considered stealthy, this wheelset is it. Very sharp. The only structural change between the '03 and the '04 SL is in the front hub. Say goodbye to aluminum, and hello to carbon fiber. The composite hub shell is painted silver to match the rest of the wheel. Interestingly, the spoke heads are exposed. At first glance you might think the hub bearings are exposed to the elements, but they're just as well-sealed as their predecessors.