Open Pro rims

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Colin12
I am interested in buying some hand built wheels using open pro rims but am confused as to the difference of the Silver and Black rims. The black rim is more expensive.
I was told by one shop that the Black rim is better as it is stronger, but another shop told me the Black rims can crack due to the anodising used to make it black.
Anyone have any input on this?
Many thanks

Alot of hooey both ways I think. The sivler may also be anodized.

They are likely both anodized - the one black and the other silver. There should be no difference in their strength. Mavic also make a finish called "CD", this is supposed to be stronger due to a different anodizing process, which likely made it harder and more brittle, possibly predisposing it to cracking.

I would guess that the black rims cost more because they look nicer on most bikes. Mavic is probably just pricing their rims to take advantage of demand?

Black rims, spokes and hubs always seem to be a little more expensive, probably just because of greater demand (looks nicer than silver..)

I wouldn't think there would be much of a difference between the two -- there are other versions of the Open Pro, though; the CD (which Nick explained) and the Ceramic, which is better for wet weather braking and shock resistance.

http://www.mavic.fr/servlet/srt/mavic/road-prod_fiche?product.id=59&lg=uk#end

(hover over the little circle icons on the right below the image for more info)

I would have thought they would be the same strenght????? Maybe you should ask Mavic @ www.mavic.fr, my dad has the black ones and they look great.

I have some of them, Open pro silver, black and CD. I have been thinking about opening a poll to see if the other riders agree with me that Open pro's are the best after market rim you can get.

What I can say is that the silver is anodized also, and the blacks are more expensive because the demand and because the black anodization is more expensive. There is no other diference.

My first Open pros where CDs, I personally would not pay anymore the extra for the CD because the breaking surface seems to me to wear as fast as the other "normal" versions of the rim.

The only problem I have with them is that the sticker (brand name) geets loose when you ride often on the wet. But I glue the unglued parts back and that is it.

I agree that the Mavic Open Pro rims are the best on the market. If you look at the weight of DuraAce and/or Campy Record/chorus hubs with DT spokes, Open Pro, and compare with the wheel systems available you will be surprised at how good conventional wheel systems can be. Also, the weight of the rims is high because most of the shape has to be maintained by the rim and not the spokes. You can pay enough money and get a light rim and probably get 4 conventional wheels built with great components.

The Open Pro rims have a good profile and have double re-enforcement of the spoke nipple holes that rarely deform or pull out. I wouldn't worry about silver or black strength-wise, however the surface finish of the Black is smooth and the silver has a "brushed" finish that seems to collect dirt a little easier. It can easily be cleaned with the new Orange cleaners.

As far as durability, I weigh 230 lbs and ride Open Pro rims that I build my self. I setup with good tension and the rims go forever without any truing needed. I have tried some of the wheel systems like Kryserium and Velomax, but find the ride harsh due to the very high spoke tension. I also like the old school spoking with the spokes crossing each other offering better lateral strength at least in my mind if not in reality. I must admit that I am a little out of the envelope w.r.t. to the design parameters on some of the new light weight equipment. I always look at the components carefully, although my friends in the bike business say I am being overly concerned. I want to be comfortable when I am on a hair raising descent down one of the mountain roads after a grind to the top of the hill. Regards.