Mavic Aksium or Reynolds Carbon Wheels

Julie rides up and down her local Californian coast on her Orbea Onix with its Mavic Aksium wheels, she is thinking of up-grading to Reynolds carbon wheels and wants to know if we think they will make a difference? This is what we think:

Question:
I bought a new Orbea Onix with Mavic Aksium Race wheels. What do you think about swapping these wheels for Reynolds carbon something? Can you recommend a wheel set?
Do you think it will make a big difference? I ride about 200 mile a week along the beach bike path from Venice Beach to Redondo Beach in California.

Hi Julie.

I think you would notice the difference between your Mavic Aksium and a pair of carbon wheels. The rolling weight-saving is quite noticeable and you feel the difference with the performance of your bike.

As to which pair of wheels to buy comes down to how much money you have to spend. If you asked for my personal choice it would between the Shamal Ultra from Campagnolo, ZIPP 303’s or any of the wheels from Lightweight, the Ventoux III is not the top of their range of wheels, but are the best for many uses.

From the Reynolds range it has to be the Assault wheel set with the 46mm deep V rim section.

These wheel sets are expensive, there are other more reasonably priced wheel sets, but if you want the best these are probably the ones to save up for!

The Shimano Dura-Ace carbon wheels are a cheaper option that performs well and won’t break the bank. If you take a look at what the Pro riders use then this is a good guide to what is best, but remember they are paid to use certain wheels, so look at all the teams to help make your decision.

The other thing you need to consider is if you want to go down the tubular road or stay with clincher tires? There is quite a weight saving with tubular both with the rim construction and that tubular are lighter than tires and tend to roll better, giving a very high performance to your ride. The problem with tubulars are that they are more difficult to change when you puncture out on the road and are very difficult to repair and can be expensive if you want the best or even mid-range tubular.

Check out the internet bike shops and see if you can find a bargain pair of carbon or light alloy wheels. Which will you buy Julie?