New Wheels; Big Difference?

By Alastair Hamilton
© copyright by bikecyclingreviews.com

Claude Marcheterre has a Specialized Allez A 24 with a set of wheels built with Alex rims and Ritchey hubs. He wants to know what difference he would feel if he was to replace them with a set of Mavic Ksyrium wheels. We have our theories and here they are

Question: Hello,
I have a 2002 Specialized Allez A24 which I ride about 1500 miles a year and was wondering if replacing the original Alex DA-22 wheels on Ritchey hubs with Mavic Ksyrium Elite would make a noticeable difference.
I'm 5'9", weigh 135 lbs and commute to work to be in better shape. I don't know the actual weight of the Alex wheels so I have no clue what kind of difference this swap would make.
Thanks,
Claude Marcheterre
Mirabel, Qc, Canada.

Hello Claude,

We have said before that the best way to improve your bikes weight and performance is to replace the wheels. Your wheels with the Alex rims and the Ritchey hubs are not a heavy set of wheels, but they are probably not the most stiffest. The Mavic Ksyriums are probably lighter than your old wheels and you should notice the rigidity when you are climbing or hiding hard.

Specialized Allez

The Ksyrium was put on the market by Mavic to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Mavic Helium wheel set which was one of the first lightweight climbing specific wheels. The Ksyrium has all the advantages plus some more; they weigh in at under 1,500 g for the pair. The profile is slightly larger on the rear wheel for strength and have 18 front and 20 rear spokes, the front are radial and the rear have Isopulse lacing, which was devised specially by Mavic and are straight pull with alloy nipples and a locking to keep them true. The front hub is oversize carbon with alloy and the rear is oversized aluminum alloy with titanium. The braking surface is perfect for smooth and safe stopping. The black finish looks great and should match any color of frame.

So, yes we think you will notice a difference with a set of new wheels, the Mavic Ksyrium are a really good set, there are much lighter wheels available, but the performance from the Ksyrium for the price can not be faulted. What are you waiting for, if you have the money then go and get a set and I hope you enjoy them.

Mavic Ksyrium

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