Best Wheelset Under $500

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2008-08-21 8:41 AM

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Expert
660
5001002525
Central New York
Subject: Best Wheelset Under $500
I'm looking for something versatile and durable. Prefer clinchers. These will be for training and racing. What can $500 buy me in terms of aero/weight/responsiveness/durability?

I looked at some Mavic's (Cosmic Elite at $449), but I don't know enough to make an informed decision.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

2008-08-21 10:36 AM
in reply to: #1618233

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Expert
606
500100
Lakeville, MN
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
I've used Easton Circuits in the past. They are bombproof and hold up great to cobble, pots and other debris on the road. You can usually pick up a set for well under $500 on ebay and other online sites. The new EA series wheels from Easton might be a good option too. I've never had any bad issues w/ Easton products.

Edited by cooutdoors 2008-08-21 10:36 AM
2008-08-21 12:24 PM
in reply to: #1618233

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252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
I second the Easton Circuits. I orginally bought them as a training wheel and planned on droping some good coin on a race set, but the circuits have grown on me and they respond just as well as some of the under $1000 race wheels.
2008-08-25 4:42 PM
in reply to: #1618233

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Expert
1040
100025
SF Bay Area
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
Mavic CXP33 or OpenPro rims, DT spokes and nips and Ultegra or 105 hubs. That should put you well below $500.
2008-08-25 5:08 PM
in reply to: #1618233

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Regular
157
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Warwick, RI
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500

Check out Rol Wheels, I was looking for the same thing, did a lot of research and found them to have the weight/durability/quality for your money, and the customer service is second to none. 

http://www.rolwheels.com/2008-Wheels/ROL-Volant.html

I've had a set of Race SL's for two seasons and they have been fantastic!

-Dave

2008-08-25 7:33 PM
in reply to: #1626833

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Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500

jeffy_101 - 2008-08-25 2:42 PM Mavic CXP33 or OpenPro rims, DT spokes and nips and Ultegra or 105 hubs. That should put you well below $500.

Yup - $260. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile_combo.cfm?SKU=19253&... a lot of good things about Open Pros. And you can't go wrong with Ultegra hubs. 

2008-08-27 12:43 AM
in reply to: #1618233

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Master
2202
2000100100
Canton, Michigan
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
I took rkreuser's recommendation and picked up a set of Neuvation wheels. I've only had them a short time so I can't comment on long term durability but they appear to be a quality wheel for the price that won't break the bank. I'm just shy of Clyedsdale category and went with the M28 Aero 3.

http://www.neuvationcycling.com/wheels.html
2008-08-27 5:19 PM
in reply to: #1626905

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Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
RI_Tri22 - 2008-08-25 5:08 PM

Check out Rol Wheels, I was looking for the same thing, did a lot of research and found them to have the weight/durability/quality for your money, and the customer service is second to none. 

http://www.rolwheels.com/2008-Wheels/ROL-Volant.html

I've had a set of Race SL's for two seasons and they have been fantastic!

-Dave

X2 on the ROL wheels.  Lightweight, affordable, durable, and get great reviews.  They actually have 3 different sets around your price range to choose from.  Worth a look anyway. 

2008-08-27 10:45 PM
in reply to: #1618233

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Expert
937
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Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
Really liked my ROL SL28s until smooshed by a car. These however are stiffer and nicer and I'm loving them so far.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH298B00-Mavic+Ksyruim+Equip...

2008-08-28 8:34 PM
in reply to: #1618233

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Expert
660
5001002525
Central New York
Subject: RE: Best Wheelset Under $500
Thank you for all of your input. I went with the Easton Circuit wheelset based on the following:

1) Versatility: These wheels are made to do a bit of everything. At this price point (under $500), you can find lighter sets, deeper rims, and better durability, but the Circuits present a great package when you factor in all three.

2) Reputation and reviews: Besides the endorsements which they received here, there were more than 30 reviews of these wheels on roadbikereview.com, the majority of which were overwhelmingly positive. See: http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/wheelsets/easton/PRD_14327...

3) Value: Easton has moved to a new generation of wheels this year. You can find some nice closeouts on the Circuits as a result. I got mine at $329, plus shipping. See: http://www.bicyclebuys.com/item/0508025

Received them today and mounted them to my '05 Cervelo P2-SL. I'll report back when I've been for a few rides.
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