Shimano Wheelset

[Cuppa Bru]

Hi fellow Hubbers!

 

CWCycle.co.za has some good deals on Shimano wheelsets(RS10/20/30). I've tried finding out what the difference is between these wheelsets durability-wise, as they have similar weights, and except for the RS30 having an aerodynamic design I don't know what makes the RS20/30 worth more than the RS10.

What I'm looking for is a no-fuss, durable wheelset on a budget. I'd actually pay more for a heavier wheelset, as long as it means getting a stronger wheelset.

 

I've googled, but with little success.

 

 

I currently weigh 76kg, will weigh +-70kg after winter training.

 

http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/shimano_rs-10_wheelset.jpg

[zork]

XTR!!!!!

LOL

[Tiny K]

XTR!!!!!

LOL

 

Nah dude, he's a roadie

[MaxUmis]

I had a set of RS20's.

I really enjoyed them, however you might want to have a look at a second hand set of Mavic Ksyrium Elites.

I know there is a silver set of Ksyriums hanging around in the classifieds at the moment. The pre 2007 Ksyrium elites (silver ones in the clasifieds look like pre 2007) come in at about 1.7kg and the newer ones at 1.55kg I think.

 

If I had to choose between a new set of RS20s and a good condition second hand set of Ksyrium elites, I'd go for the Mavics.

 

If you HAVE to buy new, then the RS Shimano range give great value for money.

 

(I'm at 81kg now, up from 77kg Argus weight and use a pre 2007 set of Elites as training wheels and a 2009 set as racers.)

[Cuppa Bru]

Thanks for the input MaxUmis!

I bought my bicycle second hand off the hub and am very happy with it, but I'm not comfortable with buying a wheelset second-hand.

The Mavic Ksyrium Elites sure look sexy @ R1900, though. Had a chuckle about Tool's 8(!) threads.

 

I've had too much trouble from unreliable wheels. Just wanted the most solid new wheelset on a tight budget and stumbled over the Shimano RS10/20/30 deals on CWCycles.

When I looked at the wheels' descriptions there was very little literature besides weight differences to differentiate them, hence my post here.

Edited June 2, 2011 by mitychondrion

[Tankman]

I have a set of RS30 as training wheels and they are rock solid bomb proof. Exactly what I expected from Shimano.

 

Originally got them as training wheels but I have been so impressed, I will happily race with them too!

Plus they are available in white ... which gives my rig a classic look

 

The RS30 are more aerodynamic than the RS20 and I would rather go for the RS30 if I were you.

 

Review

[firewolf]

alex rims are cheap and durable but the rear freebody and bearings seem problimatic. Not very light but very good for training and or winter winter wheels, especially combined with a thick tread and hard wearing training tyre.

 

I agree with Tankman - in that Shimano rims really do live up to expectation. Best bang for your buck!

[Eugene]

The rear RS10 wheel that I had started to crack about a month after I bought the bike. It looked as if the spokes were pulling through the rim as 90% of the cracks were where the spoke nipple and rim meet.

 

Shimano of SA replaced it with an RS20 wheel and I have not had an inch of trouble with that. the front RS10 is still going strong too.

[grumpy]

Hi Eugene

 

I have a set of Shimano R550's that I use for training only, think they are the predesseor of the wheels that you are interested in.

 

In my experience the lower priced Shimano wheels give you a great ride, they are not the lightest but they handle well, they are also tough, the only problem is that their bearings are crap, I have replaced the bearings, cone and cup several times and they still run rough.

 

The ride quality is comparable with my Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels, but the rolling resistance cannot compare with the Mavic's.

 

If cost is the only determination then go for the Shimano's, however if you want to race with them consider going for Mavic's.

Edited June 3, 2011 by grumpy

[Cuppa Bru]

Thanks for the input, everyone!

 

I decided to go witha Shimano RS30 wheelset. Heavy, sure, but if I get strong enough, the aero-benefits might even things out at higher speeds.

 

Tankman, I had a look at the wheelset in white. Smoking hot. The white would make for a beautiful contrast on my black frame, but the wheelset costs almost twice as much in white (R3.5k vs R1.9k), so I'm going to go for the black wheelset.

 

Happy riding everyone, and be safe!

Edited June 6, 2011 by mitychondrion

[Tankman]

Youll be very happy with the RS30's, sure they might be a bit on the heavy side but I weigh almost 2 complete bikes more than you and they happily handle a pot hole and bunny hops. Still running true and spin forever.

 

@Grumpy, I had a set of R550's like 6 years ago, you can not even compare the RS range with that old technology. Rolling resistance and bearings have improved vastly.