Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Tilburg, Netherlands Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Drunense Duinen
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
They remain true no matter how much you make them suffer.
Weaknesses:
An occasional strange, sharp noise, maybe from the spokes setting
Similar Products Used:
they replaced old Mavics
Bike Setup:
Koga frame, Avid 5, STX RC derailers and cranks, homemade seatpost, Selle Italia Trans Am, hard tail and fork.
Bottom Line:
I bought these 535's thru the internet. They look nice but weak, but I changed my mind after my first ride: they still look great, but these rims are strong! Although I prefer to ride with a hard tail and fork, it took me a mile to get used to the very direct feel due to the rigid design. Thanks to these rigid rims, I managed to take some 5% off of my usual lap time. I'm very glad I bought them, but they have one little draw back: every now and again (once every 10 miles or so) they produce a mysterious sharp noise, without a noticeable cause. Each time I checked, but after every 'clonk' they turned out to be as true as new. Value rating 5 chilis as I paid very little for the set, overall rating 4 for unpredictable mystery clonks. If you ever come across a set, buy it just for the kick of the direct feel.
Submitted by
Gator Cook
a Racer
from Nashville,Tn Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lock 4
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ONLINE Store
Strengths:
Very Strong, Very Fast and LOOKS AWESOME...
Weaknesses:
DONT BE FAT AND RACE THESE RIMS...LOL
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Marin Pine Mt.Race Edt.,XTR group,carbon seat post,handels bars,Sella seat, disc brakes,Chris King head set,Rock Shok Race Forks.Hutchins Gold tires...
Bottom Line:
If I Had To Bye The Rims Over Again I Would In A Heart Beat.If You Are Over 200pnds,I Would Really Watch it..They Only Have 12 Spokes.. Pe@ce...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Rothrock
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
A friend used
Strengths:
Bomb Proof and they look so sweet!
Weaknesses:
Expensive spokes $5/spoke. The big gaps between the spokes allow sticks to get caught in them which can cause major damage.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 517 XT hubs
Bike Setup:
Litespeed
Bottom Line:
I am big at 215 lbs and they stay true in the major rock gardens of Central PA. They look sweet. I blew up my entre rear drive train when a stick got caught in them. Spokes are $5 a piece! For a bigger rider where weight isn't an issue I recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Bomb proof, Fast, looks
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Mavic
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Ziggurat Shimano XT M580 built up myself
Bottom Line:
I ride a lot and give these rims hell but nothing seems to be able to phase them. My ZR9000 Fisher frame cracked in half and these frames are still tru as the day I bought them. They also fly and have needed little sevice. Don't judge them to be bad because they are so flashy as I almost did. these rims are 100% Bliss.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
F Copeland
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Grapevine Lake
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Airborne
Weaknesses:
The braking surfaces continually shed small aluminum shavings that become embedded in the brake pads. This causes an awful grinding noise. I have to pick the shavings out of the brake pads with a sharp instrument and sand the enire brake surface every 30 days or so.
Bike Setup:
Airborne Lucky Strike Titanium. Shimano XT V brakes.
Bottom Line:
I can't recommend these wheels to anyone. I'm primarily a cross country rider putting on only about 50 miles of light duty per week.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hermi
a Racer
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Durabillity, cheap
Weaknesses:
None that I know of (maybe somewhat heavy)
Similar Products Used:
Fir, Mavic
Bike Setup:
Full suspension Red Bull, Shimano XT, Magura Louise diskbreaks
Bottom Line:
'My weight is 85 kg, so my wheels have to be strong. These are. Worth every penny. I never had a problem although I really do some rough tracks. They never did let me down. Great wheels, I would recommend them to every-one. On the road I wouldn't recommend shimano wheels (bad experience), but ofroad they made great wheels: WH 535 (disk)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ty
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Don
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Fall Bike Show
Strengths:
Rolls fast Solid Looks cool
Weaknesses:
Aside from the tube valve twanging against the rim (which I could fix with but am too lazy), it's all good.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS3, XTR, Raceface, and a Duke 100mm SL
Bottom Line:
I love these wheels!
I was originally going to buy some Sun Ringle R.P.M.s but came across these wheels at a fall bike show and they were dirt cheap. People say they are a little on the heavy side, considering I weight 205lbs, I really should worry about stripping a few pounds off me before I should worry about the wheels on my bike.
Bottom line is, I have raced almost 2 full seasons on these wheels and I haven't had to true them yet. Maybe I'm lucky? I sure have hit my share of trees, rocks, roots and the occasional racer.
Buy them, I'm glad I did :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rhysie haydon
a Racer
from Gig Harbor Washington Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
tiger Mtn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
looks really cool and they stay in true always
Weaknesses:
they flex so much hen you go into a turn that they will start to skip and mess with steering
Similar Products Used:
xt hubs laced to 519's
Bike Setup:
rocky mountain vertex mostly XT
Bottom Line:
they look awsome and stay in tune. but i cant stand the flex im not that aggressive in turns but they flex aton and im gonna take them off. I do not recomend them unless you ride mostly in the city or are not a racer then go ahead you won't notice. I'll even sell you mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Laird
a Weekend Warrior
from Brampton, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Look so damn cool, Fast, kinda cheap compared to others in this style/category, did I mention look cool
Weaknesses:
none so far except for the 12.00 valve extenders I had to buy
Similar Products Used:
Cheap Alexi rims that came on my bike
Bike Setup:
2002 Specialized HR-Comp, XT rear derailleur, LX front D and sweet ass Shimano rims.
Bottom Line:
I love these rims, they are fast and cool and strong as hell. They made some funny noises the first time out but after 5k that seemed to disappear. They do come out of true after about 75K but if your LBS is worth their weight they'll re true them for nothing. Anyone on a budget who wants to upgrade rims from stock ones will be very happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike tucjer
a Cross Country Rider
from wooster, ohio Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
vultures knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light and stiff. they also are great for acceleration and look cool too ( but who realy cares about that anyways?)
Weaknesses:
non so far
Similar Products Used:
mavic
Bike Setup:
trek 9.8, full xtr, sid race carbon fork
Bottom Line:
good for someone who does atleast 60 mles a week (thats me)Have loved them since I have got them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GAB
a Weekend Warrior
from QUEBEC Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
LAPLANTE BIKE AND SPORTS
Strengths:
VERRY FLASHY
Weaknesses:
NO STRENGTH VERY UNRELIABLE DIDNT LAST 1000KM AND I ONLY DO SOME VERY NICE ROADS
Similar Products Used:
NONE FIRST TRY AND LAST ONE
Bike Setup:
SPECIALIZED ROCK HOPPER USE ONLY FOR ROAD TRAINING
Bottom Line:
I DONT RECOMAND THOSE WHEELS FOR THE QUEBEC ROAD THEY ARE TO FRAGILE AND WEAK THE ONLY GOOD POINT WAS THE GRAT LOOK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josser
a
from Purmerend Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$320.00
Strengths:
looks, price, strenght
Weaknesses:
non so far......
Similar Products Used:
zac 2000...
Bike Setup:
proflex 4000 full xt, rock shox judy c, noleen nr4.
Bottom Line:
Very nice weels to look at and te ride with.
I think i paid a little too much 320 euro but i think shimano prices are a bit higher here in the netherlands..
If you are looking for some decent,strong, nice looking weels and "cheap" ones, these ar it... If you want the more expensive ones you must pay twice at much.
Gr8 weels !
Josser@planet.nl
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing, Michigan USA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
These wheels have held up very well to several big hits. I ride a hardtail and I have intentionally pounded on them to test their limits and I have been impressed.
Weaknesses:
I was not able to attach the computer magnet to the odd shaped spokes. Other than that, no complaints.
Similar Products Used:
Usual Mavic stuff.
Bottom Line:
This are a great wheelset for the money. They are light, black, and have a custom look. I do not know how well they would hold up with real freeride, but they have worked great for aggressive cross country and jumping. I have used them for XC racing and I like knowing that I have a solid wheelset under me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra,A.C.T,Australia Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any single track/Stromlo forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Onya Bike Warehouse
Strengths:
Good acceleration, Stiffer and Lighter than my old wheels
Weaknesses:
Did have to true the rear after only one ride.
Similar Products Used:
marvics,alex rimms
Bike Setup:
95 Mongoose rockadile sx upgraded all running gear to xt.still has Quadra front shock but replacing soon.
Bottom Line:
I mainly ride tight single tracks, lots of roots and rocks.The wheels are very quick compared to my old wheels,especially when accelerating out of corners.feels nice and stiff and inspires a bit of bravado,And they roll forever.I did have to true the rear after the first ride (spokes settling?) but haven't touched them since(100kms on).Might have something to do with my 100kg weight, 35psi tyre pressure and give anything a go riding style.I believe shimano have released a 24 spoke version which is lighter and stronger?(more expensive?) Might be worth considering these instead if your unsure.I have received mixed advise not to use for downhill due to the low spoke count, if downhilling is your thing you would be better off with a downhill specific wheel set. If your after a good set of XC wheels then these are for you, i have no regrets thus far and would purchase them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Colorado/Utah/Arizona
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Look really cool.. seem to be able to withstand the test of time..Pretty much bulletprof...
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
bunches and bunches over the year..
Bike Setup:
2001 Titus Loco-Moto(black)..RC Psylo(white)..RF cranks(white)..Thompson seatpost(black)..Selle italia seat (white/black)..SRAM brake levers(white).. Shimano 11-34 7 speed cogset (modified)..Shimano Deore 7-speed thumbshifters..
Bottom Line:
I have used this wheelset for a little more than a year now.. I originally bought them for their "cool" factor.. as time has passed ,I have come to appreciate them for what they are supposed to do.. and, they do it without any upkeep.. I drilled out the valve stem to accept schrader tubes (presta valves should be used ONLY on gay-boy golfer carts--what a bunch of pussies).. No problems at all from that modification..I even use regular length stems.. just enough protrudes from the rim to permit air nozzle to grab on.. that's all you need , anyway.. I thought the ride was a little on the harsh side so i installed Specialized Enduro 2.2 tires and 2.2-2.35 tubes (if ya use 1.95-2.2 tubes, you'll blow 'em OUT real quick) with 28 psi air pressure... WOW, what a difference in the ride.. I don't really notice a difference in ride speed-- just in ride QUALITY.. Cushy on my tushy.. Great rims..try 'em you'll LIKE 'em... ALOT..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a
from Sacramento, California Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the street
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$254.00
Purchased At:
rideabike.com
Strengths:
Low moment of inertia, accelerates fast, rolls nice
Weaknesses:
Big holes in rim under rimstrip for spoke+washer insertion Tube can blow out through holes
Similar Products Used:
brand x generic rims
Bike Setup:
Specialized Expetion FS, fatboy 100PSI slicks
Bottom Line:
I put these wheels on and switched to 100PSI fatboy slicks (~300g vs 600g for the old tires) to see if it would make the bike accelerate faster and roll easier on my commute. It definitely seems to.
Had a major problem today, though. There are big holes in the rim under the rimstrip, there to allow spoke insetion and replacement - the spokes attach at the rim with a special washer mating spoke to rim (for strength, I suppose).
The holes are so big that they can allow the tube to blow out through the hole, which happened today! Found the rimstrip ruptured and a nice neat 5/16" semicircular blowout right at one of the holes!
Switched to rimtape instead of cheezy cheap rubber rimstrip, hopefully this will prevent recurrance. What's really needed is some sort of plastic plug for each hole!
MORAL: don't use cheezy rubber rim strips with these wheels if you run high pressure tires!!! Use rim tape, double-tape over the holes if you want extra protection, and carry an extra tube.
BTW, these wheels take tubes with presta valves (sure surprised me).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Foresthill Divide
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$239.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Looks,name brand,
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
GT Timberline,Duke Sl 100 black,M535 wheelset
Bottom Line:
Upgraded from stock wheelset. Feels "heavier" not in weight but the bike just seems sturdier and it seems like I have to put more effort in to steer. Makes me feel more secure and confident in technical areas. They roll very smooth and my speed on downhill is improved. Well worth the money so far. I'll report back in a couple months on how they hold up. Oh btw I'm a 6'3" 210 masher. 5 flaming slugs for value and 4 outta 5 for overall due to me still getting used to em. I recomend to anyone who does heavy XC and some mild freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002
Bought these as a set because my 6 year old TNT Hard Drive hub failed due to poor maintanence! (Maintain your ride!) Didn't want to build another or rebuild on a pretty worn but great (syncros) rim. The price was good for a set and they definately look different. If you are in to Shimano then you will like the stickers. For you commuters, I think they reflect light well too. First ride was Hagg Lake! Muddy! Braking surface did not disappoint, but I have had better. I feel that they will break in just fine. As far as weight, I did not notice any difference like others have commented. If I had to pick the best thing about these though, I would definately say they spin like mad! Very decent price for an aftermarket wheelset and great spin gets 5 for value and 4 for overall...just cause I have paid out the nose for very high end wheels in the past and know the difference. Besides, if Lightspeed specs them on a ti, you know they are worth looking in to!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dimm
a Weekend Warrior
from new york Date Reviewed: April 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
roys sheepshead bay bikeshop
Strengths:
qaulity of shimano guts, thru and thru, price and durability
Weaknesses:
weight, other then that, they can compete with almost any rim out there
Similar Products Used:
bontrager race modified tubeless
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is, my bike is shimano guts. im a big fan of everything they do, however the rims are another story it was a tough choice but if u get these, u will not be dissapointed in the qaulity and the rigidity of the rims, they can handle anything that comes their way. Ofcourse having good tires helps:) and a good bike as well. So go and buy them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Mack
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Australia Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$264.00
Purchased At:
Logan Road Cycles
Strengths:
Quality build throughout Low wind resistance due to low spoke count High "spinability" due to weight distribution Very Strong wheelset
Weaknesses:
Yet to find any problems
Similar Products Used:
Velocity, Weinmann.
Bike Setup:
Avanti Ventura XL frame - Deore drivechain and cranks, SPD pedals, Shimano 535 wheelset
Bottom Line:
A decent wheelset is one of the best components that can be upgraded on any bicycle - static parts that weigh less have some scope to improve your bike but moving parts such as the wheels provide huge benefits when upgraded.
This wheelset is simply superb - completly transforming a average bike into a fine machine. These wheels act like flywheels - they just keep spinning - if you get them be warned - you will only pedal half as far on any given ride - you'll roll the rest of the way! Another winner from Shimano!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Weiss
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, OH Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
plantation (canaan valley)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Cycletech, Columbus, OH
Strengths:
Everything. Amazing durability for heavy riders (me). Unreal looks. No truing after 1 year of heavy riding. I actually slice through a two inch thick piece of dry wood after it had gotten caught in my spokes on a trail in WV. I couldn't believe it snapped the little log.
Weaknesses:
spokes cost 4$ a piece but once you buy a few spares, you can repair your own wheels. Haven't broke a spoke yet. These things are unstoppable.
Similar Products Used:
SPIN carbon, mavic everything, spinergy
Bike Setup:
gary fisher xo
Bottom Line:
buy these as your last upgrade to your downhill or cross country full suspension. I am suddenly amazed that shimano made a great wheel. How can you not buy shimano wheels with xtr hubs, disc's, derailer and just about everything else shimano makes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT
a
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Classifieds here
Strengths:
Obviously looks. Better spin than anything else I've used.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic that came on my bike.
Bottom Line:
I love these things. They have taken quite a beating so far and I haven't had any problems with them. I know that weight is an issue for a lot of people but I've found that, while there is a little more weight, the vastly improved spin resistance (if that's even a term) more than makes up for it. I went riding with a buddy over the weekend and, while he was pedalling away trying to keep up, I was still coasting. These things are awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart
a
from Hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
S57
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Price, wieght, stiffness
Weaknesses:
see below
Bottom Line:
Just a quick update. My attitude towards these wheels still hasn't changed but.
A couple of days ago I broke a spoke on the rear drivetrain side. With only 16 spokes, when one goes the wheel becomes unrideable, unlike wheels with higher spoke counts. The wheel almost tacos, and I imagine if I had tried riding it would have. If I had been on an epic I would have had a mighty big walk ahead of me, and as I wasn't I only had an hours walk, in bike shoes mind.
My brakes did a good job of removing metal from the rim while I walked too. I'm thinking I'm going to have to start packing spare spokes and nipples on long rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gav theman
a Racer
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt Dandenong&Albert Park F-1 circuit
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cycleworks, Box Hill
Strengths:
Aerodynamics,looks, very easy to clean.
Weaknesses:
Weight, its about one pound heavier than a Mavic CrossMax wheelset. Difficult to true.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic CrossMax UST, stock Giant SE2 wheels( Mavic X221 rims and sealed Formula hubs)
Bike Setup:
Pretty much a stock 2002 Giant XTC SE2 except with a DuraAce 12-27 9 spd rear cassette(177gms compared to 378gms for the stock Deore cassette), XTR(SG) rear derailleur, WHM-535 wheelset, Continental Twister Supersonic tyres(370gms each!)
Bottom Line:
These wheels are pretty impressive for the price, quite strong considering the low spoke count, only the rear needs to be trued after 1000km of riding over rocks,fallen trees,mud,grass,gravel,potholes,etc... I've also consistently knocked 6-10 seconds off my best 'time trial' time around the 5.5km Albert Park F-1 racing circuit. I weigh in at about 89kg or about 190lbs. Don't even ask how many rims I've buckled over 15 years of amateur racing! But these wheels are pretty good in my experience. Looks awesome with the SE2! Who should buy them? Anyone I guess...its a free country afterall!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
bling bling - look at my big Shimano stickers
Weaknesses:
so damn heavy and unstiff, I need to use a shimano spoke wrench to true them, did I mention how heavy these suckers are?
Bottom Line:
these wheels blow. I should have just gotten a good pair of 32 spoke wheels from Dave's wheels. 1500 grams for a pair of wheels, not 2100 grams like the shimanos, and man do you feel the extra weight with the shimanos. I wasted my money.... live and learn. 1 turd for value because you can get a better, stronger, lighter pair of wheels at half the price. 1 turd for overall rating because the wheel is flawed in its claims at lighter rotational weight and stiffness, which is why I bought these wheels in the first place
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Strengths:
-Looks -Nothing else
Weaknesses:
-Weight. They are noticeably heavier than some cheap 32 spoke wheels I've had -Lateral and Vertical stiffness claim doesn't pay out -The low spoke count makes them difficult to true -If they ever get radially untrue (out of round), it is almost impossible to true. -crap shimano LX hub doesn't engage too well -need special "shimano" spoke wrench to true them
Similar Products Used:
Bontragers, Mavics
Bottom Line:
These wheels offer no value except looks. They roll slightly better on flat roads, but even if the rotational weight is less, the overall weight takes a noticeable toll on the hills. They also got out of true really fast over regular XC trails (no drops). I'm only 155-160 pounds for cryin out loud! After the ride some of the spokes were already bent!
You can get cheaper, no name, regular spoke count wheels that are stiffer, lighter, and easier to true over the long term.
Just get some normal wheels. Unless you need the poser looks, these wheels don't deliver.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
