Mavic Ksyrium SR, the perfect all rounder

I think it is time to say something about my "new" Mavic wheels.

Thanks for Dave's lobby work I got a kick ass offer from Mavic via our rep Shaun. I was able to buy a pair of wheels and a pair of shoes on some incredible good price. Basically it is a little sponsorship. I already have a pair of Crossmax SLR in my Scalpel, that why I choosed some good lightweight but strong enough wheel set for my everyday training and occasionally road racing(next season?!).

After a short hesitation I ordered a pair of Ksyrium SR wheels. Ksyrium SR is Mavic's mid range wheel set. Basically you get a Ksyrium front and an R-Sys rear wheel in this set. Mavic cuts out the weak point from the R-Sys set and gives the option to enjoy the rear R-Sys system benefits with a very strong front wheel. Personally I think this "weak point" is more physically then real problem from customer side. The first R-Sys series's huge call back made lots of people unsure with this great wheels. In my case this choice was more about price point then fear about broken spokes in my front wheel. I got an opportunity to snap this spokes with all sorts of tools on one Mavic seminar and the evidence made me to believe in the carbon spokes! They are pretty strong! I started to use this wheel 6 months ago and I didn't do a huge mileage on, but ride enough for a honest opinion.

My first notice after 6 years riding on hand built wheels was Wooow, they are hell stiff! The rear wheel is very responsive. When you hammer power down (honestly, what can I hammer down with my 61kg?) to the pedals, it goes straight on the back end. No sponginess, no flexing, just a pure feeling the acceleration. The wheel spins up very quickly, but you have to maintain the rotation well on flat surface. After couple of longer rides I fitted a Cosmic in my back of my bike in my mind... But, what you loose on flat, you definitely get back on uphill. Climbing is pleasure with the R-Sys. Next to all the stiffens this wheel gives you very nice riding comfort in the same time. I expected more harsh ride, but the comfort factor is quite close for a hand built wheel's one.

Front end is a Ksyrium SL wheel. Ksyrium is in the production line nearly 10 years ago and Mavic did a lot of work on. Basically it is perfection in his own category and Mavic can't go further with this wheels. Ksyrium will dissapear from production line next year...sadly... Carbon hub shell, Zycral alloy spokes and very light rim with decant breaking surface. It is more aerodynamic then the R-Sys front, thanks for the bladed spokes. Very stiff, responsive and quite harsh. I can't really tell too much about the front end. It does the job perfectly. You turn the handlebar and the wheel follow your will.

I think I made a good decision and these are a great pair of wheel!

Factory spec:

Rims:

Material: Maxtal
Joint: SUP
Brake track: UB Control
Drilling: Fore
Weight reduction: ISM
Colour: black anodised
Valve hole diameter: 6.5 mm
Height: front 22 mm, rear 25 mm asymmetrical

Hubs:
FTS-L, steelQRM+

Front axle size: 9x100
Rear axle size: 9,5x130
Rear body: aluminium
Front body: oversize carbon with aluminium flanges
Front and rear axle material: aluminium
Colour: front nude carbon center tube with white flanges, rear white

Spokes:
Count: front 18, rear 20
Lacing: radial front and rear non-drive side, crossed 2 rear drive side
Nipples: integrated M7 aluminium with dry thread lock
Material: front and rear drive side Zicral, Rear non drive side carbon fiber
Colour: black + 1 white
Shape: front straight pull bladed, rear drive side Tracomp, rear non drive side straight pull round

Tire: clincher
ETRTO size: 622x15C
Recommended tire sizes: 19 to 32 mmED11 or M10
Tyre version: Clincher only

Weight: 1445 grams, front wheel: 645 grams, rear wheel M10: 815 grams