Axis classics or shimano r501 wheels??

[dan1502]

I currently have axis classics on my specialized but what's better? Axis or r501

 

[PaulSecteur]

The R501s have a lot of fans on here, they do seem to be better than their price suggests they should be.

I don't have experience of the Axis ones to compare.

I think @cyberknight has put some miles on the 501s and may offer an opinion.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

They're pretty much the same heavy basic wheelsets (I have a set of R501's)

 

[Hacienda71]

I have had R501's the bearings are cup and cone and the front wheel seized after 1500 miles use. I freed it cleaned and regreased it and it has been ok, but they require a bit more maintenance than a sealed bearing wheel. They are quite light for a wheel at that price point. If you can I would stick with the wheels you have get a slightly better wheelset like Mavic Aksiums, Fulcrums or PlanetX Al 30's when the stock wheels die or funds allow.

 

[eck]

I have had R501's the bearings are cup and cone and the front wheel seized after 1500 miles use. I freed it cleaned and regreased it and it has been ok, but they require a bit more maintenance than a sealed bearing wheel. They are quite light for a wheel at that price point. If you can I would stick with the wheels you have get a slightly better wheelset like Mavic Aksiums, Fulcrums or PlanetX Al 30's when the stock wheels die or funds allow.

I had a similar experience with the front of a pair of. R501s: after just a few weeks the front was running really roughly, But after stripping, cleaning and re-greasing the hub, it has run smoothly all winter. No problems at all with the rear wheel. For ~£70, they do a good job as winter wheels.

 

[gbb]

Assuming they're basically the same as R500s, they should be good. My 500s are on the winter commuter, done thousands of miles of winter city riding over 4 years, never gone out of true, only had to service the hubs once (maybe 3 years after i got them). Heavy but bulletproof IMO. And gawld knows, i never spared them any weather, the slush and grit theyve been exposed to...

 

[bigjim]

I have R501s on two of my bikes. Never had any problems. Been on every surface going with them.
Only thing I bother about is possibly losing a spoke as I'm sure the brake won't be able to track the wheel with so few spokes. I weigh 89kg. But never happened.

 

[Robeh]

I use 501s on my winter bike excellent wheel ...