EA90 SL vs Ksyrium Elite

[goose11]

So another question mark over wheels.​

EA90 SL (£475) or Ksyrium Elites (£430).​

I’ve scoured around for ages for something in this price bracket (no more than £500) and struggled to find something suitable.​

I'm not a great climber – one who needs all the help he can get on the uphills, but also I want reliability in the descents / all round – no point in having the lightest wheels if a spoke is going to pop when I push on the pedals. This is the first upgrade on my bike, away from the shop wheels (FSA RD60’s) which are a hefty 2200g.​

The Ksyriums looks like a very sensible choice – 1550g is suitably light given what I am used to and from what I understand – bombproof. The Eastons come with ceramic bearings and are very marginally lighter at 1532g. Sense says (to me at least) that the ceramic hubs make the Easton’s an obvious winner, but I’ve heard reliability concerns. Any thoughts given the limited price difference?​

I’m not the lightest rider (reduced to 74-76kg), but not heavy.​

This is all ahead of L’Etape Du Tour this year – which is going to be my first continental sportive and a super tough event given my opposition to climbing! In the market for a Shimano 11-27 / 12-28 cassette too, but no idea what would be best. Currently 11-25 so any sub thoughts there are greatly appreciated!

 

[mike-L]

What about Campag Neutrons? They are supposed to be bombproof and about the same cost. That's what I'm saving for after doing this research. Same weight and similar goals to you.