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I am going to need a new road wheelset, and I really liked the smooth feel of the RS81 C24s.
The RS700 seems the closest current equivalent, albeit with a 30mm depth.
Interested to hear from anyone who's ridden both, or just the RS700s?
Not very popular then?
I've got the ultegra version I think, so the same hubs but aluminium rims.
Pros: everything you'd expect from a shimano wheelset. They spin forever, the freehub is quiet, maintenance is a doddle with the new axles and bearings, rim braking surface is nice and thick.
Cons: everything you'd expect from a shimano wheelset. They're not the lightest, the bearings need occasional TLC and you can't convert the axles or freehubs for future upgrades.
For ~£500 you could get something custom built though which would be lighter and more flexible/upgradeable.
Thanks for the reply.
The main draw for me is the carbon laminate rims (with metal braking track), which I've found have a lovely ride feel on the RS80s and RS81s - and they seem just about on par weight-wise to me.
I'll be staying QR so axle flexibility isn't really a concern for me, but what kind of handbuilts do people get for general riding / climbing at that budget? I'll be on 25mm tyres.