Shimano RS81 wheels

[Matthew]

Anyone have any thoughts/experience riding Shimano's RS81 wheels? Looking to possibly get a set of c24 or c35 version. Basically Ultegra level? Scrap the idea and try to save for Dura Ace? Continue riding my handbuilts with 7900 hubs with DT Swiss 465 rims? Any thoughts are appreciated. Or are there some other budget type wheels I should also look at? Thanks, Matthew.

[sandyrs]

I don't see an advantage to the 24 or 35 over your handbuilts. Nicer hubs on your current set.

If you're looking for affordable aero, you could do worse than the RS81 C50. They're well-reviewed.

[xeladragon]

My understanding is that the RS81 is essentially the 9000 C24 rim with a cheaper hub. But I could be wrong.

[dana_e]

really nice wheels.

Get the 50 deep.

[zzy]

The RS80/81 are some of the most underrated wheels around. Same rim and spokes as a DA wheel with a ultegra hub & steel freehub. Conventional cup/cone design. For 16/20 wheels they hold up VERY well to heavier riders and very easy to service. The spokes/nipples are much larger than conventional ones and carry a ton of tension which gives the wheel a good bit of stiffness. Now if only I could find some spoke wrenches for mine..

[dana_e]

with the spoke wrenches

[SpeedyChix]

The RS80/81 are some of the most underrated wheels around. Same rim and spokes as a DA wheel with a ultegra hub & steel freehub. Conventional cup/cone design.

This

[Matthew]

Thanks for the replies. Appreciate the info. May spring for a pair if the price is right!

[johnniecakes]

I have a set of RS81, C50 on my my tri bike and love them. Cannot find a weakness with them

[c-record]

This

Yep, good stuff.

[old fat man]

I'm very happy with my RS61 wheelset. Much lower pricepoint and tubeless compatible. They look like they have very similar hubs to the RS81...

http://www.excelsports.com/main.asp?page=8&description=WH-RS61+Clincher+Tubeless++Wheelset&vendorCode=SHIM&major=13&minor=1

[jimoots]

I love my DA c24s and c35s, as said above, a very tough wheelset considering the low spoke count and extremely light weight rims (380g claimed for c24).

If you're on a budget the RS/Ultegra version are definitely worth a look - again, as said above - they're the same rims with different decals, and slightly lower spec (but very serviceable) hubs.

The only thing I would say is that people often talk about the Shimano c24/c35/c50 and throw around words like bullet-proof, etc. They are not. As I alluded to above, they're definitely not overbuilt. They will stand up to the rigours of training for most people, but if you have a crash they'll be the first thing to go. Which can be a good or bad thing depending on where your money is invested across your bike.

[GScot]

I bought a set of C24s. Love everything about them but through front hub was loose out of the box. One or two clicks on the new adjusting system and just right.