This wheelset is a replacement for my 1 year old Mavic Wheelset that decided to break 4 spokes (3 this year, and one last year) doing normal biking things. The last break was after a bike ride and when I grabbed my bike the following day, it was unrideable!

Our bike mechanic suggested the Shimano RS21 for a more durable wheel at a great price point.

I was a bit hesitant not knowing if shipping would be via Royal Post or DHL, but I specifically requested Royal Mail delivery, and I only had to pay the minimal customs fees vs extraordinary courier brokerage costs.

Wiggle shipped out my wheelset the day after it was ordered, and it arrived 2 days earlier than anticipated!

The wheels themselves have flat spokes – quite different from spokes on my past and current bikes. This in itself offers a great surface for little rocks to reflect off of without causing my spokes to break. This is a fabulous feature for me, as there is one slightly gravelled trail that we go on once in a while (where my old wheel spoke broke 1km from our destination!) that requires durability and reliability due to the country setting.

They are just as light as my Mavics, and during my first ride, I was relieved that my Strava confirmed that I actually cycled a little bit faster despite not cycling for 3 weeks AND riding against strong winds throughout our entire ride!

Having less spokes than my old wheelset was also a bit weird to get used to, but it has not hindered my bikes ability or speed.

I currently have them on my 1 year old Felt women’s road bike, and they look like they were made for her!

I also like the feel of the spokes – they are flat coated, perfectly trued (as per our mechanic who installed them), and have enough bend to them that we hopefully won’t be hindered by a broken spoke for years!

Overall, I am pleasantly pleased with the Shimano RS21 wheelset – great value without losing the speed and endurance I have become accustomed to.