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review

Shimano RS30 wheelset

8
£219.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Sturdy, fast rolling training/racing wheelset
Weight: 
2,050g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk

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The Shimano RS30 is part of Shimano’s Road Sport series “integrating the best technology of the race-proven DURA-ACE wheels but at economical price points. These wheels are great for training rides and / or use at the local races.”

The RS30 is certainly at the top end of the “economical price point”, but you do get a lot of technology for your money. Alloy rims with off centre spoke holes (the rear is asymmetric like the RS80 we reviewed last year) to which are laced bladed elbowless double butted spokes. Up front, there are 16 radial spokes while the rear 20 are 2-cross. At the heart of these wheels are a pair of Shimano hubs (8, 9 and 10 speed compatible) with angular contact bearings designed to give radial and lateral support for strength and durability.

Translating all the tech stuff: a nice and strong wheelset that should last you a very good few training miles.

My ultra scientific hub performance test (pop bike in workstand, give wheel a spin, see how long it keeps turning) had me bored before the wheels stopped: full marks. The 30mm rims give a little aerodynamic advantage over shallower rims too, really not too shabby for a training wheel!

The RS30s were both true laterally when they arrived, although the front was out by 1-2mm radially. After 250 commuting miles that evolved into a minor lateral wobble that, to be fair, I only noticed when I put it on the truing stand. The rear was still as true as day one. It’s worth noting that the red anodized nipples are not your standard size, so your spoke key might not work.

The graphics don’t really do it for me, but riding these wheels was a pleasure, they are really quite nippy for a training wheel. I reckon you’d have to spend quite a bit more to really notice the difference. At 2050 grams they are not the lightest, but on the flipside, they aren’t scared of the odd bunnyhop, nasty pothole or curb.

Verdict

Sturdy, fast rolling training/racing wheelset

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Shimano RS30 wheelset

Size tested: n/a

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Definitely

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 32  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: All of them!  My best bike is: Cervelo Dual

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, Audax

Add new comment

10 comments

Avatar
Mike on Planet X | 11 years ago
0 likes

Recently got a set of these with 2012 graphics - a bit more understated than the previous version.

I also have a set of RS80's for 'best' so a light wheelset to compare them with. If you want one wheelset to do everything - commute, train, even dabble in a road race or time trial, RS30s are pretty faultless for the price.

Okay, they take a bit more to spin up, but once there, they're a pleasure to ride - the lovely smooth bearings and 30mm aero rims help. They are also a strong wheelset, look great on the bike, so for the money, you can't go wrong. Don't get too hung up on the weight - a wheels responsiveness depends more than just that one factor.

Okay, if I was facing a 20% gradient after 80 miles on a sportive I'd want my RS80's every time. But for day to day use, you could a lot worse.

Avatar
Fringe | 14 years ago
0 likes

clay gives good grip in the wet..

Avatar
DaSy | 14 years ago
0 likes

I prefer porcelain for tyres, china chips too easily...

Avatar
adam001 | 14 years ago
0 likes

I have usually ride all bike but Cervelo Dual is the best in all of them. Now a days i have a problem with they tires. I want to know, Can I use China Tires for my bike? China tires is very cheap for me. Suggestions are welcome

Avatar
DaSy | 14 years ago
0 likes

I tend to ride my best wheels most of the time, as 95% of my riding is 'training', I might as well enjoy it.

Riding light wheels is one of those little pleasures of life I think....

There are plenty of light wheels that are durable, I don't think higher weight equates to a more durable wheel.

Avatar
dave atkinson | 14 years ago
0 likes

plus if you've got super light race wheels you'll feel like you're going that much faster when you switch  1

Avatar
epo-aholic | 14 years ago
0 likes

mmmmm, since when was weight that important for training wheels?  39 I'd be more concerned with the durability tbh  26

Avatar
Fringe | 14 years ago
0 likes

i got me a pair of Easton EA50 SL's for about the same price and there claimed weight is 1650g.

Avatar
cactuscat | 14 years ago
0 likes

Aksiums are about 1900g and a bit cheaper, Fulcrum Racing 5s are under 1800g I think.

Avatar
finbar | 14 years ago
0 likes

2050 grams for £220 is pretty damn heavy, no?

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