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FSA XC-300 Wheelset
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Key Search Terms: FSA XC300 wheel MTB; Full Speed Ahead bike.
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Product: FSA XC300 MTB wheelset. Configuration: Tube type, 26-inch, 24-hole, 2-cross lacing (all 4 sides), medium flange height, 6-bolt disc-specific. Test Platform: Kona Dawg Primo for 2 years then moved to Riddick. Product Put in Service: September 2007. Reviewed by: Rich Ries. Cost: MSRP n/a; current (SL) version typically available for $350 to $400. Mass/weight: 937 g. (2 lbs. 1 oz.) front; 1,085 g (2 lbs. 6.3 oz) rear; 2,022 g. (4 lbs. 7.3 oz.) pair with OEM rim tape and skewers. Claimed mass/weight for 2008 and later SL models is 1,650 g. (3 lbs. 10.2 oz.) for the pair. Recommended? Yes.
Executive Summary: Another good choice from FSA.
Ratings
(1 is lowest, 5 is highest)
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Comments
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Weight
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3
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The newer SL models would rate a 4
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Ride Quality
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4
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Stiff enough to corner well yet comfortably compliant
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Durability
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5
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No broken spokes or nipples, no need to true after 2+ years of hard riding
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Style
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4
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Black is sexy but the graphics are a bit busy
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Cost/Value
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3
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Watch the sales and there are lots of wheels in this category
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I bought my XC-300 wheelset as the newer SL versions were entering the marketplace. The new wheels are lighter by a claimed 230 grams. The weight loss came out of the rims. I don't know how that would affect durability, but my first-iteration wheels have been virtually indestructible so far. I think the removal of some material from each rim would not seriously affect the durability and would help the wheels accelerate better. Mine are not sluggish, but they're not on par with what I use as a benchmark, Cane Creek Crono wheels (which are, sadly, no longer available).
Design features shared by the new and old models include sealed hubs, black anodized rims and hubs, black spokes, radiused spoke holes, and ABEC 5 bearings. In the two years I've been hammering these wheels into rocks and roots I've done exactly zero maintenance. They still spin smoothly and are as true as the day I pulled them out of the box.
One of the sweetest features is the ease of operating the quick release skewers. They clamp firmly yet open easily. They're on par with anything from other wheel builders, including Mavic.
I've used FSA products since they first came out and have been generally pleased with the design, value, function, and performance. The XC-300 wheelset meets my high expectations for the brand.
Photos
The XC-300 wheelset is like most others in this price range with 24-hole, 2-cross lacing and medium hub flanges. Their 25 mm width is just a bit narrow for the 2.3 tires I like to run but provides a nice profile with a 2.1 tire.
The FSA QR skewers are really nice. So nice, in fact, that I'll probably order at least two more sets for other bikes, despite the $50 price.