Shimano WH-RS500 Rear Wheel 24mm

Great price for nice, lightweight rims. But, the presta valves don't have removable cores. I picked up a set of of STAN'S valves with removable cores and swapped them so that I could add sealant through the valve body. It's also easier to seat tubeless tires with an air compressor with the valve core removed.

Finding decent wheels for rim brake road bikes has become nearly impossible unless you want to drop big money on a carbon set, or buy some janky single-wall garbage with hubs that feel like they've got pebbles in the hubs instead of bearings. So, I'm really happy that Shimano continue to build these RS500's. They're inexpensive, and will probably outlast your bike. Hubs spin smooth, craftsmanship is excellent, and you don't have to spend $2,500 on some ZIPP wheels that have play designed into the hubs. That's real. Or it was for years anyway - look it up. Like, they designed hubs to be loose, and have the play taken out by the tension of the quick release skewers when installed (which - spoiler alert - didn't work much of the time). I know, it baffled me too. ... MoreFinding decent wheels for rim brake road bikes has become nearly impossible unless you want to drop big money on a carbon set, or buy some janky single-wall garbage with hubs that feel like they've got pebbles in the hubs instead of bearings. So, I'm really happy that Shimano continue to build these RS500's. They're inexpensive, and will probably outlast your bike. Hubs spin smooth, craftsmanship is excellent, and you don't have to spend $2,500 on some ZIPP wheels that have play designed into the hubs. That's real. Or it was for years anyway - look it up. Like, they designed hubs to be loose, and have the play taken out by the tension of the quick release skewers when installed (which - spoiler alert - didn't work much of the time). I know, it baffled me too. Anyway, what was I talking about? Right! RS500's. Shimano gets a lot of hate from people, some of it deservedly so, but these wheels rule, and owners of "old" bikes the world over should be stoked Shimano still builds them.

I replaced the Bontrager Race stockers that came on my 2016 Trek Domane 5.2 with these in Oct. 2020. At that time they were just under $300, so I thought they were an outstanding value. But after over a year of use I no longer feel that's the case. While the initial build quality was good, the rear wheel constantly needs truing. At 185 lbs., I'm well under the suggested weight limit of 225, but am unable to maintain the proper spoke tension. And unlike others here, I've found the ride quality to be somewhat harsh.I've always found Ultegra components offered near Dura Ace performance for a much lower price, but even though these wheels are pretty light, they seem more Tiagra-level in terms of performance and quality. They seem like the stock wheels you'd find on an ... MoreI replaced the Bontrager Race stockers that came on my 2016 Trek Domane 5.2 with these in Oct. 2020. At that time they were just under $300, so I thought they were an outstanding value. But after over a year of use I no longer feel that's the case. While the initial build quality was good, the rear wheel constantly needs truing. At 185 lbs., I'm well under the suggested weight limit of 225, but am unable to maintain the proper spoke tension. And unlike others here, I've found the ride quality to be somewhat harsh.I've always found Ultegra components offered near Dura Ace performance for a much lower price, but even though these wheels are pretty light, they seem more Tiagra-level in terms of performance and quality. They seem like the stock wheels you'd find on an $800-$1,000 bike, even if they weigh much less than wheels typically found on bikes in that price range. For that reason, and the fact they now cost considerably more than what I paid, I would recommend anyone considering spending $450 on these as a replacement or upgrade instead look at well taken care of used wheelsets with a good reputation.