Mavic cosmic pro carbon or fulcrum quattro or red wind

I took a punt on the Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon 2017 wheels last week (with the alu braking surface). They are 700 quid which is a lot cheaper than the Hadrons which seem to have gone up in price. Anyway, based on my two rides I am highly impressed. They are more smooth and comfortable than my previous wheels on rough roads and they corner beautifully. The aero advantage is noticeable when there is a tailwind, when the wind was just right I could feel them getting pushed along which is a very nice sensation and I set a few P.B.s  on flat sections of Strava segments today. Both rides were windy and exposed but crosswinds just weren't an issue. They felt pretty good climbing in spite of some extra weight and descending was very confidence inspiring. I am extremely pleased with them, so far.

If you do more climbing, then lower profile will do you better, which will generally be lighter too, the Mavic aren't especially light.

I'd love to get a set of the Ksyrium pro exalith, as a (full) 'winter' alloy set (cos they'd look killer with the bike - Canyon Aeroad)...but price wise, probably looking at Ultegra RS81 C24/C35...the price is a lot less than the Mavics. 

Alternatively a lot of Campag sets with Shimano freehub, which are essentially Fulcrum's big brothers, can be had for decent prices and the CF ones are similar price to the Mavics too...

I have 2016 Mavic Cosmic Pro Exalith. It's the older V shaped profile and does get caught by the wind occasionally.

The Exalith coating makes for some interesting noises when braking, but is a decent stopper in both dry and wet. The wheels do ping a bit if the carbon fairing gets hit by stones.

I am 70kg, so dont' promote any brake rub, they seem stiff enough for me. I have 25mm tyres on, this makes it more comfortable too.

As for 'better' it depends on what type of riding you're after. Whether you are looking for an aero advantage, whether you think or feel that full CF wheels are what you are after...or if you can live with a weight penalty of the carbon/alloy type.

I have 2 x sets of Fulcrum alloy wheels (5 and 3). also had 7s a few years back and a set of Swiss Side Franc. All alloy, but great wheels for a multitude of riding surfaces/scenarios.

You might even consider the Swiss side Hadrons (485) with the alloy brake track, they get a load of praise from the press regarding their aero properties and are in a similar price range to the 2017 Mavics and Fulcrum Racing Quattro Carbon (which is the set I presume you are asking about...)

Had a buddy with the red winds, made a great noise, but kept popping spokes...that may just have been a bad set of wheels...

I've had a set of Fulcrum racing quattro carbons for about 1000 miles now, and ive no complaints at all. fast and light, look the business. I'm having a few thoughts about long descents when i visit Mont Ventoux in a few weeks, and if they will over heat or not but the consensus seems to be largely if ridden properly (ie not dragging the brakes) then all will be ok.

The wider (17mm) rims and 25mm tyres is a great combination - I run them at about 90psi and find them fast and comfortable.

Obviously i cant help with comparisons, but I would buy the same again - I have a tarmac SL4 too, and the really suit the bike.

Cheers

Rich