My experience w/ AX-Lightness Zeus

[pk0r]

Yes, the flawless replacement stem is with him for a week already.

Whilst price and weight for sure are the two main factors for us Weightweenies, there also are other factors such as stiffness. I am confident to claim that the Zeus is boosting one of if not even the best STW out there. It at least is a whole lot stiffer than a comparably light alu stem. Another undeniable factor also is exclusiveness.

[CDale09]

Just like Pritchet, I don't have any AX parts, but that stem, it's getting really interesting. Isn't there an Extralite stem that's about 12 grams more for $700 less?

I'm glad the situation was finally resolved and yes, boutique parts can be a hassle sometimes, but they are oh-so-light.

If I spent $900 on a stem, I'd expect it to be perfect, no flaws, no compromises. Kind of comes with the fact that I'm spending so much hard earned money. Still, from what Nils posted, it looks like it was resolved.

I had an Extralite UL3 MTB before getting the AX. Even though the UL3 is 18g more than the Zeus and costs only a fraction of the price, it's the lightest out there and it's hard to beat the looks of the AX Zeus.

[CDale09]

Installed my new stem yesterday. The replacement is a little bit heavier than the last one but at least the finish is perfect. Thanks Nils for taking care of this issue and for the bottle cage! I really appreciate it

By the way, i should get the AX wheels that you picked for me in a couple of days. Can't wait!

[pritchet74]

Wow. So damn sexy....

[range]

@CDale I agree. I feel like I need a Zeus, but the Extralite is a good deal. We'll see. BTW, some more total stem porn right there. Looks gorgeous.

[CDale09]

Got my AX MTB wheels today! The rims are very nice and extremely well made! The weight is amazing...979g for the pair. However, i have a small issue with one of the wheels. The valve hole (oval instead of round) is too small making it impossible to install my Tufo tire. I have absolutely no problem with the front wheel. Do you guys have any idea how to fix this? Should i enlarge the hole using a file?

[Jeffr]

In most cases it is safe to take a fine pitch file and work very slowly. However, I would contact AX before setting about cutting things up.

[pritchet74]

WOW. MTB wheels that light? That's freakin' awesome!

[CDale09]

In most cases it is safe to take a fine pitch file and work very slowly. However, I would contact AX before setting about cutting things up.

I'm waiting for Nils approval before enlarging the hole with a file.

@pritchet74 Yeah those are MTB tubular wheels mounted with a Tune Cannonball SL+ Extralite Ultrarear + Sapim CX-Ray

[Ypsylon]

As soon as you get the tires mounted, we need to see a pic of your bike.

[Boonen]

CDAle, what tires are you mounting on these?

[pk0r]

Have you tried a different tire or different valve yet? Each rim is checked individually with a test pin prior to be cleared for shipping, so it is rather unexplainable for such a situation to happen. It may eventually be the bladder to interfere, but that is rather unlikely as well. If it still does not work you can for sure gently file the hole open just as Jeffr describes.

[Ypsylon]

Have you tried the tire that fits in the other rim?

Just a stab in the dark.

[CDale09]

@Nils Yes i tried a different tire and a notubes valve as well. The valve simply doesn't fit. I'll go to the hardware store and get a round lime. Will let you know how it goes...


I'll mount some Tufo XC2 Plus tires. Claimed weight is 430g but mine are 449g and 451g. =(


Will post some pics later today.

[Boonen]

Sounds good on the pictures
I haven't tried them but the Tufo mtb tubulars feel quite similar to the Tufo Flexus cyclocross tubulars, they should ride nicely I think