can any one advise me on mavic wheel numbers, is the lower the number eg x117, in general a better wheel than say a 717, or does it no work this way i just can not get my head around all the different types and numbers, :?
General rule of thumb is that the first number indicates rim quality, and the second the internal width between the bead seat.
For a 117, this means it is a cheap rim (1 being the lowest quality) and probably OEM, the 17 meaning it has an internal width of 17mm.
