Which 26" disc-wheel build for full-susp tourer?

timbooth

I know, this is a rather unusual request, but I have just acquired a Giant NRS full-suspension touring bike, with MPH hydraulic discs. Problem is, the wheels have seen better days.

So, I am thinking about replacing them, but not sure what with.

Mavic factory wheels? Deore/LX/XT on Velocity VXC/Mavic? If so, which Mavic?

I have been out of mountain biking for the last 7 years (road bikes, I'm afraid) so I have no idea what the latest kit is.

Thanks

timbooth

Either this thread is too boring, it is in the wrong place, or (my suspiscion) this new site has too many areas in the forum.

Thanks for stopping by!

glasgowdan

Dont get shimano hubs... you need reliability when touring. Get hope bulbs if you can, or any others to be honest, with some nice sturdy rims such as ex321

timbooth

Thanks for that - are Shimano not that great then? I always use Mavic on the road - I'll have a look at Hope.

Philip Davis

It really depends on how heavy your kit will be and whether or not you are handy with wheel trueing. There are lots of reports of Mavic rims failing at the nipples on tour, although this may be simply because there are more of them out there. Also, consult the Mavic website before chosing one of their rims as some have maximum recommended pressures, which are much lower than a lot of touring tyres you might use. I'm not aware of any other rim manufacturer that sets out max pressures.

For absolute bomb proofness go for Sunn Rhyno or Rhyno Lite rims, with XT or Hope hubs, the max number of spokes possible (www.chainreactioncycles.com do good value build-ups). I use Mavic717 rims built up on a Hope (front) and Rohloff (rear) for a touring mtb and its given me no problems, although i tend to travel quite light.

timbooth

Good knowledge - thanks!

Hope are expensive! Shimano are less reliable??? Choices, choices!

Ta

Philip Davis

I don't think there is a lot of evidence that Shimano hubs are less reliable - they are, however, harder to repair if something goes wrong, especially if you are far from a western bikeshop. XT are the hub of choice for a lot of long distance tourers (short of investing in something mega pimpy). But I've heard some wheelbuilders swear by Deore hubs as the best value going.