Hope Pro II and XT hubs

easyg

Hi guys,

this should be reasonably quick - I want Hope Pro II cos they rule but to be honest they are a bit pricey and I can't help but think that XTs are equally as good for my aggressive XC hardtail project...

First of all - are Hope Pro II hubs lighter than XTs?

Are XTs strong, light and reliable enough for agressive XC riding?

and in basic terms why are Hope Pro IIs better than XTs?

Cheers.

papasmurf.

Well I'm sure there'll be loads of hope are greta \ not so great comments. I've got XT on xm719 and they're fine. Strong and light don't normally go together... but yes they're more then fine for agressive XC and are low maintenance. In my view, if you want to spend the money get the pro11s if not the XTs will be just as good.

Schellpel

I've got an XT rear hub from 1993 which is still going strong and have had hope as well.

The big plus for the hopes is you can adapt them for what ever axle, quick release system you like. So if you change your fork from quick release to 20mm through axle you will not need a new wheel. So it is a set of wheels you can keep for a long time.

Another plus for hope pro 2 is that they run on very well sealed cartridge bearings. You won't be faffing about with cone spanners and searching for the ball bearing that had hid under the freezer in the garrage ! When they do eventually die you just need new bearings, and don't have to worry about pitted cones and hub races. XT will last a long time if you look after them well though.

And well Hope stuff is hope stuff, and looks a bit more custom than the shimano stuff and comes in lots of nice colours. Just don't use thier quick releases get some on one quick releases the best I have found so far.

easyg

How light are they? I mean would you say that XTs are light in comparison to Hope Pro IIs? and would XTs on XC717s be light wheels??

I'm thinking they would be, obviously forgetting about £500 XTR, Bontrager, Ritchey wheelsets - clearly they are well light and well strong and cost twice as much! SO I'm saying are XTs and for eg. XC717s going to be light enough for 25 mile runs round Dalby Forest?

Schellpel

From memory there is not a huge difference in weight, and you are not going to notice it any way as the weight is at the centre of the wheel and effects the ride less than weight at the rim.

XC 717 are quite light ( about 400gr ) what are you switching from ?

papasmurf.

yeah thats plenty light, there'll be plenty of people riding 719, 721 for similar

merlin are doing mavic cross rides for 99 quid if you want entry level mavics, if not xt on 717 would be about 60 quid built per wheel which is about half the price o pros11

easyg

Switching from entry level WTB Dual Duty.

I do think XTs will be fine with 717s, and I think based on what you guys have said in this limited time that I will go for them, unless of course I get paid more commission at Xmas than expected... then its Kings all the way!

Cheers guys.

papasmurf.

maybe also consider this http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=99 xt on dt rims 4.2.

johnnypipe85

I built my wheels with Pro IIs and 717s and they feel really light and incredibly stiff. and for the price I think they're the best around if you have no intention of racing...

Bazzowmb

I've got XC717's on XT hubs - No probs, really pleased with them .

andyturner28

The main advantage of the Pro 11's is you can switch the axles when you change forks/frame, so unless you intend to never change the frame or forks, the Pro11's are a no brainer IMO. Also the Pro11's use 5 sealed cartridge bearings against the XT's cup and cones, which when they wear out would mean replacing the whole hub, because the inner race is not replacable. And the Pro11's outer casing is machined from a single block of 2014 billet alluminium, making it much stonger than the XT. The Pro11 rear is also 4 pawl, think the XT is only 2.
You could also look at the Halo Spin Doctor and DMR Revolver, but in my opinion there is not a better hub for the money. I have had a Pro11 front for about 6 months now and will have a rear one built up by tomorrow hopefully (please god, i'v been without my bike for nearly 2 weeks now!) Concidering the pounding the hubs take, i think they are well worth the money.

Andy.