Wheels

ride_whenever

I am looking at wheels for my new bike that I'm going to be getting in the new year, I'm not quite sure what the bike will be but it is mostly for AM/trail riding. My last wheels were 719's on Pro II from merlin. And these held up pretty well to the riding I do, but I fancy something a bit lighter and stronger (and thus more expensive!)

I was looking at stan's ZTR arch rims and sapim cx-ray spokes, as my lbs stock them, make good wheels) and by all accounts they are some of the best spokes you can buy. But what hubs should I get? Obviously Hope are on the list, as the last set were flawless, but what else are worth considering, ideally available in several colours as I'm a tart!

supersonic

Well, not available in any colours apart from 'that grey', but the newest XTR hubs look the danglies.

ride_whenever

Super, do you remember a huge debate that happened a while back about hubs. There were some good ones suggested in that, but I cannot find it. Tune were banded around but apparently they have reliability issues, and CK are a bit overrated. Was it ariel hubs that were suggested?

supersonic

I do indeed. One thing you find though in debates like this is that the people who have spent a lot on a product vary rarely say much about the downsides - sorta convincing themselves they made the right decision! Personally I dont like Hope hubs lol, esp the Pro2. The freehub body needs a lot of care, and the units I have seen were rather roughly finished. The bearings didn't seem too hot either - lots of drag, and they need to use lots of them to give the non angular contact system reliabilty. This put me off too, as they are not cheap to replace either. However I do like the simple switchable axles, but in the end they were not for me. I eventually plumped for Crossmax as were lighter, and the bearings were angular, also allowing adjustment. I really wish I had gonefor the new XTR though! Of course, just a personal opinion, I know of many who love the Hope2, like yourself, and have had no probs whatsoever!

I know a rider who uses Tune, and he rates them very highly, same with a rider who has the new Aireal ones - however only time will tell on reliability, so I am waiting for updates from both riders.

ride_whenever

Cool, thanks super, could you message me if you hear anything.

supersonic

No probs mate, I'll message them tonight an see how they are getting on.

Splasher

Two years ago I was looking for a set of XC wheels for my hardtail for a spot of racing (Enduros, nothing too serious). I noticed everyone rode Crossmax SLs but didn't fancy factory wheels for all the obvious reasons and so set about building a set that were lighter, more servicable and just as strong.

Eventually, I settled on ProII hubs, CX-Ray spokes and XC717 rims (which I have since fitted with Eclipse tubeless kits). They are light and strong (although not strong enough for you if you want something stronger than XM719) and carry my 15 stones around all year round (see XC>120 link below).

However, if you don't want ProIIs, I'd consider DT Swiss hubs. 240s in 6 bolt are 154g and 273g respectively. And their wheelsets are worth a look because even though they are "factory" built, they use traditional components for ease of maintenance and replacement. Look at the XR1450 and the XR1800 at 1450g and 1800g respectively.