Which Mavic rims?

Fuzzyboy

Hi,

Thinking of getting a set of wheels from Merlin. I can't quite decide what rims to go for though.

I weigh 12'7 and if I ride XC on a hardtail in the chilterns.. not particularly epic terain but I have damaged rims before hitting large flints at speed. Some of the decents I ride have big ruts in the chalky soil with horrendous flints hiding in them!

I'm kind of thinking XC717 or XM719.. I want strength and lightweight.. I guess if anything I'm more concerned about strength but I would like them to be as light as possible..

Thanks for any input!

ride_whenever

719 or even 819 which is ust compatible. Although I've done 2' drops to flat on merlin built 717 on deore with dt swiss DB spokes and they are still true. I'd Imagine that if you're damaging rims then you are running them too low pressure, so 717 should be fine for you, or go to 819 which are ust.

Fuzzyboy

Thanks RW. Yeah you're right about the pressure. I now run just under 40psi to be safe (annoying 'cos I'd like to go lower).

Another question.. the 719's are 65g heavier than the 717's.. I know wheel weight is 'magnified' but woud this really be noticeable?

ride_whenever

Not really, noticeable, I've had both with the same spokes (on different hubs) and I'd say the 717 do feel a bit faster, but the 719 are considerably stiffer.

Fuzzyboy

Brilliant..thanks! Really appreciate your input.

I think I'm leaning towards the 719's now. I don't have pots of cash, so lastability is what I'm thinking...

schmako

I've got 719's on Hope Pro II hubs and they've been brilliant (replaced sun s-types on rubbish oem shimano hubs). Done plenty a harsh decent on them and no problems, whereas my mate with 717's has dented and cracked his! Depends on how smooth you are as well mind.

Fuzzyboy

Interesting ..thanks.