Wheelset for XC/AM?

dirtbiker100
dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
edited January 2008 in MTB buying advice
Looking at a new wheel set for trail centre XC and a bit of accidental light dh/jumps (meaning i'm not gonna go looking but if i come across them i won't be able to say no :D )
The bike is an On-one inbred - so hardtail if it makes much difference, and i don't brake over rough stuff, more likely to try and accelerate.

Gonna go with merlin obviously and thinking about:
Hope Pro II hubs
Mavic XM719 or XC717 rims - disc only preferably
does it matter what spokes? as long as they're black.

anyone have any other ideas? I'm thinking of trusting merlins expertise in that its the build thats important and the XC717's will be strong enough for my needs and 65g lighter than the XM719's

links to merlin custom wheels:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=97
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=97

Comments

  • OllyUK
    OllyUK Posts: 230
    Merlin are fantastic wheelbuilders, I got xc717 rims build up on xt hubs recently, the build quality was absolutly top noch. Remeber that you factor in the price of QR skewers, as I dont think they come with Hope hubs. And you'll have to get some rim tape as well as mavic rims dont come with rim tape.
    As for spokes, DT revolution spokes are for pure xc, so maybe not as strong as you're after.All the avaliable spokes there are double butted (ie thinner in the middle to save weight)
    Merlin have a description of all the spokes and whats included when ordering here:
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=page&id=8
  • Mr_Orange
    Mr_Orange Posts: 198
    Have a look at this thread for some more advice: http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12553663

    I've just ordered my wheels from Merlin - XTR hubs, DT XR4.2d rims and DT Comp spokes.

    I'm not a particularly heavy rider, but in the end decided not to risk Revolution spokes.
    ---
    Handjob XC
    Handjob Flightdeck
    STOLEN Handjob
  • schmako
    schmako Posts: 1,982
    I'm like my 719's (pro II's). No damage, unlike my mates 717's (on xt's) which are dented and cracked in two places. This is despite mines having more use..
    Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 750
    Orange Patriot 66 FR
    Clubroost XC-4 (retired)
    Pinkbike
    My Biking Videos
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    interesting, thanks Schmako.
    I remember looking at your thread Mr_Orange, just i completely forgot about it when making mine ha ha, thanks for reminding me
  • strodey
    strodey Posts: 481
    Just bought some 717's disc, with hope pro2 hubs and i'm well chuffed, reasonably light too, best thing is the noise the hub makes is brilliant. I was concerned at first at strength but chances are if i take a hit and it breaks these it will break most xc rims
    Carbon is a mans best freind
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    Xm719 on Pro II - totally sorted wheelset! (Merlin of course) :wink:
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    seems that way cheesey. was wondering about if the weight difference would be worth it but i think i should just play it safe :)
  • ianpinder
    ianpinder Posts: 266
    The weight is minimal compared to the increase in rigidity you get from having the wider rim, also it allows you to run bigger tires with a better profile. If you can afford it then get the xm819s and then you can go tubeless.
    Cycling the Tour D'Afrique in 2012

    www.tda2012.com
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    what do you think of these? they are designed to be cross mountain wheels and i have a set on my stumpy and am thiniking of getting some for my willow too.

    they only weigh about 1800 but if you factor in the fact that you can get rid of about 400g of inner tubes, they are pretty competitive on weight.

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