handbuilt wheels: build time?

Anonymous
Anonymous Posts: 79,667
edited January 2008 in MTB buying advice
i am considering a set of the ever ubiquitous pro 2 and xc717/dt 4.2 wheelsets from either crc or merlin.

firstly, how long should i expect to wait before i get them and are the wheels actually built to order or do they keep em on a big shelf

secondly, are there any better options?

Ps, i know this subject is being done to death at the moment so i dont mind if you want to ignore the second question.

Comments

  • OllyUK
    OllyUK Posts: 230
    Merlin generally build them within a week of ordering, but they you have to factor in delivery which will vary depending on other factors (ie where you live)
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    Don't go with CRC, I am not totally convinced with their 'custom' wheelsets - everything else then yes.

    With Merlin the build time is about 5-8 days max (to your door - I should know, have had 3 sets built by them). Pretty good going.

    I know the 717s are the standard but consider the 4.2's.

    I took the plunge and bought them and they truly are an amazing, light and tight wheelset!

    :wink:

    Oh they are totally bespoke
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    i quite fancy a set built wioth the 4.2s. they are to go on my willow and will be set up with the stans kit i have had lying around for a while.

    do you think hope pro 2 with dt 4.2s will stand up to "all mountain riding"
  • Mr_Orange
    Mr_Orange Posts: 198
    I've just had a set of XTR hubs on 4.2s built by Merlin. 6 days from order to receipt.
    ---
    Handjob XC
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    www.wheelpro.co.uk
    have a look at his prices builds. give him a ring and see. Best wheels you are likely to ever own.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    coolio, not bad at all. how much should i expect the wheels to weigh? how much do your xtr ones weigh in at?
  • Mr_Orange
    Mr_Orange Posts: 198
    I didn't weigh, them, and now they now have tubes, tyres, rotors and a cassette attached, but I reckoned they would be around the 1500 gram mark, which is comparable to a factory XTR wheelset or the DT Swiss 1540 wheelset, but for a whole lot less money than either of those cost.

    I could have gone with revolution spokes to be a real weight weeny, but I opted for the stronger build, and taking a d*mp before going for a ride :wink:
    ---
    Handjob XC
    Handjob Flightdeck
    STOLEN Handjob
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    haha, i could probably stand to lose a couple of pounds once this coffe kicks in. what spokes should i be looking at for all mountain use?

    Edit: how much is a build with xtr hubs? ( i know i will need to factor in some splined rotors or adapters)
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    i like the sound of the link you gave nick, have you used him? unfortunately there arent any prices avalable but i will definately give him a ring and see how his prices compare.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    there were prices. must be doing the update for 2008. do not order anything untill you have seen the prices and discused them with him. Also have a look at the strong wheels sticky in tech and maybe download his wheel building book.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    sheepsteeth wrote:
    i quite fancy a set built wioth the 4.2s. they are to go on my willow and will be set up with the stans kit i have had lying around for a while.

    do you think hope pro 2 with dt 4.2s will stand up to "all mountain riding"

    I don't know in all honest as I had a set made by merlin (XTR M975 on 4.2s) for my race bike. They are incredibly light - maybe go for Pro II on 5.1s?

    Not too sure about DTs rim usage :?
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    Pro II's on 4.2 rims with revolution spokes cost me £248.00
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    i know what you mean, but was hoping the 4.2s might be pretty strong seeing as the athertons use the 5.1s for down hilling and they are designed for am riding. wondered if the same logic would apply to the 4.2s.

    might ask the bloke frm nick's linky
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    TBH the best wheelset in my eyes for AM riding would be the combo I have for my AM rig.

    XM719s on Pro II - about £230.

    Pretty darn light and hard as nails - I don't think you can go wrong for the price and piece of mind!
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    I agree with cheesey, from merlin tough as. I've run over bmxes, dj on them, done some drops of seemingly ever increasing size, and they were fine.

    Fast as f**k as well.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    sheepsteeth wrote:
    i know what you mean, but was hoping the 4.2s might be pretty strong seeing as the athertons use the 5.1s for down hilling and they are designed for am riding. wondered if the same logic would apply to the 4.2s.

    might ask the bloke frm nick's linky

    well i would as they will be the best wheels you ever get. (if you get some) Oh and the prices are good. (ok read fair).
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Mr_Orange
    Mr_Orange Posts: 198
    sheepsteeth wrote:
    haha, i could probably stand to lose a couple of pounds once this coffe kicks in. what spokes should i be looking at for all mountain use?

    Edit: how much is a build with xtr hubs? ( i know i will need to factor in some splined rotors or adapters)

    My build cost £132 for the rear and £90 for the front. The equivalent from WheelPro was £150 and £105 from memory, but that is obviously changing.
    ---
    Handjob XC
    Handjob Flightdeck
    STOLEN Handjob

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