Wheels

FSR_XC

Thinking of new wheels (well at least a new rear).

Has anyone used Fulcrum MTB wheels?

Trying to find out if they use propper sealed bearings.

Happy to hear any recommendations.

I want best value (read cheapest) that have sealed bearings and are not too heavy for XC work.
Bike is full suss & I weigh 87kg (in case that matters)

kegs

They are pretty new to MTB wheels, as far as I can tell, I have seen a few queries about them on other forums and no-one seems to know much about them.

Other alternatives are Hope Hoops, I have a set of the pro-3 wheels, but I don't think the pro2s are much heavier. Or get Clive Mitchell's to build up a mavic 719 or similar on a pro2 hub, I think the wheel builder they use is pretty good, IIRC.

ride_whenever

Assuming you want them for xc fsr, Mavic 717 on xt hubs from merlin with dt comp spokes. Light and strong. Best wheels you'll buy and last for ever. Or as above 719 for a bit more strength.

Buy them from merlin, top notch wheelbuilders. Try to avoid pre-built wheels as they are never as well built.

Mr_Orange

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Like he said, go for Merlin hand-built wheels. XT on 717s is a classic.

Splasher

Can't say what they use on MTB wheels but the Fulcrum road wheels use cartridge bearings.

FSR_XC

Aren't XT hubs just rubber dust seals?

Surely cartridge bearing are better?

kegs

better sealed, and less fiddly to replace, but, IIRC, cup and cone setups stand lateral stresses a bit better than cartridge bearings.

if you want cartridge bearings you are looking at things like Hope or DT Swiss etc hubs really

ride_whenever

As above, however, if you want value then xt hubs are the way forward, good sealing and easy maintenance, they'll last forever and cost much less than other more boutique hubs.

fireboy

I would be inclined to save up and get a Hope pro2 with a Mavic 717 rim ,the hub is great and will last and last, the rim is a good quality xc rim
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