Lightweight XC wheelset for a Santacruz VP-Free. Help needed

DanEvs

Right then boys and girls I need a little advice-

I have a Santacruz VP-Free which is brilliant for general trail centre rides and mucking about but a little hard work for the more regular XC riding I've been doing of late so what I'm wondering is if it'd be worth my while swapping out my standard wheels (pro II's and WTB dualduty FR rims.) and getting a second set?

I think if I got a second set -preferably very light- and fitted some XC tyres it'd make the going a tad easier would it not? I'm not a particularly heavy rider and don't break any kit as a rule so can't see me wrecking light rims too easily (especially not with 8.5" of travel cushioning them??).

VP-Free weighs 17kgs at the moment and has a 150mm rear end.

What would you guys suggest? (other option would be to spunk £2k on a carbon hardtail but I'm not sure I'd get the same envoyment from it.)

.....

Steve88

If you can afford the new wheels than go for it. it might just make your cycling that bit easer. but if you want to fork out 2K than go ahead :P

supersonic

I'd go for the HT option. You would notice a new light wheelset, but on a bike with that much travel and weight to start with, will not be as noticable as on a bike that was say 25lbs to start.

The SC VP Free will never be an XC bike!

DanEvs

The money's not really my concern. What bothers me is that I might not have a tangible difference in the ride after splashing out £500 on a set of wheels/tyres/discs.

It's going to have to be a custom build and I'm going to be stuck with the wheels as no-one else is going to want a 150mm rear hub on XC rims are they.

Is it going to make the bike noticeably better on the climbs? (million dollar question.)

DanEvs

supersonic wrote:

I'd go for the HT option. You would notice a new light wheelset, but on a bike with that much travel and weight to start with, will not be as noticable as on a bike that was say 25lbs to start.

The SC VP Free will never be an XC bike!

Yeah I kind of thought that maybe the case. It could however go the other way and make more of a difference to the ride than a lighter bike??? I'm thinking the WTB's are very heavy as well.

You'd be surprised how capable the VP is for general riding, not as most people would expect at all. No bob and superb traction going up, crazy speed all the way down the other side.

supersonic

I would say no (just taking wheels into account). It may accelerate a bit quicker, but the most you will lose is about a pound in weight for sensible money. However I would try new tyres on your existing rims. If you can feel a difference, then go for the wheels to back them up!

Conti Speed Kings are light for the size.

DanEvs

I'm already running a reasonably light tyre setup in WTB Weirwolfs (2.5 760gms.) with Stans and they're great but maybe give the Conti's a go.

Any suggestions for a good hub/rim combo and a trusted builder?

supersonic

XC tyres will drop at least 250g off each wheel - so pretty much what a new wheelset will for do at a fraction the cost!

Merlin do good builds, but choice is rather limited. WheelPro springs to mind too.

A 500 quid set may drop you towards 1450g, which is quite significant. PoshBikes worth a look too.

DanEvs

Thanks SS, that was exactly what I was looking for.

BlackSpur

I just discovered this on the internet
http://www.kudubikes.co.uk/shop/offers.htm

That's what I'd go for in your position