Shimano XT Wheelset question

Proxyserv

Hi,

I am looking for a new wheelset. Would the Shimano Deore XT (9mm QR) be suitable for all mountain riding? Can it take the abuse of 5 to 7 foot drops? I have no choice but to go for 9mm QR coz I have a 32 Vanilla RLC with 9mm dropout. I really like how the XT's look.

Bike setup: 09 Yeti 575 / 32 Vanilla RLC / XT drive train / Float RP23 rear shox

toasty

I wouldn't personally, I've got mine on my XC steed and they don't feel rock solid at that. 24 thin spokes and some small UST rims. Nice lightweight, proper UST XC wheels for cheap though.

It depends how you're landing, you'd mash the rear end of a Yeti landing 5-7 foot badly anyway.

The Spiderman

Might be better getting wheels built around Hope Pro 2 hubs.Then you can easily change the front axle if you decide to go for a bolt through fork later.

nferrar

I had an XT AM front wheel on my hardtail (although with 20mm hub) and it seemed OK (well built but no very light). In the end though I got a set of Roval Traversee wheels to replace it (and the cheap OEM rear the bike came with). The Roval's are noticeably lighter and so far as tough as nails, I'm a bit of a wuss though and a 2ft drop-off is my limit (I'm 15st and have a hard time avoiding rocks so they do get a fair hammering though).

Proxyserv

They seem very light & marketted as an XC wheelset (the 9mm QR version) The rim diameter is also smaller compared to the 15mm TA version. I am just wondering how will the XT rims hold up against aggresive trail riding. The HOPE PROII are a good suggestion. Maybe I could lace em with Swiss 5.1D

The Spiderman

In a review of the XT wheelset WMB commented that the rims were a bit soft.I think I`d be looking at Hope Pro 2s with DT 5.1 or Mavic 719,from Merlin.