Wheels - where to begin?

heavy_rat

So I was thinking about replacing the wheels on my Meta 5. But blimey, the amount of combinations you can have of hub, spokes and rims, I just don't know where to start.

Budget is around £200. And I am looking for something that will last and isn't too heavy.

Currently I've got Alex rims (no idea if they're any good) with a Commencal front hub and a Deore rear hub. Both wheels are pretty buckled. Are they worth repairing? Hopefully what I'd buy would be an improvemnet.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

leaflite

Take a look at http://www.superstarcomponents.com. They have some good deals on their hubs with mavic rims atm:

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=464&osCsid=6f5cdbe0cdcb69335d925e5cf355cfbc

benpinnick

Firstly, repairing them will be a dead loss, as the hubs don't justify the cost of rims, spokes and build. Instead, I would recommend replacing the lot. In the long run this will see you right. I would look at the Superstars, and don't worry about the Mavic rims being 'XC'. Mavic have been making great rims for ever, and as long as they are built right, they will be fine.

Also worth a look is Mavic's Crossride wheels. You can get a set for around £160 (Try these guys for example http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=17668;page=1;menu=1000,2,140,17;mid=21;pgc=0 Yes they are in Germany, but don't let that worry you!). Crossrides are a good weight, look pimp, and smooth running.

benpinnick

CRC have last years crossrides at only 140 - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30822[/url]

heavy_rat

cheers, quite like the look of those crossrides.

spongtastic

XM719 on xt from merlin or stans flow on switch Evo from superstar.