Budget to Mid-Range Wheelset

jt_intheuk

Following on from another thread, What budget-mid range wheelset would you buy to replace the stock AlexRims XP17 Rims/Shimano Hubs, that came with my 2010 Genesis Core 20? Mainly ride XC, bridleways and the occasional footpath around the Chilterns. 9 speed rear cassette and centrelock front rotors and I think 9mm QR skewers.
Not to heavy with a reasonable freewheel/hub?
Any suggestions please?

benpinnick

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rov ... l#features

or maybe the Superstar Switch / crest deal, or maybe Mavic crossrides from Merlin if £150 is the top end of your budget. How much do you want to spend?

jt_intheuk

Difficult times, so 150pounds would be the very top of the budget

The Spiderman

For that money SLX or XT splined hubs with 717/719 rims from Merlin.

jt_intheuk

The Spiderman wrote:

For that money SLX or XT splined hubs with 717/719 rims from Merlin.

Is this the ones from Merlin,
Rear Handbuilt Shimano & DT Wheels - Disc
Extras:Rear Hub SLX Splined DiscMavic XM319 Black - DiscACI S/S DB Black
REAR-WHEELS-DISC
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Wheels/Mountain+Bike+Wheels/Custom+Wheels+-++Disc/Rear+Handbuilt+Shimano++DT+Wheels+-+Disc_REAR-WHEELS-DISC.htm

Front Handbuilt Shimano Wheels - Disc
Extras:Front Hub SLX Splined DiscMavic XM319 Black - DiscACI S/S DB Black
FRONT-WHEELS-DISC
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Wheels/Mountain+Bike+Wheels/Custom+Wheels+-++Disc/Front+Handbuilt+Shimano+Wheels+-+Disc_FRONT-WHEELS-DISC.htm

benpinnick

Not much of an upgrade though. Maybe save a little weight but not much else. Are you still running the original tyres? That would be a far better place to spend your money if you are.

twonks

As above.

With the budget in mind I'd consider hanging onto the existing wheels and look towards tyres on the factory wheels.
I don't think you'd get much benifit buying the Melin wheelset, other than a better and tighter build.

I think that a difference is much more noticable when you step up to £200 to £300 and get into Hope hoops and XT/stans type builds.

jt_intheuk

Already have newish Nobby Nics on both front and rear. Just looking for a reliable wheelset that can easily be maintained.

Chunkers1980

Not factory then

mrmonkfinger

twonks wrote:

As above.

this

jt_intheuk

Not really an upgrade, more of a replacement?

benpinnick

I would get the £150 Mavics from Merlin. They are bullet proof, not the lightest you could have, but look cool to boot (24 bladed spokes etc.).

Chunkers1980

I'd agree with that, the hubs are excellent.

Downsides are an expensive and hard to source freehub and the spokes again are hard to source and a lot more expensive than your average j-benders

supersonic

At £150 you are going to gain very little on what you have. I wouldn't bother.

jt_intheuk

Thanks Supersonic,
However not trying to gain/upgrade as such, more of good replacement once my rear wheel dies. Which I think will happen sooner rather than later, judging from the pitting in my hub cones and racers.

jt_intheuk

Chunkers1980 wrote:

I'd agree with that, the hubs are excellent.

Downsides are an expensive and hard to source freehub and the spokes again are hard to source and a lot more expensive than your average j-benders

Will the XT hub have a better freehub, regarding cost and replacement.
Which spokes would you go for?

supersonic

XT freehubs are better than Crossrides, for sure, and easy and cheap to replace the bits.

The Spiderman

In which case go for my original suggestion!