Are these wheels any good??

steelie600

Trawling the bay of E to kit my bike out and im trying to fin myself a set of suitable yet attractive wheels for my retro ish build. Ive found these three sets of wheels, reasonably priced. Just wondered if anyone had any dealings with them.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230779216014?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110785778969?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330725108832?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648

I was all set for shelling out for some hope hubs and some mavic rims and having a go at lacing the wheels myself. BUT seeing these at less than the price of 2 hope hubs has got me thinking.

So has anyone used them?? Are they too good to be true??

Kev

kenan

Can't comment on the above wheels, but this is where I get mine from: http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index.ph ... s1qm5u3983

mattv

If you were looking at Hope hubs, none of these wheels are for you. Quando hubs are not BAD as such, but very basic. You will kill the freehubs fairly quickly, and most shops cant get quando freehubs so will have to sell you ANOTHER wheel. Also, the first one with the silly spoke pattern- just no for any kind of MTB riding. They look pretty, but will be very weak. If you are looking at cheaper wheels, try asking your local proper bike shop what they can build. I priced up a set of XT hubs on Mavic 317 rims with silver DT spokes the other day for a guy, like £160. Thats a good wheelset, XT is still made in Japan, not Malaysia like the cheaper stuff.

cooldad

I'd avoid the odd spoke pattern, but nothing wrong with the other two at the price.

steelie600

cheers guys!!

supersonic

The first wheel set I'd avoid, for the reaons as stated.

The others are ok for the money, but very heavy - and Quando can be hard to get spares, as mentioned above.

By far the best wheels for this money are the Shimano 495 hubs with Sun Equalizer rims:

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/w ... lizer.html

I have a set, they are simply superb for the cash. Handbuilt using ACI double butted spokes, so tough and durable XC/Trail wheels. Only caveat is they use Centrelock hubs, so would need matching rotors or adaptors.

cooldad

SS you are a true tight Yorkshireman. Great deals always.
On One are still selling Shimano rotors for £3.99 each.

supersonic

£4? I'll get some myself!

cooldad

Just 160 centrelock, but yes. Plus a bit of postage.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/BSSHRT52CR/ ... disc_rotor
Older models, but got them on my bike and they work exactly like rotors.

supersonic

I got 2 rotors, 4 tubes, 3 rear lights and a front led for 22.50 lol

cooldad

Hah. They saw you coming.

steelie600

going fishing now myself!!

blister pus

LMFAO. That front LED tips it over 20 quid for free P&P.

I remember searching that site for a sub quid item once with no success.

supersonic

Yep, I had to spend £20 haha!