Which wheelset? - Help!

king_jeffers

Had my bike in for a service today at the LBS. They spotted an issue with the back wheel - when the wheel span it was making a grinding noise. Short of a long story is after two years of use I've never had the hubs re-greased (no idea how to do this myself!), so the guy has stripped them down. He mentioned the back one has gone and the wheel has had better days and a similar case on the front. So I guess its time to get a new wheelset, problem is I really don't know what I'm looking for and need a bit of help.

I have a Specialized Rockhopper SL 2010, I'm looking for a similar 26 inch set that roll well but won't cost the earth - can anyone suggest a cheap ready to go set so all I need to do is attach the cassette and disc.

Bike spec can be seen here : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... 1#features

supersonic

What is your max budget?

king_jeffers

£150-£180 max at the moment can go a bit higher but will have to wait till next month :oops:

felix.london

King Jeffers wrote:

£150-£180 max at the moment can go a bit higher but will have to wait till next month :oops:

Crest's on Switch Evo's from Superstar would be the obvious choice although slightly over budget @ £200

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=74&products_id=496

king_jeffers

Are these any good? http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/WBOOMXM1MX/ ... _1_mx_rims

Think they are compatible but not 100%. Will check out the other set.

The Rookie

The Mach1's are pretty heavy, did look at them a while back and was shocked at how heavy (can't recall what it was though!)

Shimano from Merlin are always a good call
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/w ... eels-disc/ You could have Mavic 317 rims with Deore hubs for £110

Deore hubs may be old fashioned cup and cone but are very reliable, the M475 hubs on my commuter were both bought used and have since covered nearly 3000 miles, I check them frequantly for smooth spinning and any play but never had to touch them.

felix.london

Indeed, my 2006 M475 is still going strong. And it got a real hammering last year doing DH with me and my hardtail It's on my fun bike now and as above, just tighten it up to get rid of any play now and again and it's tickety-boo.

Saying that - if I had a £200ish budget I'd still go for the Crest's on EVO's

supersonic

I'd either get the Crests and Switch wheels, or plump for these:

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

You'd need new rotors, but still, a handbuilt wheelset with double butted spokes for that price is ridiculous! Rims are very good, at least the equal of Mavic 317.

The Rookie

I have Equalizer 21 rims on the back of my commuter, super rim, very light and seems pretty tough, it's certainly a lighter rim than a 317 (I believe the crossrides on my MTB use 317 rims).

supersonic

Mine came with EQ25, a little wider than the 21, but still only 440g each with eyelets.

cat_with_no_tail

Just ordered myself a set of the Superstar Superleggera wheels with the XC rims.

QR front and rear, claimed weight of 1,750g, 120pt engagement and only £150, what's not to like?

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=227

The Rookie

That the ones linked to by SS are £90 cheaper and may be just as suitable for the OP?

cat_with_no_tail

Blimey!

that'll teach me for not clicking on the link.

Those are very cheap indeed.

The Rookie

LOL, yup, M495 hubs, equaliser rims (width not mentioned and stainless spokes for £60 - to re-use a quote, what's not to like?

cat_with_no_tail

Sgray

supersonic wrote:

I'd either get the Crests and Switch wheels, or plump for these:

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

You'd need new rotors, but still, a handbuilt wheelset with double butted spokes for that price is ridiculous! Rims are very good, at least the equal of Mavic 317.

After a recommendation by SS I brought the above wheels, and I think they are good wheels.

jt_intheuk

Sgray wrote:

supersonic wrote:

I'd either get the Crests and Switch wheels, or plump for these:

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

You'd need new rotors, but still, a handbuilt wheelset with double butted spokes for that price is ridiculous! Rims are very good, at least the equal of Mavic 317.

After a recommendation by SS I brought the above wheels, and I think they are good wheels.

Got these as well. Had to wait quite a long time for them to arrive, however got free rim tape and inner tubes! Well done Merlin.

king_jeffers

Great, thanks for all the replies, much appreciated!

After much deliberation think I'll go for;

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

One slight problem, how can I check they are compatible with my bike? I emailed Merlin Cycles and suggested I choose a standard 9mm QR for the front, and a 135mm QR for the rear. However I can't find that option, think its something to swat up on as I don't even know what QR is!

Additionally they say I need to check if I have 6-bolt or centre lock rotors.... help! Not sure off hand but I can probably/hopefully work out the latter when I get home and look at the bike. :oops:

Chunkers1980

Pretty sure you'll need 9mm front QR and 135mm (width this time) QR rear with 6 bolt discs.

Drzoidberg

I just got myself a set of these:

Fulcrum Red Power XL's

http://www.actionsports.de/gb/Wheels/Sy ... 42283.html

£150 delivered from Germany, they seem tough as anything and weigh in a 1700g ish for the pair.

Cant fault them at all for the price

leaflite

King Jeffers wrote:

Great, thanks for all the replies, much appreciated!

After much deliberation think I'll go for;

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

One slight problem, how can I check they are compatible with my bike? I emailed Merlin Cycles and suggested I choose a standard 9mm QR for the front, and a 135mm QR for the rear. However I can't find that option, think its something to swat up on as I don't even know what QR is!

Additionally they say I need to check if I have 6-bolt or centre lock rotors.... help! Not sure off hand but I can probably/hopefully work out the latter when I get home and look at the bike. :oops:

I think that all the hubs in that option list are QR fitting. Shimano generally are unless stated otherwise.

I think the ones that SS recomended are a better deal however