What wheels to upgrade, premade or custom

Brown sauce

Hello,

I have just treated myself to a Giant Anthem X 3 29er. I asked my lbs when I bought it what one of the best upgrades are and he said wheels are a really good upgrade and you will notice lots of difference.

So I am looking at spending around £500 and was looking at Mavic's just bcos I had read good reviews about some. But then my friend is a pro cyclist and he mentioned about getting some hand built.

So hand built means I pick for example some hope hubs and ztr rims and gets shop to build them for me is that right? Is there a major difference from doing that to just buying a pre made pair from Mavic. He mentioned that pre made ones can be expensive if u break them.

Thanks

warpcow

It's the proprietary parts on factory wheels that are the problem: they're not as easily available to replace and cost more. Even something as seemingly simple as a straight-pull spoke can be hard to find without a few weeks notice if you're unlucky. With a handbuilt wheel you can fit pretty much any kind of spoke/rim/nipple if you have to and you're ready to go again. Have a look at places like actionsports.de. They do a good range at good prices. For your budget I'd be thinking DT 240 hubs on something appropriate.

njee20

Agree with all of the above. DT240s on your choice of Stan's rim. Done.

Brown sauce

Awesome, thanks for the replys. Never heard of either of those makes due to never looking into custom wheels before. Looked at the bits you mentioned and bloody hell they're light. Just specked out quickly some 240's with ztr crest rims and they're looking like they're going to be much lighter than the Mavic's I was looking at for a little bit more money.

Thanks for the help

The Rookie

DT swiss comp DB spokes would add about 380g on a 26 (bit more for a 29er), brass nipples 60g (both for 64 - 2 wheels worth).

Northwind

What do you want them to do? An anthem's a really versatile bike, you could put superlight racy wheels on and it'd make sense, or you might want to use it a bit harder and stick something more durable on.

Brown sauce

Im more of a cross country stamina type than downhill racer. So going to go for "superlight racy". Had a chat with John at http://www.justridingalong.com/ and he was really helpful. He really listened to all of my questions and spent loads of time answering them.

I'm going for American Classic hubs,DT swiss supercomp spokes with ZTR crest rims. I also wanted to upgrade my rear cassette to an XT one which he is going to get in and fit for me.

Just got to wait a few weeks till I have been paid.

_jon_

Brown sauce wrote:

Im more of a cross country stamina type than downhill racer. So going to go for "superlight racy". Had a chat with John at http://www.justridingalong.com/ and he was really helpful. He really listened to all of my questions and spent loads of time answering them.

I'm going for American Classic hubs,DT swiss supercomp spokes with ZTR crest rims. I also wanted to upgrade my rear cassette to an XT one which he is going to get in and fit for me.

Just got to wait a few weeks till I have been paid.

I'd second that. And strangely, I went for exactly the same set-up when I bought my wheels from them almost 2 years ago.

njee20

Is that strange? They make consistent recommendations...

Good choice, nice and light!

Zziplex

Brown sauce wrote:

Im more of a cross country stamina type than downhill racer. So going to go for "superlight racy". Had a chat with John at http://www.justridingalong.com/ and he was really helpful. He really listened to all of my questions and spent loads of time answering them.

I'm going for American Classic hubs,DT swiss supercomp spokes with ZTR crest rims. I also wanted to upgrade my rear cassette to an XT one which he is going to get in and fit for me.

Just got to wait a few weeks till I have been paid.

I've got the same but 26" and from JRA too, you'll save loads of weight where it's important.

My freehub broke in the 1st year, JRA picked it up, fixed and sent back all FOC.

Excellent service from them.

Brown sauce

Cool, yep ordered today. Actually went for arch rims for a bit of extra strength but heavier by about 70 grams per wheel. Went for the same otherwise that I was going to go for. Can't wait to get them and get out on them. Went for all black with blue nipples.

That's great that they repaired your hub for free. I have heard nothing but good comments about them.

ddraver

I ve soem Stans Arch rims (from Superstar, not as rich as you! ) and I'm a big fan. Enjoy!