XC Wheelsets

[sidathensgold]

I'm considering purchasing a new set of wheels for my hardtail to celebrate finishing school. I currently have the stock wheels from my xtc 1; Mavic 317's laced to DT Swiss Cerit hubs. Im wondering what options I have in terms of upgrading to a lighter wheelset.

-I ride pretty softly, so strength is not a huge issue.
-Im not fussed as to whether it is tubeless are not.
-Cost is an issue, possibly under $800 if possible??
-The wheels will be used for xc racing, enduros and xc riding.
-Lightweight would be excellent (at least lighter than the ones i have)

Any ideas/opinions?

Cheers, Lewis.

[DaGonz]

I currently have the stock wheels from my xtc 1; Mavic 317's laced to DT Swiss Cerit hubs. Im wondering what options I have in terms of upgrading to a lighter wheelset.


I heard a rumour that a range of lightweight UST(ish) wheels starting from about $450-500 will be hitting the shelves in '08...

Otherwise, a set of onyx hubs, stans rims and something dt(ish) joining the bits together would probably fit in that price range. XT wheels I think are a bit more than that unfortunately.

317's are already pretty light, so you could almost keep the rims and throw something else in the middle for your $800 as well

*shrug*

Cheers
Gonz

[floz]

I'm looking for custom built wheels with similar requirements too.
After some internet research and chatting to a couple of the LBS, I think my options are-
1. A wheelset built up by this guy whose offering a pretty good deal. http://www.twowheelsenterprises.com.au/about.html
2. Custom wheelset from CRC - probably built around Hope pro II hubs.
3. Wheelset from Phantom Cycles

I'm not discounting a factory wheelset, but I would prefer a strong, reliable, relatively light wheelset with 32 spokes for a reasonable price. Black rims silver spokes & hubs as far as asthetics goes - not that I fussy or anything.

[Some Guy]

You could get a CRC built wheelset for a good price - Pro II, 717, Comp spokes @$450 odd - but it won't be that light. Mine came in around 1850 from memory. The same wheels but with supercomp spokes and alloy nipples would save 100gr, and stans rims would save another 100+ grams.

The Pro II/717/Comp combo is pretty bomber though, and the more weight you shave the less bomber they get. I use it is my training/mud/trail wheelset, with an american classic wheelset for racing. The am classics are another option, but I'm not sure they are worth $580. While light at 1500gr they aren't the most durable wheels. You'll go through the bearings like they are going out of fashion.

[jaseh]

Should be able to pick up a new set of 08 XT wheels (XC model) for under $800, I sell them for $699. weigh a bit over 1600 grams.

[sidathensgold]

1. A wheelset built up by this guy whose offering a pretty good deal. http://www.twowheelsenterprises.com.au/about.html


I had a look at this guy earlier today, he looks the goods, gonna find out more!

Should be able to pick up a new set of 08 XT wheels (XC model) for under $800, I sell them for $699. weigh a bit over 1600 grams.

That is very good value, they look tidy! Id have to get adapters though because i run avid brakes.

Cheers for the input fellas, keep it coming

[craign]

Otherwise, a set of onyx hubs, stans rims and something dt(ish) joining the bits together would probably fit in that price range.

Onyx == Cerit but with a nicer finish, so there would be no hub upgrade there.

[k3n!f]

I am thinking about picking up a nice set of wheels in the future with the same budget/requirements as you. Personally, I really like the look of the complete Hope Pro 3 wheelset. It weighs 1620 grams, costs $680, uses the proven Pro II design with straight pull spokes and is very sexy.

http://chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20520

http://www.hopegb.com/photosmep/p45.jpg
http://chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/20520.jpg

[Some Guy]

I didn't realise CRC had the Pro III wheels in stock. For $680 that would be my choice over a Pro II/717 or Am Classic set for sure.

Free postage too :D

[morto1980]

That is very good value, they look tidy! Id have to get adapters though because i run avid brakes.


A little birdy (Ok, a 65kg XC birdy) told me you can run the Shimano centre-lock rotors with brakes designed to use the 6-bolt rotors. So, sell your avid rotors and get a set of Shimanos and it'll work. (Or adaptors as you've mentioned).

[alexb618]

Mr bikestore (I think) in HK has king/mavic 819 (tubeless) built wheelsets that you can have landed for around $800

Not quite weight weenie but you’ll probably never have to/want to buy another wheelset after these

[jaseh]

A little birdy (Ok, a 65kg XC birdy) told me you can run the Shimano centre-lock rotors with brakes designed to use the 6-bolt rotors. So, sell your avid rotors and get a set of Shimanos and it'll work. (Or adaptors as you've mentioned).

I've run Shimano rotors with avid calipers before, it works well, I actually thought the power was better with XT rotors, don't know why but it just felt heaps better. Your looking about $36 an end for adaptors and about $50 for LX centrelock rotors an end. If you bought the wheels and rotors in the one purchase you would get the rotors cheaper.

[leftieant]

Built my girlfriends bike up with Hayes HFX9 brakes and Shimano LX rotors. The disc profile and grab area is about the same. She probably doesn't put them through the same degree of abuse that I do, but they seem to work pretty darn well!

Ant

[k3n!f]

A little birdy (Ok, a 65kg XC birdy) told me you can run the Shimano centre-lock rotors with brakes designed to use the 6-bolt rotors. So, sell your avid rotors and get a set of Shimanos and it'll work. (Or adaptors as you've mentioned).

I was under the (perhaps false) impression that the braking "blade" on Shimano rotors is too narrow to run with other brakes. It means the entire surface of the pads doesn't contact the rotors. You can run Shimano calipers with other branded rotors though.

Can anyone confirm this?

[jaseh]

The only thing I noticed with my set up was the pad went lower than the braking surface by a couple of mm onto the arms. I never had any issues with uneven pad wear.