Author Topic: What are the best wheels you can buy/make? (Read 5405 times)

jazclrint · « **on:** November 02, 2005, 04:10:30 pm »

Hey guys,
Since I'm not up on what's current I thought I'd see what you guys have to say. I have some cool Rolf Dolomites, but they are the cheaper heavier of the 2 Rolf models. But I would like to a set of XC racing disk wheels. Am I better off buying wheels like Mavic or Cane creek. Or can I build wheels just as good and cheaper? What are the best rims and hubs? Anyone used Ti spokes?
Thanks guys,
Rich

Mr.Ed · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2005, 04:41:37 am »

I had ti spokes on Cane Creek rims on an OZ. With the carbon swingarm, it was a tad too flexy for me. I am 180 pounds. Put the canecreeks on my steel rigid commuter, and bought kings on 717's for the OZ. Much better, but still a little flexy is the swingarm !!!

just a thought..

colinv · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2005, 08:37:10 am »

Best hubs I've ever had are HUGI's, so smooth and instant power delivery.

shovelon · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2005, 09:34:51 am »

Well if I were going to build a wheel, I would start with a WTB Laserdisk lite hub, then Stan's Olympic ZTR 348gram rim, DT revolution spokes with allum nipples on a 3 cross lacing, and Ritchey rim tape. Ti spokes are nice but need more tension than normal, and alum nipples don't like that.

I am beating up my mavic 517 on XTR, with DT revolution/alum nipples with no problems except cracking of the rim at the eyelets. Sounds flexy I know, but I too have most of my flex at the carbon swingarm.

Terry

Matno · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2005, 11:13:29 am »

I'm a huge fan of the Mavic CrossMax XLs. I don't think you can find a better combination of light weight and durability. Not to mention they look sweet. Mavic hubs are so stinkin' smooth, it's hard to believe I ever used anything else!

Carbon_Kiwi · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2005, 11:35:03 am »

me: chris king discotech hubs (primo), DT disc specific rims, DT alloy nipples and DT double butted spokes.
have been thrashing now for (i guess) 18-24 months and they are as good as the day i bought em. i'm an XC/All Mountain rider, about 165 (75kg's).
have often thought about Ti spokes, but that's as far as i've gone (thinking about them...)

jazclrint · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2005, 12:45:44 pm »

I never noticed any flex in the swingarm. But I don't have that many miles on the bike. At least no more than the alluminum SA on my old 2000. The guys at Raceface thought I might find some flex in the Next LP cranks I have because of my wieght, but I have yet to get that feeling.
Any suggestions on American specific parts?
Thanks.

Matno · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:52:47 pm »

The carbon swingarms are VERY flexy. Even at my featherweight of 140lbs, it's very noticeable. I've ridden three of them (all '98 5000s) with no difference, regardless of the wheels used. I'm currently using a pair of Bontrager disc wheels (Race Disc Modified) that are fantastic - smooth and strong, although I'd say they're not as light as Bontrager claimed.

If you notice flex in your LP cranks, you'll notice it in any crank. I used to have some of those, and I think they are about as stiff as cranks get. Totally bombproof.

colinv · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2005, 02:40:39 am »

I agree about the mavic hubs being smooth, I almost had all mavic groupset on my Pace, all it was lacking was a brake system, did any of you guys on here have the snowflake wheels? my ones laste for years on a set of campag rims(blast from he past for ya).

Simon · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2005, 03:14:44 am »

Hope XC disc Hubs,Ti freehub,
D/Butted DT Swiss spokes (black),
Mavic X317 (now 717) rims (black),
would go for DT Swiss rims next.
this setup has lasted years without having to tweak,
custom build from a reputable wheel builder is the reason for trouble free use.
Simon.

shovelon · « **Reply #10 on:** November 09, 2005, 02:24:41 am »

Simon,

Ti freehub? I am intrigued. Please elaborate on this. What brand? How light?

Simon · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2005, 04:05:17 am »

Quote

Simon,

Ti freehub? I am intrigued. Please elaborate on this. What brand? How light?

Its HOPE,
with the XC hub you either buy standard sport or
Ti which is the same up but fitted with Ti freehub.
Never weighed it but doubt much lighter than standard but stronger.
Simon.

jeffhop · « **Reply #12 on:** November 09, 2005, 10:37:13 am »

the standard hope xc rear hub is 385 gram whereas the ti version is 340 gram

will · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2005, 01:46:55 am »

...the BEST wheels are the ones turning underneath you!
The next best wheels are the ones you can ride without thinking about how much they cost.

A few examples:

(These deals are amazing to me...)

For $180 how about Mavic XC717/Shimano XT M765 Centerlock Disc Wheelset?

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=14426&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Or for $69 - this is unbelievable - Mavic x139 /Shimano Deore Disc Wheelset

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=10626&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

My buddy at the LBS just shakes his head when he sees this stuff going below his wholesale.

Will

jeffhop · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2005, 02:00:29 am »

those deore wheels are unbelievably cheap ive just worked them out to be £39 in uk money which is about what a front wheel costs here

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Author Topic: What are the best wheels you can buy/make? (Read 5405 times)

will