Spinergy spox

[Tel]

Hello,

Does anybody know anything about the forementioned wheels? because I think they look great, but don't want to end up buying a bag of poo. [smiley=diaper.gif] I think I can value your opinions as I've spent the last six weeks reading virtually all the other posts, is there anything you guys don't know about?!

Thanks, Terry

p.s. looks like Callum has got some new springs in, but don't order too quickly 'cos I want some for my beloved (not my wife)

[Matno]

What model year are you talking about? I believe there is quite a bit of variety between years in terms of durability, look, etc...

[Tel]

The wheels are M1-24, with carbon hubs and spokes.Front is radial, rear is cross laced on the drive side. Axle width is 145mm, is this a critical measurment.(I`m a man who gets baffled under a wheel barrow)
 I Knew somebody would know something

[Matno]

I'd say the reviews on MTBR are pretty lousy.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Wheelset/product_23690.shtml

People either love them or hate them, but the number of people who have had rear hubs fail is WAY too high. I guess the bearings they use are crap. Plus, nearly every review mentions the HORRIBLE customer service. Apparently, they make you go through an authorized dealer (make sure you get them from an LBS you like and trust!), and then they gouge you for repair costs. I got the impression that they don't actually repair anything under warranty - you have to pay a "nominal" fee (something like $150 to get a hub rebuilt...)

I think the reviews cover the M1 and M2 models. Maybe the M2 improved on reliability. I haven't heard anything about it.

A few people mentioned that they replaced the bearings with non-Spinergy bearings and had no problems thereafter.

Many people mentioned that tensioning/truing the spokes is a pain.

Replacing spokes for $7 EACH is a painful experience...

I love the look, but if I were buying for myself, I'd steer WAY clear of these. There are other better wheels out there for less money. (But the Spinergys look so cool!)

Oh, and I've never heard of a 145mm axle. Standard MTB axles are 135mm. There are some newer "freeride" models that are 150 (I think). Make sure they would fit your frame before you buy!

[Tel]

Matno, I think you`ve just saved me tearing what little hair I`ve got left out in clumps.
Thanks mate. Tel

[bmwcarver]

I run the Spox, I have had no problems.  They have held true quite well, unless I have done something stupid. The only bearing problem I had was after doing the Flint Hills Death ride here in Kansas a couple years ago.  Was raining and had a couple high water crossings and did the fun thing by riding through the water, and even dumber, waited a week to clean and service after the ride.    Amazingly enough the sealed bearings are the ones that faired very well, popped the seal, cleaned and repacked and all was fine.  The drive side bearings on the rear were another story.  Grit and rust already set in after just a week.  (Loose balls on drive side for axle same as Shimano) Also the freehub internals did the same thing.  Guess the Shimano seals aren't all they are cracked up to be!  Anyway replaced freehub and driveside bearings with a ti freehub and repacked with better grease and all is good again!  Was just too lazy to do the proper mainenance after the wet ride.

Of course it helps that I bought them when I was working as a mechanic at the LBS and got a special deal for LBS employees.  Well below cost.

[proflex252]

I run the Spox now the sixth year.
No prob up to now!
I had those 6 spokes Carbon ones. But they broke.
Afterwards I got the SPOX M2 for free from the importer.
Front whell with 28 spokes and rear wheel with 32 spokes.
These are the ones!
Light! Stable and indestructable.
I got them in the year 2000 and they have to do their job on several marathons every year and while having fun in the Alps on really rocky DHs with 2000 meters in the height every day.
They last!!!

You shouldn't buy the ones with 24 spokes.
I didn't ride them but they shall be feeling soft and have to be trued after every ride. Seems to be bull!

I would buy them again!!

[Tel]

Do I have &^%$&^% luck?
  A set of spinergy spox turn up on ebay as recomended by proflex252, brand new and looking great                                                                   What do I do? Cut the top of my thumb off, and now I dont want to part with any money because of time off work [smiley=depressed.gif] [smiley=depressed.gif] [smiley=depressed.gif]    
Cheers for all the advice though chaps [smiley=beer.gif]next time I`ll be less stupid so I can use it.

[Matno]

Ouch. That sucks. You shouldn't do things like that! (That's what my dad always told me).

Hope it heals fast!