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So, after much back and forth I settled into all but one component of my new wheel build. RIMS: CSIXX XCM 29er, 28h. Why: Wide but not too wide (26mm ID). Reasonable weight (430gr) for the width and thick and strong 3.5mm side walls. Knowing where they are from they will be well designed. And the maker is living nearby should something go wrong. With 30x30mm a stiff yet balanced cross-section. 3mm spokebed asymmetry for evening out spoke stress ratio. HUBS: AM Classic 28h. Why: Lightest hubs for a reasonable price (225gr + 130gr). Reliable, I put 7000km on a previous pair without a hitch. Strong free hub mechanics that are also easy to service. Off the shelf bearings, easy to service as well. Before it is commented on I am not bothered by the engagement. My second choice DT240 would have been the same without the expensive ratchet upgrade. At first I was a bit put off by what seemed to be a waste of hub flange width by the rather large gap between the NDS flange and the rotor lugs. The total flange to flange width that defines the ultimate wheel stiffness is 50mm. But looking at it more carefully I found that the loss of width is only between 2mm and 4mm compared to major other brands. Hope Pro4 has 52mm. DT has 53.9mm (3.8% less or 7.2% less). But the center-to-right and center-to-left offset is more balanced than with the other brands so the spoke tension is more equal. Adding the 3mm spokebed asymmetry of the rim the spoke tension ratio of the front wheel will be 93% and for the rear wheel 105% (greater spoke angle on the drive side, surprise!). That is pretty good and should ease the wheel build. And for both wheels the spokes are the same length for the DS and NDS. SPOKES: That is the remaining question. I already made the call to go for 28 instead of 32 spokes because of the stiff rim needing less support. Now the choice is between standard DB1.8/2.0 or bladed spokes rolled from DB1.5/2.0. I know the answer of every conservative wheelbuilder will be DB1.8/2.0 (after frowning dis-approvingly at the 28h). However CSIXX is building their own wheelsets with 28x DB1.5/2.0 spokes. 1.8/2.0 available on request. The wheelsets are not marketed around their weight. So in some way CSIXX must feel confident that this 28xDB1.5/2.0 is delivering a wheel build up to their standard. Contrary to that, as mentioned above, many wheelsbuilders strongly recommend against anything other 32x 1.8/2.0. Reliability issues are mentioned first, overall strength and stiffness second. Yesterday however I had the pleasure to 'touch' a 28x CXRay (effectively 1.5/2.0) ENVE/CKing wheel on a Scalpel. That wheel was stiffer than my already fantastic 32x 1.8/2.0 AC Wide lighting. So I would happily settle for that. So my spoke choices are right now: Standard DB1.8/2.0 or the Alpina DB1.5 offered by Rapide (similar to CXRay but cheaper). Obviously Brass nipples. Purpose of wheel: Cape Town style trail riding, mainly Tygerberg/Jonkers/TM. Local XCM races. Upcoming EPIC (so yes, reliability is important). I am 78kg. Bike is a full-sus RM Element. So I am interested not just in the standard recommendation to go for the bigger spoke for reliability, but some insight into the mechanical reasons behind and the actual real-life issues that might come up with the light bladed spoke in context with the stiff rims and the balanced spoke tension of the rim/hub setup. Does somebody has a DB1.5/2.0 MTB wheel and is happy/unhappy with it? Fire away

I'm currently riding a Scott Spark 930 and I've upgraded it to a XT 1x11 and I have a XT stages power meter on it. I really enjoy the ride and I'm considering a new set of wheels (American Classic Wide) or "maybe" carbon South Industries. The issues comes in when you start looking at the numbers to upgrade VS buying new. My core challenge I have with "upgrading" the wheels and perhaps other bits and pieces, brakes (from deore --> XT), is whether or not the "platform" as in the frame is worth it to upgrade on. Considering costs, I'm looking at the following: - Wheels 8-20k - XT brakes 3k - Misc (handlebar, stem etc) - R3k - And we haven't discussed possible DI2 / 2x11 config. - And and we haven't looked at the front fork. So the upgrade costs (ex DI2) puts me in the R15k - R20k range to spend. Considering the bike is 18months old, I feel I could get R25k for it second hand, putting me in the R50k range to purchase new. I'm a touch undecided on the path forward. Any cool ideas or tips would be appreciate. Cheerio

Building a bicycle wheel can be a tricky task and is often a job left up to a professional but there are a number of knowledgeable home mechanics up to the job. For those looking to service their wheels at home or on the move, the Super B TB-PF25 provides a compact solution at a reasonable price. Click here to view the article

Hi all. So I am in search of an opinion from you guys. I bought some wheels, Shimano RS81 C24 wheels, in June 2016 (so basically 5 months ago). I have not been riding much and put around 1,500 km on them. On a recent ride I noticed some damage around the nipples on the rim (see the pictures) that seems to have been caused by corrosion or the carbon bubbling. I was naturally upset about this as I have never seen something like this and I am normally careful with my things. I took it back to CWC for a warranty claim but they said it's normal wear and tear and thus not a warranty claim. I went back again and they said they will come back to me, but I have not hear anything again. (I even went back for a 3rd time). I understand damage like this could occur after a few years, but I find it extreme to happen in such a short period of time. I have used multiple Mavic and other Shimano wheels with no problem over several years. I also had a google to see if there is more people with this issue and came to a BikeRadar forum where I guy had the same problem on a C24 DA wheel (basically the same rim, just a different hub) and his was replaced, as well as a person's commenting on the forum. So I find it reasonable to claim under warranty. [The forum - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13064084] Please let me know your thoughts and opinions as I am trying to understand if I am reasonable or not. This is not to slander CWC at all, just to understand if I have a warranty claim that they aren't helping me with. Note: I have had great experiences with CWC in the past, hence my disappointment in how the matter is dealt with this time. I am just asking an opinion here, not trying to offend. Thanks [update - For those joining later. This was a to and from, ultimately a warranty claim and replacement done by CWC. They apologized to me and publicly here, so all is good in the world again.]

Hi All, I am super interested in the CAM C55 carbon clinchers for sale at Chris Willemse Cycles. Does anyone on BikeHUB have the same wheel set? Great price in my opinion for a set of deep section rims - just not sure how reliable/strong they are considering it is not a brand. They do come with a 1 year warranty. Any feedback/advice would be greatly appreciated.

We meet up with Nico and Stephan from South Industries at the Standard Bank Africa Cycle Fair. These two guys are designing and making carbon rims in Cape Town. We sat them down to find out more about their new enterprise. Click here to view the article

Giant introduced a totally new lineup of its award-winning TCR road racing bikes. The new range of composite TCR models includes three series: TCR Advanced SL, TCR Advanced Pro and TCR Advanced. Click here to view the article

So from what I can gather the best value upgrade from the manufacturers supply on a bike would be the wheels. As an entry level (Giant tcr 3) bike what would the best value wheel set be in price, weight, rolling resistance etc. be ? and does it really make that much of a difference. Thanks in advance

Fast climbs and fast descents— from sunup till sundown. Truly made for the modern mountain biker, ROAM wheels use a special balance of low-inertia design, weight and strength to excel on a wide variety of terrain. They’re durable enough for hours in the saddle, yet light enough for race day. Click here to view the article

Syntace is a name that I first recognised from my triathlon days as the makers of tri bars and other high-end products. Perhaps a little ahead of their time, the German company introduced their W-Series range of lightweight, super wide aluminium mountain bike wheels “way” back in 2012. Click here to view the article

So I'm saving up for a new set of wheels and I'm looking at the American Classic 29er wheels as I've heard great things about them. I ride XC/ Marathon and I'm not competeing for a podium but I do push for my best possible time. I weigh around 62kg and I want the wheels to last and be really solid as I don't the money to have them trued every second month. I'm looking at either the American Classic Wide Lightning or American Classic Race, so which isit worth the extra for the Race and are they as strong?

Hi The bearings in my front wheel (Microtech) are shot. My LBS is having difficulty sourcing the replacement bearings. We are looking for 2 x 699 2RS bearings. If anyone has these in stock, or knows where I can get them, I would be grateful for any help and advice. Many thanks Harry

Hi guys, I'm looking for some advice on which road wheelset would best suit me as a rider. Background: I've been using an entry level shimano wheelset for the past 7 years and would like to replace them with something a bit better. I'm a light rider @ 65kg's, enjoy climbs and am weak on the flats. I'm looking at the second hand market (around R4500) and am keen on either: Mavic Ksyrium Elite American Classic 420 Aero | 3 I will be using these wheels for training and racing. I only race a couple of times a year and can't justify 2 wheelsets. Will the aero profile of the AC improve my riding on the flats? Does anyone have experience with both of these wheels? What is the quality like of the two brands? Any advice is welcome

Hi Guys I'm looking at buying a set of token MTB wheels. Has anyone bought a set recently and what are your thoughts.

Following the success of their Wide Lightning wheels launched a couple of years ago, American Classic set out to design and build a carbon version. Click here to view the article

...how does one decide which color to order! http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2901/14248991882_1668cca1b4_b.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3723/10296560354_dcc0cb29cc_b.jpg http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8353/8411551691_6ef0de2859_b.jpg http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8191/8412558272_501f73b4fd_b.jpg http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8510/8414970588_dd8fae8ee0_b.jpg http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8227/8413789685_0a485844c4_b.jpg http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8514/8414687558_019695457e_b.jpg

Industry Nine, an innovative cycling components manufacturer in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is pleased to announce the Torch Trail S mountain bike wheelset. The Trail S offers outstanding performance, and quality Industry Nine craftsmanship at a class leading value. This wheelset was designed from the ground up to provide the features Industry Nine Torch Series wheels are known for – high engagement hubs, excellent stiffness-weight ratio, easy endcap compatibility, and modern tubeless-ready rims. As with all Industry Nine wheelsets, every pair of Trail S wheels is Handmade in Asheville, NC. Click here to view the article

I'm looking at the dark horse mountain bike carbon 29" wheelset as an option but can't find any reviews. There are a few on their road wheelsets. Anyone have a set and can give me an opinion?

I have a new bike in the works, but am stuck on wheels. I thought that the all knowing forum might be of help, or at least give me some insights. I'm looking to get a solid, but not rock hard wheelset and have narrowed it to three options, but not opposed to suggestions. I'm down to DT Swiss Spline E1900, DT Swiss Spline Two E1700 or a custom pair with Hope hubs and Nukeproof Generator AM rims. They're all around the 22-23mm inner width for hubs. The only thing stopping me from the Hope wheels are the sound, and the 1700's are on the expensive side. I've also looked at Superstar wheels, but seeing as I'm based in Beijing at the moment, shipping is killer. Any suggestions?

Hi guys I have a set of Fulcrum Red Metal 3 wheels for my mountain bike - the front one I popped on a tyre (UST), inflated and it is holding perfectly. The rear tyre on the other hand... Well there's air leaking through the water drain hole (as seen in this topic http://forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/hole-drilled-my-new-rim-590391.html). I've applied a rim strip but to no avail. Any suggestions?

Hi, I am looking for MTB 29er tyres that are fast rolling but are strong as well. i don't want to puncture every 5 minutes, especially when going over rocks. I will be purchasing Mavic crossmax SL tubesless wheels. What would you guys suggest? I doesn't have to be Specialized. I was thinking of going with the 2 models but read too many negative reviews on them, the first getting alot of punctures: S-WORKS GROUND CONTROL 2BLISS READYFAST TRAK CONTROL 2BLISS READYI'm not a pro but I just want to ride faster, I currently use the Specialized ground control tyres but I feel there might be alot of drag. I ride a lot of trail that consists of rocky sections, singletrack and long gravel roads. Thanks Brendan

Hello Everyone I recently bought a new road bike with Campagnolo Zonda wheels and was thinking to buy a new pair of wheels more aero. My first choice would be the Campagnolo Bora Ultra but the yard way to expensive here in Cape Town. I noticed that a lot of cyclist in cape town use the Dark Horse Wheels,also a friend of mine has it on his tt bike and he suggested them. Does any of you know more about these wheels?I noticed that the brand is local but can't really find reviews about them. Thanks a lot

I have an old set of 26" Giant wheels that came with my Anthem (maybe from the USA). They run on no-name 24 hole hubs. Front wheel is still perfect, but on the rear the freebody is shot; it slips. My LBS (small town) told me it's unrepairable because spares are not available. Is this really the case? I'd love to use that rear wheel on my indoor trainer. Thanks guys!

HuntBikeWheels is a new marque based in Sussex, UK and available world-wide which is focusing on tubeless-ready road wheels for their launch range. The company has just launched their website and social media and was founded by Tom Marchment who has spent the last 12 years working with prominent bicycle companies, component brands and distributors in the UK. Click here to view the article

Hi, Looking for some info, real life experience on the Specialized Roval Control Carbon 29 wheels. (Not the SL's) http://www.specialized.com/za/en/ftb/wheels/roval-mtb-xc-race/roval-control-29-carbon These are pretty much standard on the Marathon and similar specced Epic's it seems. Are these tough enough for like Epic?Anyone had one of these wheels fail?Easy to get a tyre seated (Racing Ralph?)I weigh about 80kgs - would I be better off with a set of ZTR Crests or are these a worthwhile upgrade?Any info appreciated.