MTB UST Wheel Set: Easton EA70 XC Disc vs Shimano XT

[Panini]

Hi all you hubbers,

 

I am interested in purchasing some wheels as my next step of upgrading. I have decided on two wheel sets and would like your guy’s thoughts on these.

 

The wheel sets are Easton EA70 XC Disc and Shimano XT (M775). I ride occasionally but will be doing a lot more riding closer to the end of the year going forward. I weigh 110kg, so reliability is a factor. Most of my riding is/will be XC.

 

Your inputs are appreciated.

 

Cheers

Panini

 

[NINER_boy]

Hi Panini

 

Between those tho sets: Easton EA70 all the way.

 

My recommendation to you though would be... (based on your weight, same as me )

Have yourself a custom set of wheels built;

 

Hope Pro II hubs

Stan's ZTR Flow rims (the Flow is slightly heavier than the Crest, but BOMB-proof!!!)

 

I have a set like those (29er), and they are a fit and forget item. Just the way I like it, low maintenance but RELIABLE.

 

 

If you need some info on someone who cam help with a proper wheel build, PM me.

 

Regards

[nigelhicks]

EASTONS all the way ... i may be the only one out there ... but I have had ENDLESS problems with XT hubs ... I bought the Full XT wheelset and the hub bearings seized after a month ... were never the same. Then got XT hubs with mavic rims on my new XC bike and immediately the module started playing up!

 

One think i will say for the XT's is that the Full XT wheelset is the stiffest wheelset i have ridden ... it rivals my DH wheels ... REALLY REALLY good in that respect!

 

But Id say go for the EASTONS!

 

HOWEVER .... i know of 2 guys here in Durbs where they had the EASTON HAVENS and the spokes corroded and began to snap! ... BUT they are now riding EA 90's and no problems ...

 

Hope this helps ...

[rouxtjie]

What niner boy said, but if I had to choose between the two...Easton's

 

The XT's hub seals(if you can call it that) are garbage. You will be servicing them alot

[pauloc]

+1 for easton's. Got a set of XC one's and they're AWESOME.

 

Just check the weight limit though - I think there were a few guys that buckled their easton's when I was checking the reviews.

[Panini]

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it.

 

@NINER_boy: When we talk custom, we usually talk custom price as well! Will PM you.

[TNOSE_E]

Off a online website

 

Easton EA70 R3900

Easton EA90 R7000

XT M775 R2700

[Panini]

Off a online website

 

Easton EA70 R3900

Easton EA90 R7000

XT M775 R2700

 

South African based? Let me know. Those are good prices I think.

 

Thanks for the reply.

[TNOSE_E]

South African based? Let me know. Those are good prices I think.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

 

No, CRC. So you would need to add VAT onto those prices.... Free postage over 2570, no duties...

[akneethling]

Easton :-)

[BigGuy]

I use the XT wheels for training. They seem strong enough to carry my weight, which is almost similar to yours. They do need a bit of TLC on the bearings but once you get the hang of it, it is not too much of a problem. If you neglect the bearing maintenance you will screw up the hub cups fairly quickly, the front and non-drive side are not replaceable parts afaik. I have heard that replacement spokes are expensive.