Wheels, XTR vs ZTR Olympic

[zeepee]

Hi all

 

I'm in the market for some new MTB wheels(26"). I currently have DT swiss 430 rims laced to XT hubs on my bike.

 

I have been looking at the Stans ZTR olympics for a while now.

 

There are a pair of XTR wheels and a set of ZTR olympic rims laced to XTR hubs for sale on the hub at the moment.

 

Which would be the better set to get, considering I'm fairly heavy (90kgs) and will be using them for the Epic. So I need a reliable and strong set for my weight.

 

Thanks

Edited November 28, 2011 by zeepee

[Johan Bornman]

Shimano's XTR and XT wheels are flops. Massive flops. The new-style hubs with oversize aluminium axles don't seal well and it is almost impossible to ride as a MTB should ride, without picking up bearing damage due to water and dirt intrusion.

[The Drongo]

Hi all

 

I'm in the market for some new MTB wheels(26"). I currently have DT swiss 430 rims laced to XT hubs on my bike.

 

I have been looking at the Stans ZTR olympics for a while now.

 

There are a pair of XTR wheels and a set of ZTR olympics laced to XTR rims for sale on the hub at the moment.

 

Which would be the better set to get, considering I'm fairly heavy (90kgs) and will be using them for the Epic. So I need a reliable and strong set for my weight.

 

Thanks

Nothing wrong with ZTR's. You just want to forget anything with XTR branded hubs. Unless you want to spend your life servicing hubs or re-lacing wheels.

 

That's the price for "weight weenie" !

[Weight Weenie]

ZTR rims are made to use normal folding tyres, so considering you are doing the Epic I think XTR rims that are UST tubeless with UST tyres would be the safest bet with the least hassles on the route.

[NPJ]

There is another option if you want to go to the effort! Mavic 819 rims on Hope pro2 hubs...not to sure what the price is these day but it cant be much more than the xtr wheels set. I have had mine for four years now and they are still going strong! never replaced the bearings in the hubs and only trued the wheels a handful of times. They are light enough aswel! anyway just a though if you were looking at a long term investment!

[Fish Eagle]

There is another option if you want to go to the effort! Mavic 819 rims on Hope pro2 hubs...not to sure what the price is these day but it cant be much more than the xtr wheels set. I have had mine for four years now and they are still going strong! never replaced the bearings in the hubs and only trued the wheels a handful of times. They are light enough aswel! anyway just a though if you were looking at a long term investment!

 

those hubs are awesome!!

[b-unit]

I had XTR 26" wheelset. It was AWESOME. And I will buy them again.

[zeepee]

Thanks guys

 

@Nate, the Mavic's are definately a option. Looking at some Crossmax ST's as a option

 

@Johan, ZTR olympics laced to Hope hubs, any good for my weight?

[rouxtjie]

@Johan, ZTR olympics laced to Hope hubs, any good for my weight?

I wouldn't consider anything else if I was doing the epic. No fuss wheels

[Pieterg]

XTR the name say's it all

[Ovenboi]

For the Epic you need something strong and reliable with extra spokes should you need it for a repair. Johan can measure and supply you the correct ones.

 

If the wheel has been built properly you should never break a spoke unless you hit a rock (which there are LOADS of at the epic)

 

You are only 90Kg. I'm 97 and are using ZTR Crest with DT swiss 240 hubs and they have been very good and this is on a 29er.

 

Custom wheels are the way to go in my opinion.

[NPJ]

Try get a tubeless rim, unfortunately the ZTR you have to convert. I have a set of ZTR's aswel as the other set that i have mentioned before. I love them both, however like i mentioned before i have had my Hope and mavics for four years now. The ZTR are race wheels, the mavic819 on hope hubs are strong light and reliable - please dont make the mistake and worry about the weight difference, when it comes to such an amazing stage race the last thing you need to worry about is you equipment letting you down. So proper tubeless tyres onto tubeless rims!

 

You know the funny thing is that no matter what anyone says or what advice you take in the end...what works for one does not necessarily work for another!

Hope you come right!

[zeepee]

I'm not overly concerned about weight, just want a strong/stiff set that wont let me down.

Custom is a option and the Mavic's are looking like the best option at the moment.