Buy MTB Wheel set or custom build. Spec comparison.

[GrantR-PTA]

Hi, I need some thoughts on this decision:

 

1. Buy Roval Control wheel-set for 8k. Weight: 1550 grams according to store and website. Roval hub, probably with DT Swiss 240 internals (can't verify this). I ride a Specialized Epic so it would be easy to pick these up at my local specialised dealer and its much cheaper than the other two options.

 

Or custom build either of the following.

 

2. Stan’s Crest 29er rims front and rear

·         DT Swiss comp race spokes

·         Aluminium DT Swiss nipples

·         DT Swiss 350 hubs front and rear 

·         Estimated weight should be around 1650gr for the set.

 

Price around 11,000

 

3.  Same as above but with White Industries CLD titanium centre lock hubs front and rear

·         Estimated weight should be around 1500gr for the set.

 

Price around 13,500

 

 

I'm leaning towards the second option but perhaps going  for a 240 hub instead of the 350.

 

What else do I need to consider? The competition race spokes are probably Ok. I think the Revolutions have a higher spec?

 

Are these build R3 - R6 k better than the Roval controls spec wise?

 

The crest also seems to be very popular with wheel builders....anybody know why?

 

Regards,

 

 

[V12man]

I suspect you will find out that Roval control carbon wheels are a bit more than 8k new... quite a bit...

 

I have been riding crest/revolutions/hopes for a few years on my race bikes - no issues if you are light - consider something more robust if you are over 75kg.

 

Now I have swapped to carbon rims with hope hubs and revolution spokes - very pleased indeed so far - much better than the Roval carbons I think (and I do own a set of those)

[V12man]

And your pricing seems a bit out - look here - http://www.cwcycles.co.za/wheels/wheelset-mtb-29er

[GrantR-PTA]

I suspect you will find out that Roval control carbon wheels are a bit more than 8k new... quite a bit...

 

I have been riding crest/revolutions/hopes for a few years on my race bikes - no issues if you are light - consider something more robust if you are over 75kg.

 

Now I have swapped to carbon rims with hope hubs and revolution spokes - very pleased indeed so far - much better than the Roval carbons I think (and I do own a set of those)

The 8k Rovals are not carbon. The Roval carbons start at 18k and the SL 26k.

[GrantR-PTA]

And your pricing seems a bit out - look here - http://www.cwcycles.co.za/wheels/wheelset-mtb-29er

Prices as quoted by the store and wheel builder...

[nonky]

OK, apologies for the hijack but everyone is going to give their opinion anyways.

 

My feeling is that we should look at what's the best mtb wheels for -

 

1) under R10k;

2) R10k-R20k; and

3) R20k+  

 

Just to compare apples with apples.

[V12man]

The 8k Rovals are not carbon. The Roval carbons start at 18k and the SL 26k.

Stay away from the alloy Rovals... they are like spaggetti compared to the carbon ones - fine for a commuter or a cx bike.

 

Go with a set of hope/arch ex or flow ex's from CWC - 6k - no brainer.

[nonky]

Stay away from the alloy Rovals... they are like spaggetti compared to the carbon ones - fine for a commuter or a cx bike.

 

Go with a set of hope/arch ex or flow ex's from CWC - 6k - no brainer.

 

My question is whether there's a TANGIBLE difference in replacing mid-range bike wheels with something like the hope/arch combo or the WTB KOMs or similar (eg under R10k) and. if so, what is it?

[V12man]

My question is whether there's a TANGIBLE difference in replacing mid-range bike wheels with something like the hope/arch combo or the WTB KOMs or similar (eg under R10k) and. if so, what is it?

Yup - they survive being treated badly better.... having pancaked a set of high end DTSwiss lightweight wheels on a small dropoff at speed (major OTB) I say stronger is better - even at a small weight penalty - saves pain....

[raptor-22]

"boutique" MTB wheels are not a very good idea. You're locked into hard to find ofetn out of stock proprietary parts.

 

 

Only OEM wheelsets I found to be trouble free are the Shimano XTR and XT

[Slowbee]

which is better flow ex or arch ex ?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

which is better flow ex or arch ex ?

Flow EX. Wider, stronger, not that much heavier at all. 

[Slowbee]

Flow EX. Wider, stronger, not that much heavier at all. 

i dont believe you.... you are sick..so nothing you say is valid.

[V12man]

which is better flow ex or arch ex ?

Better for what? Better is a very relative judgement when it comes to wheels...

[Slowbee]

better at carrying 95 kg rider, plus a pannier and survive corrugated dirt roads but when not loaded does not mind jumping the odd pavement and never brakes or breaks. oh and rolls nice and smoothly uphill with minimal pedelling*

[madbradd]

Have a look at some Chinese carbon as well. Rims are in the region of 150usd each and wheelsets around 500 to 600 dollars. Usually coming in at between 1500 and 1600g for a 30 or 35mm wide set. Some guys even do dtswiss and hope hubs.

 

I'm 105kgs and riding on a 1550g 30mm wheelset. I also ride like a bit of a tool when the nose points down.... so they're strong.

 

If you want a bit more peace of mind on backup.... look at pyga or one of the other "local" brands. You'll pay a bit more but they've done the legwork in selecting a good supplier.

 

Otherwise your best value is gonna be a stans/hope combo from cwc.