Upgrading MTB Wheels

[slickjay007]

Hi All,

 

I'm Looking for some advice as I'm looking to upgrade my standard Merida 29er Wheels and Tyres to something lighter and wanted to know what the best combo would be as I ride the normal jeep and single track and not much to technical?

 

I've seen a set of wheels and tyres on the Hub for a decent price:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/173119-dt-swiss-x470-mtb-wheels-tyres/

 

Any feedback if this would be a good choice?

 

My budget is roughly R3500

 

Thanks all :-)

[johanpre44]

What wheels on your current bike? Alex rims with Shimano M475 hubs? Do you have any problems with your current wheel set? Tried any new tires on your current wheels?

 

Price is not bad for a set of wheels with rotors and tires, but I don't think they are much different to what is on your bike now.

 

Wheel upgrade is a good option to change your ride, but personally I would go for a wider rim (inner width of at least 21mm like Stans Crest), it adds some stability to your ride when going through corners at speed. Shimano hubs are good but require regular maintenance (to keep the bearings running smooth and without play), but then again the seals on SLX hubs are quite good (compared to the cheaper non-series Shimano Hubs).

 

Have you had a look at these: http://www.rapide.co.za/product/rapide-xca29-wheelset/

 

I would not mind to have a set of Hope Hubs laced to Stans Arch or Crest rims (but they are running at about R6000 if your lucky).

 

Also look at a nice set of tires, I like Spez Ground Controls (gone through about 4 of these tires over the last 2 years on 2 bikes).

[henningvr]

I do similar riding to you, slickjay.

I recently upgraded from AlexRims DM21 with Shimano M475 hubs to Rapidé TR29 TrailRacer wheels (Rapidé R25 rims - 25mm internal / 30mm external) on Rapidé Ultralight PRO hubs (these come complete with quick release and thru-axel adapters).
 

I've done approximately 800 kilometers so far, and all I can say is that I am extremely pleased. I'm a heavy chap (110kg before breakfast), and so far this wheel set has been rock solid. Great value for money, and Wayne at Rapidé is great to deal with.

[madbradd]

This is a good option if you're lighter than 85 kgs

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/177962-stans-ztr-crest-with-hope-pro-ii-hubs/

 

It's strange though.... at R3k anything is pretty much a side grade. I have 3 mtb wheelsets. My stock giant anthem ones which you can pick up for about R1500, a set of Syncross/DTswiss wheels off a Scott 920 which I see advertised for between 2500 and 3500, and a set of Chinese carbon on Chosen hubs which were USD 600 plus shipping. The carbon ones are in another league. But of the other two sets I prefer the Giant wheels because even though the Syncros are a bit lighter, the Giant's give no hassles, are quieter cos the Syncros spokes tend to sing a bit, and are easier to seat tyres.

 

The moral is that "cheaper" wheelsets all seem to be a bit of a side grade. If your budget is R3k, my advice would be to keep it. You're not going to see a whole lot of difference by spending R3k on a wheelsets unless it's a super bargain.

 

I would save up a little more, and then get something that will make a notable difference. Syncros off of a Scott 910 would be great, or a hope/stans set on special from cwcycles, or chines carbon if JZ would stop saying stupid things. If you're lucky you'll find someone selling wheels off a giant anthem advanced (note the advanced, these wheels have the straightpull hubs not the jbend ones and are a lot lighter) for a steal just because they're Giant wheels.

 

I don't have experience with the Rapide wheels, but they look the business for R4200 new, though Scott910 or GiantAdvanced wheels will probably be better but are like hen's teeth.

[slickjay007]

Shot for the advice gents!