XC Wheels

[Edgar]

Looking into new wheels, currently running Mavic SL's with XT hubs about 3 years old now and many K's under them. Looking for a ligth but reliable - contradiction - replacement set. Mostly for XC riding and some stage racing. So many options right now.

 

What would hubbers recommend?

 

Cheers

E

[WRIGHTLIGHT]

The XT's are great and very strong, extra weight is worth the reliability +-1650g.

American Classics are light and not too strong 1450g

Token....don't know, looks good.

[Vinnydabutcher]

Ritchey WCS - no flex and light.

 

I`ve done some silly things on them with no problem

[splat]

What about some hand builts?

Hope Pro II with ZTR Crest and DT Comp spokes?

[Eldron]

Can't go wrong with either the XT wheelset ot the American Classics.

 

I've had both (plus a few others) and in my opinion XT/AC's are the best compromise of value, weight and strength.

 

Hand builts are great - if you know a good builder. As Johan B will attest the builder has a huge influence on how thw final product turns out.

[Edgar]

Thanks for the repsonse. A few things to start thinking about, nothing on the DT Swiss wheels?

[mikkelz]

As much as I like the weight (or lack thereof) of the American Classic 26 MTB disc/tubeless rims and their cheap price, their strength leaves me with doubts in my mind.

 

I have the stock DT Swiss 420SL's that came on my '09 Stumpjumper and I'm pretty happy with them. i.e. haven't had any need to change them, aside from the "I wish this was lighter" urge to upgrade.

[PhilipV]

When buying into proprietary wheelsets do a bit of homework on the local suppliers' service and backup. I cant get a replacement rim or even a front wheel replacement for my fulcrum wheels as the supplier has no stock.

[splat]

Aren't XT spokes also hard to come by?

[mikkelz]

When buying into proprietary wheelsets do a bit of homework on the local suppliers' service and backup. I cant get a replacement rim or even a front wheel replacement for my fulcrum wheels as the supplier has no stock.

 

And make sure they're for the correct rotor type: 6-bolt or C-lock. Unless you want to upgrade rotors or buy an adapter...

[Edgar]

Definitely 6 bolt and Tubeless ready. I don't want to be hacking around with conversion kits. What are the weight of the DT 420 SL, does not seem to be too much info on them?

 

Get the idea that the AM's might not take the pounding, lightweight rider though.

[crasher]

Aren't XT spokes also hard to come by?

 

Yes but its their price thats scary

[Santa C]

Have had no problem with the AC's

My Mavic SLR are awesome, a bit heavy though, also the odd issue on the back hub.

 

The AC has a built in rim strip so factory coverted tubeless ready!