American Classic 29" mountain bike wheels offer high performance for cross country riding and racing. Lightweight and durable with a deep section rim design that is 22mm wide x 24mm high. Compatible with many of the tubeless systems on the market.
Submitted by
epxhammerhead
a Cross Country Rider
from watkinsville , ga, usa Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ft. yargo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
bicyle haus, arizona
Strengths:
seem moderately light, look good
Weaknesses:
broke spoke after 6th ride, moderate xc rides only , totalling about 120 miles
Similar Products Used:
26" xtr/mavic
Bike Setup:
Niner EMD9
Bottom Line:
broke a spoke only after 6 moderate rides
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLH
a
from Washington Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight... spin up well... tough as nails.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found except a bit of a loud ratchet. But KK hubs have a similar problem.
Similar Products Used:
Everything in 26" that is usful for all mountain riding. Only other set of 29er wheels I have used are XT/Velocity blunts - which are also a good but heavy wheelset.
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula 2-9 -- XT drivetrain -- RS forks -- thompson cockpit -- KK headset. Pretty standard fair with an eye to quality and durability. I've been riding for over 20 years and I am not a light weight - although I do know how to ride.
Bottom Line:
I don't know what the previous reviewer's problems where but I ride in the PNW. We have a lot of roots, rocks and other technical problems, including a lot of mud and water. This wheelset made a different accelerating bike out of my 29er. They spin up - they ride smoothly - they seem very durable. I don't do any drop over 3-4' but I do not shy away from any sort of rocky or tech riding. As an example I just rode 80% of gooseberry mesa with these wheels last week with no problems whatsoever, anywhere on any of the more or less difficult technical or lumpy sections of the North or South rims -- I unfortunately didn't have time to do it all -- my significant other allowed me the day on our spring break holiday, so I was happy for the time I got. In my opinion this is a fine wheelset with quality hubs and quality rims, and I recommend them highly.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedars Date Reviewed: May 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Weaknesses:
Rims are weak and dent very easily, not to be used by anyone who rides rocky mtb conditions. Road and hardpack conditions only. Also had continuous problems with rear hub bearings loosening up, had to adjust bearings often.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic, Easton, WTB, Did not have any of the same problems with these wheels
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 spot, set up for all mountain/cross country
Bottom Line:
Would not purchase another AC wheel
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
unSane
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kingdom Trails/Kolapore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bike29.com
Strengths:
Very, very light, lively wheelset. Seem strong and well-built.
Weaknesses:
Early version of rear hub had problems, now fixed by recall. Quick release design not the best I've used.
These wheels are bafflingly light but seem extremely strong. I am 190lb and like to pop off 1-2' jumps and have had no problems. They really do transform the ride when compared to the much heavier WTB wheelset. If you are hucking off 3' drops every day I would probably look for another product but for fast trail riding of rooty/rocky terrain I heartily recommend these wheels. Next to the frame, these wheels will make the most difference to your ride of any component upgrade IMO. 4 chilis for value because they are somewhat expensive.
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