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Cane Creek
Crono Wheelset
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Submitted by
David Baltazar
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Montebello in Cupertino, CA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | LIGHT ROTATING MASS AND TIGHT SPOKE TENSION. | | Weaknesses: | REAR HUB IS EXPOSED TO DUST. | | Similar Products Used: | MAVIC WHEELS | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab, XTR Rapid Rise rear derailer, XTR index shifter & remote bar-end shifters, XT front derailer, Cane Creek Cronos wheels, Race Face cranks, Richtey clipless pedals, Rock Shox T2 fork with Englund Air dampers, Schwinn Stingray MTB saddle with TI rails, Kore Stem, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 & 1.8 tires. | | Bottom Line: | The Cane Creek Cronos wheels have so far have been the most, favorite upgrade of my bike and my bike has undergone numerous upgrades as it hardly resembles the stock set-up when I originally purchased it. This is the most unique set of rims you will ever buy because the nipple spokes are on the hubs and not on the wheels. This results in a lighter, rotating mass which I noticed right away during steep, hill climbs. The spokes are also tensioned much tighter that conventional wheels resulting in stronger and straighter wheels. After numerous cross-country races and “fun” rides on rough terrain my Can Creek Cronos wheels are as true today as the date I first put them on. Haven’t had them trued yet! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu
a Racer
from Regina, Sk Canada
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek | | Strengths: | Strong, lightweight, alsmost NEVER need trueing, did I mention strong? | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of as long as you don't use them outside of their means. Thay are a XC wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | Maxic 517' and 717's, Spinergy | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9900 OCLV Pro Issue, full XTR, SID race fork, ICON stem, bar, and post. Bontrager FS race saddle, Cane Creek headset. | | Bottom Line: | These rimes have been great for me. They are super TOUGH and lightweight anough that most racers should or do consider them for their bikes. These came with my Trek in 1999 and only this year (2005) did my rear rim finally fail. This is due to my own fault as I was using them out of their means. These rims are not meant for drops or trials riding! The spokes pulled through the rim.
Be warned if you live in Canada, don't plan on finding a replacement rim easily. You'll have to order one from Cane Creek direct ($50 USD) or send your rim to them to be rebuilt($85USD). Not a convenience.
My rear rim had to be trued only once after 3 years of riding and then went on to last another 3 years until I ruined it by fault of my own.
I'd buy another set for my XC racer in a heartbeat! Best damn rims I've ever ridden! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Fontaine
a Cross Country Rider
from Great Falls MT
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rivers edge | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Unique design that works. Straight pull spokes have no weak points. | | Weaknesses: | besides the price NONE. Like they say, you get what you pay for. | | Similar Products Used: | Crossmax, Mavic x221 | | Bike Setup: | Alpinestars full XTR, Manitou SX-R, Kooka cranks, Salsa brake booster and seat binder, Kore Elite bar, Raceface stem, Crossmax front wheel, Cane Creek headset, rear wheel and Thudbuster | | Bottom Line: | The non-drive side weld on my Crono let go at the top of the rim and about 1mm down the sidewall and was punching out hitting my pads. Even with a broken weld, the wheel is still straight as an arrow and after backing my brakes off it got me home. But the real bottom line is Cane Creeks customer service. I talked to them today, and they said send it in for a discounted rebuild. This is the third time the customer service has worked with me and has provided EXCELLENT service. 5 chilies for a great product and an even better company that really backs there stuff! Ride on | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gk
a Cross Country Rider
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light, strong, look cool, arent crossmax's | | Weaknesses: | so far ive only had to keep everything tight, thats about it | | Bottom Line: | i read all the reviews when i was looking for a wheelset, and when i found a set of the wam ti's for cheap i grabbed them quick. So far so good. No problems with them. I have pretty much only used them as my racing wheels, and im impressed. Dont know what else to say but these are a good wheelset and would buy them again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
biker
a
from boston
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | these wheels rock | | Weaknesses: | none... | | Bottom Line: | I run this wheel as a rear wheel and it takes some pretty hard abuse...but it hasnt failed me yet. I got the wheel used from a friend fo 50 bucks, he thought he was going to upgrade to mavic's. I think he was mistaken. He had been a wannabe bike mechanic and had tightned the spokes to the point of cracking the rim in several spots. I got the wheel, called up cane creek, sent it in and bam 90 dollars and two weeks later, i got my wheel back with a brand new rim, new bearings, new spokes, no questions asked. beautiful company that stands behind their product. well done cane creek... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a
from Vienna, VA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff, light, great customer support. | | Weaknesses: | Hub would not tighten, (bearings), after riding 1.5 years. | | Similar Products Used: | XT/517's | | Bike Setup: | Tracer, etc, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful wheels although pricy, (I got them as a floor model for $380 so not too much for me). After the hub problem, I called Cane Creek. They said to send it to them,(my cost), and they would fix it for free and send it back, no charge. They didn't even ask how long I've had the wheel. They were fast, in a week after I sent it, I had it back, fixed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Sinski
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ.
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 100 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Air Park Bike | | Strengths: | Iam 215 lbs. and have a 20.3 lb YETI ARC Ti and this is my original wheel set these wheels are bullet proof. I hammer them day in day out and they NEVER come out of true | | Weaknesses: | I really have not found any type of weakness | | Similar Products Used: |
Mavic Cross Link
Chris King hubs
Mavic Cross Links and Chris King hubs, with Bontrager valient rims, and dt Revolution spokes
bontrager | | Bike Setup: | The
Cane Creek Cronos,Sid Race dual air, XTR brakes, shifters, deraileurs,cassette, bottom bracket,Profile Alpine Pro Crank arms, Syncros Ti seat post,Easton Monkey Lite bars,Bontrager ST tires, and a Salsa Zona Tres seat
| | Bottom Line: | I love the wheel set, its pricey but well worth it.The low rotational weight makes them worth every penny you spend on them,just make sure you do not weight them down with heavy tires and tubes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Kitchener
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Seem strong, pretty light | | Weaknesses: | Part's availability | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing really | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element Race
SID
Whatever
| | Bottom Line: | These wheels are pretty damn nice. I liked them so much
I bought a second set a few weeks back.
They take a beating and barely go out of true. Others mention they are hard to true. I'm not sure what their problem is but I true mine all the time and it works fine.
My rear rim started to crack so I decided to try and rebuild it myself. The spokes are taking a while to get, as well
as a rim. My LBS took 2 weeks to get a rim, and no spokes yet (1.5 months later).
I'd say that these are a good buy if you can find them
on sale. Don't pay full price. I paid $425US for a set
of WAM Ti a few weeks ago.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Milliman
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Lateral rigidity, general strength | | Weaknesses: | Crap freehub body, weird sized nipples | | Bike Setup: | Fisher hardtail/ XC race rig | | Bottom Line: | The first ride on these I destroyed the freehub body, so that sucked. I had to buy an XT replacement unit, which was a bit annoying since the wheels were brand new. I used to be a mechanic, so replacing the freehub body wasn't a problem, but for a new set of wheels this was disappointing. I think all they needed to do was not spec the wheel with crap.
As for the ride, these wheels are great! Very, very stiff and track straight. I ride technical East Coast trails and these wheels have survived everything since I got them, including some hard knocks that ruined 3 tires (in the same week). I've not had to true them since I got them, which is good since you need a special wrench (though the local shop told me a 3/16th wrench works too) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wally Cole
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Fla
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | puerco canyon, Malibu Ca | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | light, pretty, good braking surface, light, low maint. | | Weaknesses: | my spokes pulled through the rim
| | Similar Products Used: | tons | | Bike Setup: | I used these mainly on my old proflex 856 | | Bottom Line: | I noticed my front wheel out of true on a ride. Close inspection showed the spokes deforming the rim causing the wheel to be impossible to true. I emailed CC and they said send it in. I did and a week later, BAM I got a new wheel. These guys really stand behind their stuff and where great to deal with. What more do you want? Use 'em..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Not Shimano
Stays True
Fast | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Mavic | | Bike Setup: | Merlin, Raceface, XTR, ...... | | Bottom Line: | Like having a rocket strapped to your bike. Spins fast and stays true, might be a little expensive but you get what you pay for (I only paid $150 for mine!!) it might be a little hard to true but I have never had to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.S.
a Racer
from NY
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Stewart Trails | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
-Look rad | | Weaknesses: |
-ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT WHEELS TO TRUE
-Hard to find parts (spokes & bearings)
-Not as strong as everyone claims | | Similar Products Used: |
Mavic, Sun, Bontrager | | Bike Setup: |
Intense Uzzi SL | | Bottom Line: | I will admit, these wheels are pretty strong but not more so than other custom build-ups.
BE WARNED- it may be difficult to bend these rims, BUT when you do (and you will), they are almost impossible to true. The nipples are in the hub flanges and do not use a standard wrench. The spoke wrench Cane Creek gives you SUCKS. If you manage to turn the nipple, the whole spoke turns too. This means you may need to hold the spoke with some pliers. Oh... forget about the drive side spokes- you'll need to remove the cassette to get to them. My last complaint is with parts availability. You wont be able to go to your LBS to pick up spokes or a new rim. That stuff will have to be special ordered- keeping you off the trails even longer.-For most of you, trying to fix these wheels won't be worth the headache. It wasn't for me and I'm a BIKE MECHANIC! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight, almost indestructable, look really cool. Giddyup! | | Weaknesses: |
none so far | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Homegrown hardtail, Z2 Superfly, blah blah blah, who cares. | | Bottom Line: | These wheels rock! I weigh 220 lbs and those measly 24 spokes up front have never flinched. Today I got big air and crashed HARD, my tire came off the rim and the tube was bulging out the side. I was a little banged up but my cronos were still straight as an arrow. 5 chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Rotterdam
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Strong stiff and light, Looks cool | | Weaknesses: |
None so far | | Similar Products Used: |
weimann, Mavic | | Bike Setup: |
Voo-doo djab, Magura 33, marzochi z3, syncros skewers bar stem and seatpost, spd 535 xt der, raceface crank, black spire rings | | Bottom Line: | Awesome wheels, maybe not the strongest but stiff, light and feel very good.
Rims stay good with maguras. my other rims could not stnd the force and friction | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Witczak
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Just following up on my entry below. Cane Creek replaced both wheels with complete rebuilds. 2 week turnaround time. The old rims were part of the bad batch Trek made for the '98 product. It's a proven fact that companies with excellent customer service tend to stay around the longest, Cane Creek is one of them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Witczak
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Buffalo Creek, Conifer, CO | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
??? | | Weaknesses: |
LX rear freehub body, rim cracks | | Similar Products Used: |
Araya | | Bike Setup: |
'98 Battle Ironclad, SRAM 9.0 rear, XT front, Manitou SX-R fork | | Bottom Line: | Wheels have proven not to hold up to race conditions. I finished the Leadville 100 about a month ago and finally got around to cleaning up the bike today. To my surprise I find that one of the rear spokes on the drive side has just about pulled out of the rim. I'm lucky to have finished the race. Closer inspection of both front and rear rims I find additional cracks in the rim. Does this story sound familiar? Also can't figure out why they use a LX freehub body--more maintanence and more weight. This is not what I expect from top dollar wheels. Tomorrow I'll find out about Cane Creeks' customer service. Watch for an update. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin Danger Powers
a Racer
from London England
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Favorite tail? I'd say Miss. Kensington | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Stiff
Good looking
Strong
Lowest rotating mass | | Weaknesses: |
I little pricey but compared to crossmax there a deal | | Similar Products Used: |
Sun, bontrager, mavic | | Bike Setup: |
I two wheeled bike that gives me a nasty shock when I touch it. | | Bottom Line: | A Fabulous wheel for any racer with the dough.
A great upgrade that makes a noticable differance.
Very Shagadelic Baby. Smashing.
Tuff mothers too. they rairly need truing. And I ride hard baby, yeah! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a Racer
from St. Catharines, Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Shorthills | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light weight and stiff. | | Weaknesses: |
My problems with cracking of the rear rim. | | Bottom Line: | See my review below. Since that review I was surfing the Crane Creek Website where they,Want your feedback. So I gave it to them.All manufacturing companies eventually have a problem with their products. It's how they react to the problem that will tell you what kind of company they are. Some companies may pretend that there aren't any problems. Cane Creek, when they read my story, admitted that they had a bad batch of rims. They tried to stop distribution but did not get all of them. They are air freighting me a new rear wheel. I'm to return my wheel when I receive the new one. I can't ask for better than that.If these rims hold up and I'll know before winter comes, I'll rate them at 5 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a Racer
from St. Catharines, Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Weight, stay true, fast | | Weaknesses: |
Rear rim cracks at spokes on drive side. | | Similar Products Used: |
Mavic 517
Araya 395 team | | Bike Setup: |
Norco Torrent
Judy SL with Englund Air
USE seatpost
XT components
XTR 32/12 cassette | | Bottom Line: | Further to my previous review last October I put my Crane wheels away for the winter, bringing back out in April. Another crack in the rear rim in June. I must be really unlucky as I haven't heard of any others with this problem. My other rims are 395 gram Araya which I've had 3 or 4 years - no problems.I love the wheelset, but I wish they wouldn't crack. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from lewiston n.y.
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
shorthills | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
stiff and lite | | Weaknesses: |
costly, but worth it | | Similar Products Used: |
spins | | Bike Setup: |
GT viper , sid with englund airs | | Bottom Line: | i lost my aero heat front rim off my friends roof rack in rush hour traffic . there was pretty much nothing left . i called cane creek (talked to peter gilbert) and in about a week and a half i got a NEW rim for $150. CANE CREEKS service and products are excellent , other companys should follow cane creeks lead. many thanks to all that helped with my problem! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fawcett
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light, strong, bright | | Weaknesses: |
bright, hubs can be mudcatchers | | Bike Setup: |
Lodestar magnesium frame, 99 SID XC, XT derailleurs and Avid brakes | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding the yellow WAM's since Christmas, and have had absolutely no problem with them (except for occasional rubbing of the chain on the chainstay when out of the saddle and in the smallest cog.) Costly, but worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matrix
a cross-country rider
from Anderson Island, Washington
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels are the best investment I've ever made in my bike! I am a bike commuter and I put in nearly 5000 off-road miles per year in some nasty Pacific Northwest terrain, and these wheels remain flawless. This is my second set, which I purchased only because I put my first set on my wife's bike. They are light, incredibly strong, are noticeably faster (friends notice) and are silky smooth. They are nothing short of amazing and I recommend them to everybody I know. The best thing is that they always stay true! I'm 210lbs and I carry 10-20lbs of gear back and forth each day, plus race weekly (summers) on a local CC course. I have never had to touch these wheels. This is one of the best investments you can make for your bike. These wheels improve all aspects of your cycling experience in my opinion. Five screaming chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a cross-country rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is simply a response to SC's review down below. I finally got myself some WAM's, and they are beautiful. I was setting up the rear derailleur/ chain (XT cassette, 9.0SL der), and did notice that the chain gets awfully close to the frame, and also the spokes on the big cog. But I don't think it'll be a problem, as I've set up the derailleur stops correctly.
I've used the front wheel before, and loved it- now it's time to use the rear. If it would only get above 30 degrees...
These are certainly the best wheels for the money, and they might even be worth more than you pay for them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a cross-country rider
from Reston, VA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Having ridden the Cronometro Deep Vee road wheels for a few years now, I've had very good luck with Cane Creek's predecessors. So when it came time for new shoes on my X/C rig, the C.C. Crono Aero Heats were the logical choice. However, like a previous reviewer, I too ended up with a cheeseball LX freehub, and insufficient grease in the cartridge bearings-- the rear hub seized up out of the box. Not quite what I'd hoped for on a $500. wheelset. So far, no reply from Cane Creek, and I'm an extra $80 bucks out of pocket for the rebuild & XT freehub.The ride is fantastic, they're sweet lookin' as can be, but QC (& Customer service) has thus far left me feeling a bit taken. C'mon lads, you're in the big leagues now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BLeever
a cross-country rider
from Dana Point, CA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have read a number of these reviews, and agree...for the most part. I have been on the WAM's for 6 months now, and without a doubt, they are nice wheels. They are not indestructible, as some have described them, but they are strong. The front has remained PERFECTLY true since purchase, but the rear has required some attention. The rear has occasionally gone slightly out of true, both laterally and radially. They can be trued by the home mechanic, but it is a tricky procedure due to the extremely high spoke tension, and nipple configuration. I would recommend a qualified wheel builder perform any truing, or better yet, contact CC directly and ask their advice. I just sent my rear back to them for some maintenance, and not only did they rebuild the wheel (with new rim) and return it to me within two days, they also sent me another rebuild by mistake (subsequently returned). That's what I call service, and that is why I purchased the CC WAM wheels over the CrossMAX. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Cruz
a cross-country rider
from Freehold, NJ
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased a pair of Aeroheats with Ti spokes. So far they are great. Has anyone noticed that the tolerance of the rear hub is pretty tight. I mounted an XT cassette to the rear and noticed very little clearance between the frame and chain when the chain is on the smallest cog. Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks,
SC | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Cannon
a cross-country rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This wheelset is about as close as you can come to indestructable. I work at a local bike shop, and I have customers that are always asking What wheels are the strongest or most durable? I can safely say from my own experience riding the Cane Creeks that they are a complete package; light weight, fast, durable, and low maitenence. Just to give an example of their stregth, I ride some trails in the Brown Mountain area off Hwy. 181 in Burke County, NC. These trails are about the same terrain as some of the roughest trails out west. They include large obstacles like rocks, roots, and tree limbs on single tracks and screaming downhills that usually shorten the life of most average wheelsets.
After 5 consecutive rides (with a couple of wrecks even) on these trails, my wheels are still in near perfect true!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Sharpe
a racer
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Some nutter didn't want a set of Cane Creeks that were on his Cannondale for some reason. I think he was mental. I was going thru wheels like a chainsaw thru toilet paper, so wanted to buy a set of decent wheels, as I ride in London whose roads looked as though they were an Iraqi airfield in the Gulf War. I went to my local cycle shop who had a single Cane Creek Crono Front wheel. I was persuaded to buy the front, and found I had paid the bargain price of £ 115.00 for it!! Wow!! Since then, I have never looked back. The Cane performs magnificently. Acceleration & strength are outstanding. The rigidity and strength they provided is second to none, far better than any wheel I have ridden on. I only wish I could have found a rear wheel. I ended up buying a Mavic 571 coupled with a Hope Ti-Glide (which is very sweet).
In my opinion, the Cane is radical and looks great with the radial spoke assembly. Bullet proof technology.
Look out card, here I come!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I can't say enough about these wheels. They are awsome. I weigh over 210 and I have never had to true these once. I've fallen and crashed many times and they stay true. I am a bike mechanic and i have ridden crossmaxes, lands spins and spinergys and alot of good hand built wheels but, these are the best.
I give them a 5++++++++++++++++ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leslie
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my Crono about a year back been riding on and off. If it very quick on acceleration. I have never tune it and it still remain true. Not the cheapest wheel in town but the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matty
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a pair of the deep V's and the WAM's. Nothing rides smoother, tracks better, or takes punishment as well as CC's. In my experience, the guys at Cane Creek have been accomodating and back their product and their customers. Enjoy the ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.T.
a weekend warrior
from Portland
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a pair of Cane Creek Crono deep-V's to go with my
new ride. They are light, strong, and about the most crashproof wheels
I've eever ridden. That's the good news. The bad news is that the rear
wheel turned out to have it's freehub improperly installed, with the result
that the the threading has become stripped out. Because of this, the
wheel had to be shipped back to the factory. That was more than two weeks
ago, and I still have no ride as of this writing. Not Good! Not at all!
Soooooo....My review is; 5 peppers for performance--minus 3 chiles for
bad quality control | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Dreger
a racer
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
History:
Bought Cronometro ti's with velocity rims in Spring of '97
Rear would not stay true. Pro wheel builder noticed loctite on threads which makes it very hard to true; especially ti. Recommended I go to stainless. CaneCreek buys Cronometro and offers me a new steal rear which they brought to me at the '97 24hrs of Cannan. I was happy. Front Ti is still as good as new.
Summer of '97 demolished two freewheel bodies. Not really thier fault cause they were using LX freewheel bodies. Broke three spokes. Turns out the spokes are some cheap division of Marwi or some such shit; called CC and they admitted to it. Thier remedy was to start using Wheelsmith double butted which I believe is the norm now. I send my rear in to CC to be relaced with wheelsmith spokes. Four days later, I recieve a brand new wheel with Wheelsmith spokes. Two weeks later I recieve my old wheel back, newly laced, with a new axle and freewheel body. Wow! I called to inform them of the mix up, thier response was Happy B-day. I'm pretty happy.
Summer '98: wheels have been very dependable. Didn't break spokes. Although the freewheel bodies were crushed again, but again not CC fault.
Review:
These wheels are as most people describe them: light, fast, and track dead on. Price isn't that bad.
Recommendations:
If you ride hard, and ride a lot don't waste your time with the stock freewheel bodies (LX) as soon as you crush them, replace 'em with XTR but make sure you have the wheel redished as the XTR freewheel body will throw it off. Also, these wheels need to be serviced by a professional wheel builder. Joe Schmecklfletz at the local shop probably doesn't know how to properly true them with the right tension.
Also, the '98 CC wheels with the Welded Anodized Machined W.A.M. rim made by Trek, probably will have problems with cracking. Especially, the eyelet around the little lizard. All of my friends who had this years Cronos had this problem. Turns out Trek machined a little too much off the rim. But, I'm told at the C.A.B.D.A. show in Chicago that the problem has been remedied. Personally I believe CC, because Trek has a good reputation with rims--Bontrager.I think the '99 wheels will be CC best yet. Looks like they have the spoke problem solved, the rim situation with Trek solved (by the way the Velocity rims are pretty tough--Cronometro of Madison strongly recommends these) and the high-end wheels for '99 are offered with a XTR freewheel body--about freak'n time.Please send comments....Jason | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a cross-country rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a pair of these with steel spokes about two months ago and have sinced raced on them a couple times and ridden them about 150 on rough trails recreationally. I love them. I would never trade them. I upgraded from a 28 spoke radial Bontrager Valiant in front and a 32 spoke Mustang in back. I never had to true those and I don't think I'll ever have to true these. I raced in extremely muddy conditions with these and the braking surface still shows no signs of wear. As for Lee Norton's problem, I can't say I've seen it in my wheels yet and I'm 200 lbs and ride VERY hard. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a racer
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have now ridden Crane Creek's Cronos for one season. They are light, stiff, accelerate well and stay absolutely true. A great wheel! I commented to myself near the end of the season when I noticed cracks on the rear rim where the drive side spokes (the ones in tension when pedalling) meet the rim. There were cracks at ALL 7 spokes/rim junctions. Crane Creek sent me a new rear wheel/hub etc within a week. (I am very pleased with how they stood behind their product - sign of a good company.) I was told that Cane Creek's engineers have added material to the rim at this crucial point. I hope they are right and that this isn't sales BS. I weigh 135 lbs and race cross-country - no downhill racing although I've been known to go fast over bumpy stuff now and then. ASSUMING THEY HAVE REALLY FIXED THIS I GIVE 5 STARS - OTHERWISE 1.I am surprised no one else on this site have had any similar problems? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
just a quick update:
been on the WAM stainless set for about 2 months now.
still perfectly in true. no problems whatsoever.
FWIW:
I weight 200lbs and ride 3 times a week aggressively in rocky conditions,
like to launch off of dropoffs, hit ledges hard, etc...
this is the only rear wheel that has ever stayed in true for me...
recommended..
sure, you can go a bit lighter for a rear wheel, but nothing is as stiff or as maintenance free... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vernon
a racer
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Brought my CC ti WAM's about a month ago. Rode a few hundred miles since then - on road, off road - and they's been great. The stiffness of the Ti spokes really make a difference. For a little more, they're sure worth every bit. And for those who have any doubt about their strength, my rear wheel was hit by a car, yes, hit by a car side on (no comment about the driving) but there is no hint of any damage, not even a scratch. Ain't that enough! Buy these, u can't get better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a cross-country rider
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my CC's since April. Simply put, they rule. I've been riding since '91, and have had many wheelsets over the years, the most expensive of which were a set of handbuilts from Colorado Cyclist (Hugi hubs, 217's, db spokes, etc.). These are better, as my Hugi rear hub blew up after one season. Like Charles below, I ride the rocky trails here in Austin 3 to 4 times a week, and go about 190. I was destroying rear wheels. My old 217/XT had been trued and retensioned 8 times in 4 months, followed by it being rebuilt by my LBS. It fared better, but not by much. The CC solved all this. After 6 months, I've now just slightly knocked the rear wheel out of true (mistimed rear wheel hop onto a 2 ft rock ledge). Heck, I thought of selling my truing stand for a while.Besides a marked increase in durability, the wheels seem to accelerate better (could be a placebo effect, though) and are noticable stiffer. The front tracks even better than my prior radially spoked/Stout hub/217 that came on my S-Works.I paid about 375, and they are worth every penny. As a bonus, the guys at CC are great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a set of Nuke Proof Superflys, which was inexpensive and very light- 700g front, 855g rear. My friend just got the WAM SS front, and at 717g it's slightly heavier than my front wheel. Well, we swapped wheels for a little bit this past weekend, and that WAM was amazing. It accelerated effortlessly! It felt much lighter than my front wheel, which in reality is lighter than his! The tires pretty much weighted the same, and I was using a lighter tube than he. It also tracked as straight and easily as mine, too. Now I'm wishing I had gotten the WAM. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mango
a cross-country rider
from Amherst,MA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a pair of the Ti WAMs last winter. They are very light and stiff. I brake 3 spokes on a branch but that could happen with any wheel. (a friend broke a big fat Spinergy spoke the first day he used them) These wheels stay very true with no adjustment. However after just 3 months on them the braking surfaces have worn very thin. So much so that I bought new wheels before taking a bike trip in Creasted Butte. These are XTR hubs with Mavic ceramic wheels and so far
they show little wear and work great. Cane Creek needs to make a wheel set with ceramic braking surfaces otherwise these wheels will have to be saved for only races and dry conditions. I agree that the Ti spokes don't remove much weight, are a bit less responsive and add unneeded expense. If I were to by another
wheel set I'd get steel spokes. ALSO THE SURVICE DEPARTMENT AT CANE CREEK IS GREAT ( VERY RESPOSIVE AND HELPFUL) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Very solid wheels.
I demoed out the Ti spoked version of the WAMs and was fairly impressed but
not blown away, they were not as stiff and responsive as I expected.
I received a set of stainless stell spoked WAMs and voila', THAT is what I wanted, very stiff and very responsive.
I corresponded with several of the reviewers that posted here and everyone was still happy with their Cronos. I ran into a guy at the trail the other day who
is about 200lbs and said he has had his SS WAMs for 6 months and they are still perfectly in true, it is real rocky around here with lots of dropoffs and ledges. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Purchased wheels about 3 months ago and have been very happy. Although I can't say that I've noticed a significant difference in their weight or the speed with which they accelarate, they are much stiffer than my old wheels and, as others have observed, are very strong. Both wheels are still true, after a fair amount of abuse. (I weigh 190 and ride over fairly rocky rooty terrain.) Also, I would recommend you purchase through Speedgoat (see glowing reviews in mail order section). Although these wheels are not listed in their online web page, they can get them for you very quickly and at a price that will blow away your LBS, Performance, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Drake
a cross-country rider
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels are great. I ride as hard as you can here in Illinois(which ain't sayin much) and I have not had any problems. I found mine here used for $250. The titanium ones. If you can find them for a good price like this snatch them up. actually buy them anyway. I have not had to true them up at all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun Wetzstein
a weekend warrior
from Rochester, MN
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 Pro-Flex Animal and am pretty hard on equipment. In 6 months and 400 miles I've managed to wreck both a front and back WTB Powerbeam rims. I was constantly truing them, almost after every ride. I got a set of Cane Creek Crono Aero Heat (w/ Stainless Steel Spokes) wheels and couldn't be more happy. After a couple of hards rides the front wheel is still perfect and the back wheel is near perfect. I don't notice any faster acceleration or anything else other then the stiffness and, of course, strength. They are well worth the money (~$375) and if you are a heavier rider you can't beat their stiffness and durability. Cronos are a real winner and I would make sure you take a good look at these wheels before buying anything from Mavic (Crossland/Crossmax).I give them 5 stars because I am pretty hard on wheels and these have held up the best to my abuse. If there was anything I could change about mine, I would get them all black. There is just something about all black wheels that looks cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mag the fag
a cross-country rider
from Big hill, up in the sky above
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Humm nice and light yes, strong sort of expensive..............very. Very over priced may I say. On my first ride the rim got dented by my XT V-brake as the side walls are a little flimsey. Would not recommed these. At the momment I am trying out crossmaxs which are great best thing I have riden! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Martinez
a cross-country rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
UPDATE:Got my Cane Creek replace with new butted SS version. The customer service of this company is awesome. From that day until today I haven't had any broken spokes so far. Looks like the problem is solved. I weight 210 lbs. and this babies hold better than anything I have tried before.Very ligh, strong and the price is right. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dumptruck Dave
a weekend warrior
from Foster City, CA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased these steel spoked beauties back in 1995 when the manufacturer was known as Chronometro. I have them installed on a Bianchi Super Grizzly hard tail and they've held up just great. The front wheel has outlasted my Manitou 3 and is now paired with an FS ti. The wheel has never needed truing. The rear wheel has had the rim replaced due to a nasty rock which took out the side wall while I was chasing a team Titus rider down Gemini Bridge trail in Moab. Other than that no problems, never out of true. No problems in getting parts from the new owners either. These rims have rolled all over Moab, Tahoe, Bass Lake, Mt Tam, and many other trails. I weigh 215 lbs, like air, and water. I've destroyed so many Mavic's in my past I should own the stock. Take it from me, these rims are nearly industructible. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from usa
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I've owned the wheels, Cronometros, for a few years now and I just had to repack the front bearings. Easily done and it's the only real maintenance I've had to do on these bombproof wheels. Beating up rims is my fault and not the company's or Sun's so overall these babies have held up perfectly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a pair of Aeroheat ( the heaviest ) stainless cronos , and I wasn't out of the parking lot and I wanted to go order another pair for my other bike . I have spinergy's , XTR/217's , White Ind. w/ti spokes , ( I own a shop , so it's my duty to try these things out ... right? ) and The crono's at $450 a pair are by far the fastest accelerating wheels ever . A note though . The whole package seems to be below the quality of the other mega dollar wheelsets available , but in a good way . At 1/2 the price of the Crossmax , I think Cane will offer a Cadillac version next year ,( ti cassette , etc . But it takes a Shimano cassette , so put your own on ! ) but it won't work any better . I'll take 2 sets of Canes any day , thank you . Contact a shop who has a demo pair , Cane hooked my shop up with a pair to demo for 90 days . Cool company ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a cross-country rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just replaced my Mavic Crosslands with a set of Cane Creek WAM. Nothing is stiffer, stronger or faster. Acceleration, cornering, and overall rolling has noticably increased and improved over the Crosslands. Don't waste your change on upgrading to the titanium spokes. If your looking for a speedy wheelset, take a look at the WAM. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rael
a cross-country rider
from earth
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A clydesdale on a long travel full suspension hasn't hurt them yet. That includes riding down a boulder dam at night. They are strong, light (ti-spokes) and accelerate with the flick of a toe. I have both a Hugi and White ti built to 217's with 14/15 spokes and alu nips. The canes accelerate much easier. Get sponsered they cost less that way, but there worth it at retail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pico
a racer
from Boston
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Keep these sweet wheel for your races. Put on cheaper ones for you training and playing. They are light, super strong, very beautifull but the rims do wear as any other rims (Hey it's no magic). These are jewels for racing day!Buy them you won't regret it...I'm not easy on them, rode in slush, rocky terrain, mud for over 5 months....no need to true them (yeah!)1 Problem: Can't adjust the rear wheel hub...allways a little lose.Pico | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a racer
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been racing with the front (pre-Cane-24 spoked Ti) for 2 yrs and have yet to feel the need to true them. By the way, I was in the original manufacturer's shop when he (Colin) was checking over one, and he did so by checking the tone of each spoke. This seems to be the most useful way of checking tightness. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a racer
from Lusby, MD
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have two sets of these, one pre-Cane Creek, one new set, both Ti spoked.Ungodly lightweight. My pre-Canes have been modified to include the ti axle and freehub body from the 96/7 XTR rear hub and with a Ti cassette it's like having two front wheels! They're that light.Have raced on the pre-Canes and intend to use the new set for racing only this next season. so far everything is smooth, true, and featherweight. Joy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Martinez
a cross-country rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Light & strong. This is the best upgrade I have done to my bike.
I only have one problem. At least once a month I break one spoke always on the rear wheel.
It usually happens when I go to the trails. Don't have a clue if it's things laying around or a design problem.
Anyway, I just keep replacing the spokes. Even with one spoke broken the wheel doesn't get untrue and I can keep riding.
I have the Stainless Steel.If anyone has any idea let me know by e-mail. Thanks!pepe@businessnetpr.com
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just an update. These wheels are the best!! I still have not had to true them!! Not even once. I have raced them, used them for all my training rides, even had them on my full suspension bike, THEY STAY TRUE!! I highly recommend them. By the way I am using the titanium spokes.
Five more stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Uncle
a cross-country rider
from Durango
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This applies to the pre-Dia-Compe version: The front is great, I once busted two spokes out of a 24-spoke wheel (log) and finished 20 miles of the CO Trail wityh a barely even wobbling wheel. But the rear, at least mine, came with stupid titanium cones, both of which split and ruined the bearing surfaces. It's hangin in my garage, anybody got an old shitmano 8-speed hub with busted flanges, I could use the axle, bearings, and cones, e-mail me and we can work out something. Oh, and the original's cassettee was nothing special. Good concept, though. Dia-Compe's version with better bearings gets 4 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a cross-country rider
from Arden, NC
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have about 700 miles on a set of these wheels on my mountain bike. I ride pretty hard and on some very rough stuff and I weigh just over 200 lbs. I like everything about these wheels but what is so amazing to me is that they are still absolutely true. I have always had to 'tune-up' new wheels before this point but these things are still perfect. The ease of aceleration due to reduced rotating weight is very noticeable. Best wheels I have ever had. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love these wheels!!! I have raced 3 times with them (including the NORBA
National at Big Bear) and used them for all my training rides. They STAY IN
TRUE!!!! They are light and spin very, very fast. 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Sweigart
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The spin faster and easier than my 217's. I did have alittle problem with hitting the brake pads around hard corners with Maguras. I had to adjust the pads out more than normal but work great now. Light as a feather.I'll repost after my 24 hr. race at Allamuchy to see if the wheels (and me) are still alive. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Manry
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a used set of these (w/ Ti spokes and an older BCX rim that is no longer offered) and have been very happy with them on my Bontrager RaceLite. As noted by others, they are extremely stiff and resist going out of true. I managed to break a spoke (thanks to a big stick) and was glad that I had spares (including nipples) of both lengths. Couple of other minor things: avoid cassettes like '95 XTR that have protruding rivets on the large gear because rear hub spacing is very tight, and be aware that hub-mounted computer sensors can be tricky. Still one of the best wheelsets made. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Munny
a cross-country rider
from Corvallis, OR
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding these wheels since August 1995, and I finally had to true them after they came out of true 1/8 of an inch, they are practicaly maintenance free. They're stinking light and the Tye-Dye spokes look sweet at speed. Did I say they were light? What I meant to say was they're stiff. I tried White Ind. w/superlight spokes, they flexed all over, accelerated slow (compared to crono's) and hit the brake pads in every corner. The crono's accelerate faster than any other wheel I've tried, because the spokes are so short in the rear. Crono's are the original radial spoked wheel, now in 97 everyone think mavic has created something new, w/crossmax, but I've been riding radial titanium for 1.5 years. They ROCK, max your VISA and get some, Cane Creek has licensed the rights to them, they're still the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike thompson
a weekend warrior
from lawton, ok
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels with a Marzocchi Bomber fork on an Outland allow me to downhill like never before. The wheels hold up to the increased speeds but thanks to the speed I have rediscoved pinch flats. I am older and out of shape but I was once a pretty fair local motorcycle motocross rider. I can blast the rocky downhills. The wheels suck it up, no prob. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Cohen
a cross-country rider
from Fremont, CA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently aquired these wheels and truely love them. They are light, strong, very quick and responsive, and look great. I rode them for the first time this weekend and felt like they were very fast on climbs and descends. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Cassara
a downhiller
from Southern CA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The best wheels I have ever had! I raced DH all year 50+ races and the still are alive and kicking! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Strawhorn
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
You will feel the difference this wheel makes.
I weigh 210 lbs, race, jump picnic tables, and generally ride down anything wide enough
to get the bars through.
I've never had to true this 24 spoke front wheel.
Amazing! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan K.
a racer
from truckee, ca
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The hubs and spokes are guaranteed for life. I weight 155 and race expert xc and my front wheel is 24 straight pull/radial laced and my rear is 28 spoked straight pull, radial on nondrive and 1 cross on drive. They are waaaay light and bombproff. Rotating weight is the best in the world because the nipples are inside the hub. The front weighs about the same as a white/217/db/alloy wheel but the rear is noticeably lighter than the same white setup. I've had them for about 5 months and haven't even had to tighten a spoke! Velonews did a review on them last year and Scot Nicol said they were perfect. But they're spendy. Bike source mailorders them for $650!! Lighter than Spinergy's, stronger than any spoked wheel, and more unique than a ti Szazbo.
| | Overall Rating: |
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