Submitted by
Joel Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Tokyo Japan Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The Reservoir
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Good first time tubeless wheelset for a lightweight rider on easy trails.
Weaknesses:
Rear freehub sloppy, developed a pinging noise after 6 months of relatively light riding.
Similar Products Used:
Deore 555/Mavic 223 disc wheelset, LX/Mavic 517.
Bike Setup:
KHS XC504, FSA Carbon Pro Team crank and Platinum Pro Ti bb, FSA stem and bar, XT derailleurs and shifters, Avid BB7 mech discs and Marzocchi Marathon SL fork.
Bottom Line:
Stayed true,rear leaked but front maintained pressure. Rear hub is weak. Can't find a replacement and Mavic doesn't make them anymore--probably because they caused too many warranty problems! Lace in some Shimano hubs and they'll be greatly improved.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SLP
a Cross Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Back Bone
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on a used bike
Strengths:
No service required
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 217's with XTR hubs
Bike Setup:
GT Team Hardtail - Sram XO all around - Monkeylites - Crossrocs - FSA Stem
Bottom Line:
Aside from an occasional tightning of the spoke ferrules, I've had zero problems with these wheels. I live in Southern Cal, so, the single track is smooooth for miles. I treat my wheels with care. I log between 50-75 miles offroad a week, so I have given these wheels a chance to act up, but to no prevail. I was a bit skeptical when I first read the reviews before actually trying them, but nothing but chili's from me..When these take a crap, I'll upgrade to the SL's. Keep in mind, the higher end components usually require a bit more tinkering, so beware of the "cool looks" factor. Just my opimion and experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Preston Hobelman
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Red Rocks Colorado
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very good look
Weaknesses:
I have had to have it trued twice in the past three weeks. not a heavy rider but do like the trails and don't remember casing anything that would make it bend this bad.
Bike Setup:
Homegrown
Bottom Line:
I like the wheels a lot. they are great, but I wish I new why they bent this quick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Skiies & Biikes
Strengths:
Looks Quality
Weaknesses:
Free Hub
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR, XT disk brakes, Fox front and back, Race Face crank
Bottom Line:
weight is 230lbs. Ride habits – Love downhill’s, stoppies etc.
Front Wheel – like a charm never needed service and have never needed to true them once. Considering all the stoppies I do and my weight, I say that’s pretty remarkable. I will note that the wheel will flex to the left when doing hard stops.
Back Wheel – Stayed true no matter what and never had any flex issues. I did have a ton of issues with the Hub. Over two years it has been serviced 3 times. The good news is that Mavic replaced the entire hub, man does it look trick. Looks very similar to the crossMax hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from frisco, CO Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
strong, stay true, UST works great on Mavic rims, good bearings, good value
Weaknesses:
A little heavy for racing, out of production
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
DeVinci with Formula discs
Bottom Line:
These wheels have been great for me. The only complaint I can come up with is the weight- they are heavy for XC racing use. Some are saying these are flexible- my 165lbs. haven't noticed. BTW, I would be surprised if they truly are flexible enough to feel- tires, forks and swingarms are going to twist and flex before the wheel. A litle flex in a wheel allows spoke stretch under impact stress- stretch that will return to true. An overly tight wheel will just break and collapse. UST issues are almost never due to a rim- they are a rimstrip or rim-tire interface problem. Clean the tire and rim bead, and USE SIMPLE GREEN to mount them. It helps lube and seal the tire. Bottom Line: If you are sub-200lbs, and what used to be called a "mountain biker"-you ride trails for fun, I recommend these 100%. UST issues are almost never due to a rim- they are a rimstrip or rim-tire interface problem. Clean the tire and rim bead, and USE SIMPLE GREEN to mount them. It helps lube and seal the tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TrailBedlam
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
3 Rox
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Toronto Bike Show
Strengths:
UST! Smooth cartridge bearings; fast, relatively light wheelset at a great price
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 223, first on LX hubs, now on XT
Bike Setup:
Spec Stumpy Disk, XTR, Fox Float R, RS Duke XC, UST Pythons, Stan's Sealant
Bottom Line:
These wheels rock!! Got a great deal at the bike show as there was one $10 valve stem missing, which I ordered from my LBS. Installed XT rotors, XTR cassette, poured some Stan's into the Pythons, used a tire lever to get the damn Pythons on (I know - not supposed to use levers, but try to put them on without levers!?!?!) and off I went. Hated the LX rear hub that came stock on my bike - lasted 1.5 years then developed bearing play and ate a bearing. Switched to XT hubs on my 223s, which are strong rims, but not UST. So, I use the XT/223 combo for mud and crappy weather and keep my CrossRocs for dry weather. Pythons are a fast, grippy tire for everything but mud and amazing in loose sand and rock. Neither tire has needed any air after 3 months (thanks, Stan) and they've stayed true. None of the nipples have released at all. I'm not a light guy (190 to 195, depending how much I ride) and I'd recommend these wheels to anyone wanting to go UST without blowing a wad on CrossMaxs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg,VA,USA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
poverty creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
still true,even after running into curbs and going down steps(up them too)
Weaknesses:
hubs developed a little play,have to adjust them about once a month
Similar Products Used:
richey off center wheels,other mavic wheels
Bike Setup:
ironhorse desperado,xtr drivetrain,minuite fork,titec cocpit,the new x-pedals from azonic(cool)
Bottom Line:
seem to be pretty strong and very light,nice tire seating even when using tubes,have not bent them yet and they even come with the perfect spoke tension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
namaSSte
a Cross Country Rider
from NE Ohio Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Laurel Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Inexpensive and good looking. Weight is good.
Weaknesses:
FLEX!!! crap bearings, the spoke screw things blow, and Mavic is the worst (did I iss anything). Oh yeah, but I hit that below.
Similar Products Used:
Crossmax Disc, Sun Rhyno Lites/XT, Sun Sub IV/XT
Bike Setup:
RM Blizzard, Steel HT singlespeed, Hayes discs, Zoke Marathon S 100mm, Kenda Kinetics 2.35 (that should be all that's relevant)
Bottom Line:
I really liked these wheels at first when I used them for xc racing only. Light weight and the UST thing seemed (note past tense) like a great idea whose time had come. Turns out, I was wrong. Twice I dnf'd after flatting because the "nut" holding the stem in stripped out. I shoulda known then that the problems were just starting. Try tensioning spokes sometime. With those stupid little spoke screw things, it su@ks! Sure if you want to pay extra for a tool from Mavic (I found this out later) you can fix your crappy wheel but this is mentioned no where. In addition to that, good luck getting replacement screws from Mavic (took me almost 2.5 mths! for two 5 cent screws that made the wheel unusable). The guy at Mavic was rude to boot (imagine that from the French!). Anyway, I'd deal with it if the product was great but I have gone through 3 freehubs so far and countless broken nipples (again, the spoke screw things inflicting their evil) all for a wheel that is flexier than a Russian gymnast. All in all, the wheels work for light xc work in dry conditions. For a trail rider or someone who spends a lot of time getting muddy, I'd look elsewhere. For less loot you can build up some XT hubs on Sun rims and have a lightweight, bomber set of wheels and use the saved cash for post ride beer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
LOOKS, UST, HUBS.
Weaknesses:
HUBS, UST, SPOKE TENSION.
Similar Products Used:
TOO MANY TO LIST.
Bottom Line:
I'm writing up my final review of these wheels, after two hard races on them, and over 100 miles in two weeks.
When I mounted up my wheels, I noticed one major problem, the front hub was loose. I took it off, and it was rather very easy to fix, so that was no problem at all.
The second issue was spoke tension. Factory didn't seem that good, they were making 'creaking sounds' a little more then brand new wheels do. The front wheel already needs trued up in only about 100 miles, but the back is pretty good still.
As long as they stay the way they are, I will be happy...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from USA-Home of the brave Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
...when you do it EBAY!!!!
Strengths:
Looks, UST, Smooth Hubs, Easy installation
Weaknesses:
Seems a bit heavy, but they aren't the most expensive wheels in the world!
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list.
Bike Setup:
TREK FUEL 100 OCLV
Bottom Line:
I just got these wheels this week and set them up. I'm writing a review right now basically about first impressions, I will write a more complete review in the future.
These wheels seemed pretty smooth at first (bearings), and the UST doesn't leak as much as everyone says. Any UST system, 10-15lbs lost overnight would be considered average.
I'm setting up the wheels with regular tubed IRC Mythos XC Slicks tires and Stan's NoTubes. I'm saving a tremendous amount of weight, and have reliability of Stan's Sealant. Also, running a regular tire with a softer sidewall gives a little more 'cush' or 'sag' so that you maintain traction more.
I don't know what it was, but once I installed my disc rotors, they weren't exaclty straight. On my old set of wheels, the where perfect, but for some reason on this set of wheels, they don't line up right. It's not because there is dirt caught anywhere (drop-outs, etc.). I almost blame the machining on either my old set of wheels, or these Crossrocs, wasn't done straight.
For right now, I have seen no reason why I sould give it perfect rating, considering I paid only $240 brand new.
My only question, where will I be able to find parts, as Mavic no longer makes these wheels, and how durable will they be? Everyone speaks of them being to flexy or they are too heavy for the wheels, but a flexy wheel isn't necessarily all that bad-no flex, no movement, spokes break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Felix
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks nice, UST works!
Weaknesses:
flex under 80kg rider riding smooth road. Side to side free play of 1-2mm on rear hubs. Lock front brakes yet front hubs still able to rock forward and backwards 2-3mm. Lots of slop.
Similar Products Used:
Coda hubs with Mavic rims, Dura Ace hubs with Mavic rims, WH-7701, HED ALPS, Xmax SL, etc etc
Bike Setup:
03 Cannondale F1000SL with MARGURA Marta
Bottom Line:
I would only consider buying these wheels if I am on a buget and is my 1st set of wheels. If you have never used a good pair of wheels, I think you would not notice the slop on these X roc wheels. Great poser value for a low price. UST works very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Belula bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Rhode Island Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
tubeless and disc (with pythons ust and LX cassette) for dirt cheap. Mavic cartridge bearing for dirt cheap.
Weaknesses:
They lost their true in a week (not bad enough it needed to be fixed - thnx u discs) - Heavy - Spokes suck: One just snapped while road riding...
Bike Setup:
most of the time
Bottom Line:
Mavic is supposed to have real good cartridge bearings, so when switching to discs, I thought I'd buy these as beater wheels. I can say I have "beaten" them and they have not held up as well as I hoped for. On the other hand, after fixing the busted spoke and getting them trued the hubs are still as smooth as the first day (and I ride in new england year round in some messy stuff!). Overall certainly not the best wheelset out there, and had this been an $800 wheelset, I'd be ticked, but for $200 who's complaining?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin
a Cross Country Rider
from harrisonburg, va Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
strong enough to withstand all around trail riding and light jumping, nice looking, stay true, great value, tubeless advantages.
Weaknesses:
hard to tell if it is the tires, wheels, or my fault setting them up, but I never could get the tires to hold air for more than a week.
Similar Products Used:
2001 mavic cross rides, bontrager stuperstock
Bike Setup:
2001 giant mcm team custom, full xtr, full raceface, mavic cross rocs, psylo sl, time atacs, avid mech discs...
Bottom Line:
These wheels are a great value, and perform very well for all-around trail riding. I always had confidence in them, even when doing jumps, and they never got dinged up or dished regardless of what I threw at them. If you want them to hold air better, I suggest stan's or using diluted detergent to seal the bead when installing the tire. I ran them with 2.1 michelin wg xls, and they served me quite well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Yo Mamma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
They spin. Quiet freehub.
Weaknesses:
leaky, heavy skewers
Similar Products Used:
no other UST rims
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS-R
Bottom Line:
They are OK. For the price I paid ($240 with Pythons and an LX cassette) they are worth the money. I would be extremely annoyed if i had paid $380 msrp for the wheels. They have never held air well - I run them at 35psi, and after 2 days they will be down to 20. The skewers were crap. About a full pound for the stock skewers. I swapped them for some salsa - ti's and an XT cassette that were on my other wheelset, and it lightened the finished product substantially.
FWIW - the pythons suck. They call it a dry-condition tire, and they are right. They are like a slip'n slide when it gets wet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Ohio Bikes and Boards
Strengths:
Tubeless.
Weaknesses:
Tubeless. Leaks from spoke holes (gave it the bathtub test) Heavy. Not very strong.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 235/Real, Mavic 517/XTR
Bottom Line:
I was really suprised how heavy these things were straight out of the box. Dunked one in the bathtub and watched bubbles slowly form from spoke holes. One of my rims has something rattling around inside it, and i cant get it out since its sealed!
I have a set of Mavic 517/XTR wheels on my otehr bike and i absolutely love them, so i figured I'd stick with Mavic for some tubeless. After about a mointh, I was riding my bike with tubes in both wheels because they had so many tiny holes and would deflate every 2-3 days.
These wheels are not very strong either... I can feel them flex a little and I only weigh 145 lbs!
I'm not impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Phx. Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
a shop I worked at
Strengths:
They turned me on to tubeless. Way more abuser friendly than look.
Weaknesses:
Need to tighten and "lock tight" the eyelets after a few rides.(hassle of a whl. true). The rr. axle is a sloppy fit inside the cat. bearing. New bearings and axle did not help.
Similar Products Used:
A few sets of C. King ISO disc w/ Mavic x3.1 ust.
Bike Setup:
Working at a shop turns you into a collecter.
Bottom Line:
These are a cheep way to go tubeless.(Look for a close out deal). Give them a good once over after a few rides then go ride things that are likely to get you hurt. Rinse and repeat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justaanotherguy
a Racer
from AZ Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
yes
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
superslow
Strengths:
reliable, tubeless, disc's
Weaknesses:
can get flexy in harder types of riding, like free riding
Similar Products Used:
bontrager race, mavic crossmax,and a bunch O others
Bike Setup:
yes, my bikes are set up
Bottom Line:
These have been a great set of utility type set of wheels for me. As you see I got them when discounts were'nt an option. I have gotten alot of use out of them and I don't feel slighted by paying full price when they first came out. On my ti hard tail, they rock. On my racer x, they were okay but heavy(the disc brake setup seemed to be heavy, I felt it) On my bullit they put up with alot of abuse they were not made for. They flexed, got knocked out of true, but kept on going. And thats the bottom line with this wheelset for me. They take a knockin' and keep on rockin'. By the way ,I am 195lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Meyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Yellow River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Takes tones of weight off your bike, especially compared to other sturdy wheels.
Weaknesses:
UST can be hard to inflate, but not an issue with CO2 or since you can put regular tires on em. EXPENSIVE!
Crossroc: Great rims, take a lot of weight off if you use the tubeless tires, hubs ride great. I take big hits and they have hardly lost their true, (I weigh 150lbs and ovaled my Sun Rims).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hora' Horacek
a Downhiller
from London, UK Date Reviewed: October 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Single Track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery
Strengths:
Very good at low pressures, fast, quick and...err quick! Excellent wheelset but I do not rate the tubeless Hutchinson tyres for grip at all- thegrey stripes on the tyres made me buy them.
Weaknesses:
DO NOT BUY IF YOU ARE OVER 14 stone. No seriously I have used these for my hardtail which weighs less than 22lb, however I have just personally imported a Freeride Yeti AS-X from the States and there is no way that I would use the Cross rocs on this as I am heavy plus the riding style of the new bike would spell disaster. I've just bought a pair of Deemax's for the new bike.
Similar Products Used:
Ceramic on Hope hubs, Tioga DH rims on Hope big uns (awesome) etc etc
Bike Setup:
(was) Titanium hardtail, Fox forks, CT2 bars etc, Raceface everywhere and Hope Minis
Bottom Line:
Brilliant on the right bike but a costly accident or damaged wheel if you use it for the wrong kind of riding. This is a pure lightweight XC wheelset. NOTHING ELSE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Top quality construction (like all mavic products), good strength to weight ration, smooth hub bearings, tires easy to get on and off, retain air well.
Weaknesses:
24 spokes could be a problem for more aggressive and/or "unskilled" riders, but Mavic does market these as a XC wheel. Weird problem that I have only seen with SRAM hubs (I'm a mechanic at a local shop) which is that you have to put the front wheel in with the axle exactly in the same location that you lined the brakes up in, or the rotor will rub on the brake pads. I just mark the hex nut with a little paint and put the wheel in the same way everytime and it works fine.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 223 with Onyx Hubs
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Hollowpoint with several modifications. Hutchinson Mosquito UST Tires
Bottom Line:
I was a bit skeptical of UST before owning these wheels, but I'm a true believer now. I think UST is the way to go and I hope other riders will get past the fear of the unknown and convert over to UST. The more people that ride UST, the more selection of tires will be available. Would I pay $380 for a set of these (they came with my bike)? I think I would be more inclined to build up a set of wheels with the Mavic 3.1 UST rim and my choice of a hub but that is just the wheel building geek in me talking. For the less mechanicaly inclined, I think they are a good choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RICK HALE
a
from JACKSONVILLE Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
CAN RUN LOWER PRESSURE, MORE SUPPLE RIDE, NO PINCH FLATS, BETTER TRACTION
Weaknesses:
LIMITED TIRE SELECTION AS OF YET
Similar Products Used:
STD TUBE TYPE TIRES
Bike Setup:
JAMIS DAKAR EXPERT, KLEIN ADEPT RACE
Bottom Line:
MUCH BETTER HOOK-UP AND TRACTION THAN TUBE TYPE. LESS TENDENCY FOR FRONT END WASH AND SLIPPAGE ON WET ROOTS ETC. SMOOTHER RIDE ON CHOPPY TERRAIN. FEELS LIKE YOU ARE RIDING ON CARPET. FOUR CHILIS BECAUSE OF THE EXTRA PRICE FOR THE TIRES, BUT FIVE FOR THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Brodie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
'The Convict Trail'
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$680.00
Purchased At:
AUD. Panther Cycles (LBS)
Strengths:
Well, I just can't pinch flat them. Nice look. Peace of mind against pinchflats when you least need them. UST's appeared to be be more grippy.
Weaknesses:
If it breaks, I know my wallet will feel pain...
Similar Products Used:
Mavic CrossMaxx, Richey OCR, Cannondale OEM(CODA)
Bike Setup:
GT iDrive 4, front\rear Fox Floats, full XRT, Hayes
Bottom Line:
I've been know to pinchflat 2-3 times on a 'beginners trail' due to my riding style(or lack there of). After purchase I run through my local rough trail(as I knew I wouldn't hold back) at full speed, almost all stone \ sand, a few small drops but mostly fast rough sandstone. I gave these wheels a hammering and they held up. No damage. to wheels despite two near death's that day.
While I think I'd like to puch the richey harder I thinks that only due to the lesser expense of fixing them :)
I bought them for security reasons. I'm soon to ride a 1500km tour, 24hr(pairs) and 12hr(pairs) and don't want the stress of worring about pinchflats.
I'm in the unique position, in that I ran Conti Explorers tubed and went straight to Conti Explorer UST so I noticed the differences more keenly. For a 60psi rider you'll feel like your riding a flat to start with, no squirming noticed, but trail rubble feels odd at 35psi. Same tires in UST are more grippy at 35psi. At 60psi you get good at controlling slides. These don't loose traction as much on fast switchbacks, I have seen a little wash on the conti's at 60(for good reason I guess). Hence UST see's you railing corners at higher speed as you don't fear the washout(and unclip the inner leg as I did).
I'm yet to do an decent technical climbing, but my wife has improved dramatically since I got her CrossMaxx's last Christmas.
Buy UST's for peace of mind and better traction. This product will give you UST as only a bit more than a non UST wheelset(say an average Richey set).
NOTE : Keep the old spare tube on hand. If you rip a sidewall you can just inflate it normally. Hutchinson sell patching kits, but they cost more than normal kits by far and are only good for small holes(call me paranoid)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Kriley
a Racer
from South Western, PA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
www.speedgoat.com
Strengths:
UST tubeless technology, smooth bearings, stiff - for great sprints
Weaknesses:
freehubs don't hold up super well in extemely muddy conditions
Tubeless wheels are awesome to ride and this is the most reasonably priced way to get a tubeless setup. Tubeless wheels/tires are the one upgade you can put on your bike that will help you be a better rider - at least in the single-track (sorry can't help you on the climbs if you sucking wind). The traction and handling is greatly improved with just running slightly lower pressure yet they still roll like your running 50 psi.
My suggestion is run Stan's tire sealant in any tubeless tire and you will have the undeniably most reliable (however, not the lightest) treads on the dirt. I just ran the 24hr of Snowshoe & heard the Stan's sputtering out of the tire on my night lap - no worries - I just kept riding and it sealed. That type of security is worth the weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
illegal
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
no maintenance yet. Trued once after they got broken in. They seem strong and I have yet yet to experience any failures of any kind. They look very cool. They are banged up but true and problem free. What else do you want?
Weaknesses:
Heat score. If I ever screw up and puncture this tire I'll be struggling to get back on the trail as they don't really patch easily.
Similar Products Used:
Alot
Bike Setup:
Nice bike that I ride.
Bottom Line:
I swapped the fast deteriorating pythons for brand new 2002 2.1" Michelin XLS rear and Front S tires. They install much easier then the Pythons and give the wheels more meat and a wider footprint.
After 1.5 years I have had no flats. Wow comes to mind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, N.C. Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ASP trails/Chicken road at Fort Bragg
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Bike store in Buenos Aires
Strengths:
UST that works well. Great price, they stay true and accelerate and climb well. Look good too.
Weaknesses:
A small presta stem that you need an adaptor for. The adaptor is include though and it works well.
Similar Products Used:
First UST set
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 1, XTR derailleurs and XT/LX though out. Hutchinson mosquito tires and RS Duke SL fork, shimano mechanical disk brakes
Bottom Line:
I was alittle concerned with the disk brakes and only 24 spokes but they are great. Never have to true them even after big hits. I am only 167lbs so that helps. They work great with the Hutchinson's and don't leak. The short presta valve stem bugs me but the adaptor provided makes the stem a shrader and it works good enough. I highly recommend them. Mavic quality at a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Wildwood,MO USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on the Bike
Strengths:
I love the Tubeless feature.
Weaknesses:
They are not holding up to my 215lbs and aggressive riding. I have broken several spokes at the hub. They also flex quite a bit.
Bike Setup:
2002 Jamis Komodo w/Fox Vanilla Fork
Bottom Line:
This wheel set has only 24 spokes and is probably not best for 200+lbs. The hubs have been trouble free. Tubeless is great (no more pinch flats). I am going to build a new set of wheels with the new X3.1 Mavic tubeless rim. It is a 32 hole rim so it should hold up better for larger people.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lau
a Weekend Warrior
from Macau, China Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Strengths:
lightweight, very affordable...and UST!
Weaknesses:
Unreal Crossroc wheelset (hubs only)available in Taiwan and in a real Crossroc price
Specialized Stumpjumper(A1), '02 SID SL, Crossroc disc, XT/XTR/Deore STi, Formula B4 discs, FSA XC 120 stem, etc.
Bottom Line:
this wheelset at least the less spokes design, not others such as Sp.....y, C..e C...k, but UST tires not available in Macau and $$$, just fit tubes with Continental Explorers just that, just good...I need to know more of biking...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
markham park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
good looks, tubeless, qrm hubs, weight is not bad for the price
Weaknesses:
spoke screws, flex a little on drops bigger than 2 feet
Similar Products Used:
a bunch of rims
Bike Setup:
zaskar team, all xtr, raceface cranks, crossroc rims
Bottom Line:
These rims are great for the price. If you want to try tubeless this is the way to go. These rims are for xc only. If you like big drops do not buy these. They roll fast and stay true. The only problem I have had is one of the zamak spoke screws came loose, but that is fixed with a little loctite. Go buy a set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kasey Kump
a Racer
from South Jordan UT USA Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Many, but I love Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Very easy to change a tire, for me at least, very strong, for my weight and riding, and they are UST, what else can you say? If you want to get technical, think, every rim has its troubles, even non UST ones, so why hassle with tubes and such, go UST!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Only have ridin on crossmax and crossrocs, although they both seemed better than maby other rims.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 1
Bottom Line:
These kick. They are madly butch and if you don't have them, then don't be slammin on them, your just jealous, get your own! These are great rims, thats the bottom line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from NE Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Swanson Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$269.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Affordable tubeless rim.
Weaknesses:
Borderline for racing purposes--a little weak.
Similar Products Used:
None, First set of UST. Always owned mavic, x223, 317, 517
Bike Setup:
C-Dale F800, Rock Shox Sid Ti, Full XT, Hayes, Thompson seat post and stem, Easton Carbon handle bar.
Bottom Line:
Rims originally installed on cannodale with Ti sid. Love the hutchinson pythons--they cornered twice as fast as my python golds on 517 rims laced to XT disc hubs (not tubeless). The low tire pressure was great. The only downfall is that i talked a riding buddy into them and he takes bigger hits than I care to and pulled 2 nipples through the rear rim, of course destroying it. The rim is cheap and great for pure crosscountry riding, but keep them off of the big hits. Border line on race quality.
A five flaming chilis on the value. Cheap and durable
A four flaming chilis on the overall rating because if you buy them mail order or at a shop, the amount you pay may be a bit high for the performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Matthews
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Every 1
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Mavic quality, all black looks great, accelerate fast, stay true, excellent value for disc UST wheels. I am 200+ lbs with gear and they have been very forgiving.
Weaknesses:
I don't know if it's me but I had one hell of a time installing PYTHON tires (which are amazing). It was as difficult as changing a motocross tire....
A little flexy but that's no big deal. Either they give a little or they break. Besides I am heavy.
Similar Products Used:
XT, 517, Syncros (absolute worst rims), many other...
Bike Setup:
High end dual Ellsworth.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic wheels!!! NO FLATS!!! In 1 season I had: 1 worn rear tire, many near fatal rides, lots of rocks and root strewn trails, had them trued once (rear only), AND not 1 FLAT!!!!!!!
No flats makes the UST technology my favorite upgrade...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben greening
a Cross Country Rider
from minneapolis Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
no such thing
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light and affordable
Weaknesses:
very weak. i had problems wiht them detensioning after every single hard ride, and finally after 3 months of riding the nipples have started to pull through on the rear. also the wheel was laced up wrong. the rear spokes that were 2 cross weren't overlapped, so it really didn't have all that much lateral strenghth.
Similar Products Used:
i've always laced up my own wheels. mavic 517's on xt hubs. and many more wheels along this same line.
Bike Setup:
klein attitude race. xtr/ xt. sid sl. hayes hydralic.
Bottom Line:
i weight 175 pounds so it's not like i'm a clydesdale er anything, and evidentally if you're going to use these wheels for anything other than light xc you thinking of the wrong wheel. i mean i work in a shop and i tried to true them after every single ride, they just didn't like to stay tensioned. you are better off sticking with building your own wheels
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan
a
from Pretoria , South Africa Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001
I use my bike on both ends of the scale . For XC racing , I set my fork to 80mm , and use the Crossroc wheels . For DH , I use another wheelset with the fork on 120 mm .
As far as XC and normal trails are concerned , these are very nice wheels . The bearings run exceptionally smoothly . I could definitely feel a difference in speed with these .
I have not had problems in the rough stuff , but an FS bike takes a lot of punch away from your wheels . I would not like to go very fast on rocky descents with them .
I was a bit wary about running disk brakes on a wheelset with so few spokes . However , I have done very rigorous braking runs on steep downhills without a problem . I also had no spacing problems with Grimeca or Magura disk brakes .
These are ideal for my purpose of having separate wheelsets for XC , and for buggering around .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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