XT vs. XTR wheelset

snowmobiler · Jan 4, 2015

Need some help,
I am in need of a new wheelset after this year. I'm currently running Bontrager RXL and keep bending my rear wheel. Does anybody have experience with one or both? Pros and cons of each? I do a lot of xc and some trail/enduro type of riding, so I need something to hold up. 205lbs and ride fairly aggressive, 26 inch wheels on a hard tail.

Thanks in advance

TigWorld · Jan 4, 2015

Both the XT and XTR wheels have a relatively low spoke count (24 spokes). Why not get a custom built set, 32 spokes with something like Hope 2 hubs and Flow EX rim on the rear, Crest for the front?

WoodstockMTB · Jan 4, 2015

What he said. My guess is the XTR Trails are pretty nice, but you can have better wheels for the money

LyNx · Jan 4, 2015

Stay away from them, as has been said, low spoke count, hardly think if you killing a set of Bontrager's that the SHimano's will be any different. Also, for some strange reason Shimano has stuck to cup and cone hubs, which can run just fine if serviced and adjusted regularly, but most don't and they crap out in short order. If it were me personally I'd go the custom route and get something tailored to your needs.

I WOULD NOT put a crest anywhere near a bike you own since you're already having trouble keeping those Bonti's true and are about 10-15lbs over their weight limit anyways. Best bet is a good set of 32 or even 36 hole rims, FlowEX, WTB i25, WTB ST i25 (bit heavier than the normal, much stronger) laced to the hubs of your choice, budget depending - I've had good luck with Hopes and more recently Nukeproof, but I've heard of heavier riders having issues a few times on the Hopes, but generally reviews are favourable.

snowmobiler · Jan 4, 2015

I've thought of doing custom built wheels, and it's still an option. Only reason I'm thinking about Shimano wheelset is because I work at a bike shop and can get a decent discount on a set. 24 spoke count is low, just wasn't sure if anybody has had experience my size riding the trail version of them or not. Guess I'll be looking at hope hubs and rims.
Thanks guys!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bike Whisperer · Jan 4, 2015

32 spokes is sufficient (36 spokes is fine but really overkill, I'm bigger than you and do fine on 32 spoke wheels for decades). Not sure of your budget but looking at XTR rims I assume even with a discount that it is fair. Look at Hope or DT350 hubs for high end performance in a mid level hub. Sapim, DT, or Wheelsmith double butted spokes with brass nipples (aluminum to shave weight or have bling colors, but not as durable). A nice enduro rim like the Frequency i23, Sun Ringle Helix 27, or Mavic EN821 would work great.

cpfitness · Jan 4, 2015

Since you work at a bike shop someone should do you a solid on cheap labor for a custom build. There are great deals to be had on the internet now for wheel build parts. Custom builds can be done very affordably

heartland · Jan 5, 2015

^^ Or, even better, see if one of the mechanics will teach you to build a wheel in exchange for a case of beer or something.

XT vs. XTR wheelset

snowmobiler

TigWorld

WoodstockMTB

LyNx

snowmobiler

Bike Whisperer

cpfitness

heartland

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities