[unit]

Hoping to find out if using road rims (mavic cxp) is really that bad of an idea for a rider around 175 lbs that rides single track (roots, baby heads, and a few drops 1 foot or less).

I realize that there are a lot of variables, but if a guy is fairly smooth (doesnt thrash or freeride), can he exist on road rims on the trail?

I do a fair amount of commuting, and road riding on this bike so having aerodynamic options would be nice.

PS please dont respond and tell me I am stupid...I already know that!

Ken

 

[dRjOn]

im using open pros on one and ma3's no probs over last 10-12 months respectively. 175lbs. technical rock root riding...average 100km per week (except, cough , last couple ...hmm,. fattening up for christmas?)

 

[Ptor]

Hoping to find out if using road rims (mavic cxp) is really that bad of an idea for a rider around 175 lbs that rides single track (roots, baby heads, and a few drops 1 foot or less).

Not a bad idea at all. I weigh in between 160 and 170, and ride an unsuspended bike using Velocity Aerohead, IRD Cadence, and Mavic Open Pro rims. I ride the the terrain you describe with no problems. I really don't understand this need for something labeled a "29er" rim that at the best might add a few additional mm in rim width. All you get for that label is a price and weight premium. Do you think George Hincapie riding a tiny tire mounted on a minimally spoked a road rim on the cobbles of europe puts any less stress on his rims than we do with a big cushioned tire? YMMV

 

[pktrekguy]

I used 2004 Bontrager Race Lite Road wheels on my Supercal 29er. I rode them pretty hard for about 500 miles. I weigh 210lbs and I only needed to true them once and it is very minor. I would say go for it.

 

[donkey]

Yup!

I've been using the DT RR road rim for a few months. To me there is not a noticeable difference between these and any of the "29" rims that I've ridden.

The only other 29" rim that even comes close in weight is Stan's but I have a feeling that the DT rim will prove to be more durable....and you get the added benefit of not having to deal with...well...Stan.

b

 

[dRjOn]

how light?

if the grey matter serves the open pros are 460 ish...for ceramic

 

[Padre]

I've been using the DT RR road rim for a few months. To me there is not a noticeable difference between these and any of the "29" rims that I've ridden.

The only other 29" rim that even comes close in weight is Stan's but I have a feeling that the DT rim will prove to be more durable....and you get the added benefit of not having to deal with...well...Stan.

b

Madre's been on DT RR's for a few months on her Leviathan. 100 grams lighter than the TK and seems to have the exact same performance.

 

[hairball_dh]

425 I think?

how light?

if the grey matter serves the open pros are 460 ish...for ceramic

Been riding an Open Pro ceramic for a month or so, including 3 white rims, a few full porc rims and other miscellaneous abuse. It has a better feel to it than my 29er rims (bonty race lite and AC) due to the narrow rim. With the narrow rim the tire is a tad taller & give more cush - I know this for sure because it's on an '05 Dos Niner and the clearance shrank a bit, something under 3mm. Every now and then I hear a rock getting "cleared".

The wheel has been great.

 

[mikesee]

Road rims can be very good for many people, depending on the circumstances.

What makes them good is their (relative) light weight when compared to the trekking/touring/clyde rim choices.

What makes them bad is their (relative) light weight. You can't get something for nothing, which in this case means that less material will be prone to (potentially lots of) additional flex under certain circumstances.

In short, road rims are great for lighter riders (in weight, as well as the way in which they interpret a trail), rigid riders, and People That Use Very High Tire Pressure.

Road rims are not optimal for heavier riders (in weight, as well as how they get down the trail), full suspension riders, and folks that like softer tires.

Think carefully about how you fall into the above generalizations before committing.

The $$ and skin you save may be your own.

MC

 

[iliketoridebikes]

i would think you'd be asking for pinch flats
why do DH riders use wider rims
i thought it was for increased traction, toughness, and pinch flat resistance

 

[edoz]

I'm running Open Pros, I'm 195lbs, there are lots of rocks here, but no problems. They are only a couple of mm narrower than the Bontrager 29er rims they replaced and I don't even notice a difference in the tire width. Just my $.02, probably worth much less due to inflation and the weakening power of the dollar abroad.

 

[unit]

ok thanks.

I am pretty much aware of all the DISadvantages listed above...I just wanted to know how bad of an idea it was. I understand it is a definate compromise, but it sounds like its do-able as long as the risks are understood.

I am not after light weight (the CXP rims are not particularly light), i am more after the versatility and aerodynamics offered by a conventional road tire on an aero rim on a 29er bike.

thanks for the great input. I think I have what i need to make a decision.

Ken