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Yeah, IDK why they only offer those in straight pull, seeing as I have CL DT hubs that are J.

J is just the standard that you can pick up at almost any shop anywhere. So that's why you build your wheelset with them. Straight are a lot harder to get ahold of so if you ever have an issue (stuff happens, like sticks, etc.) it becomes less worth it in the long run.

Yeah, 27 vs 30. 30i is pretty wide and good for enduro-sized tires around 2.4-2.5. But even when the casings are thinner, they are still slower tires than something a little skinnier. There's an incredible range of tires, so there are thinner casing ones that are fatter that roll better, and there are thicker casing skinnier tires that don't roll as well, but all things equal, I wouldn't want to race XC on it. 27 also isn't much smaller, not even 5mm, so you aren't losing out much at the 27mm internal size and you may have more versatility if your plan was for some racing and smaller tires. I wouldn't want to run 2.2-ish tires on the 30i.

On the x-rays, they are expensive for no good reason, similar to above, you'd have more trouble finding one at a shop if you had to, aero benefits don't apply to mtb, etc. Sapim is full of BS when it comes to the x-rays. They aren't horrible or anything. I use Sapims, but the x-rays are 100% about looks. The Sapim lasers are the exact same spoke, also cold forged...just in a round butted shape. The biggest reason would be, since these are going on a carbon fiber wheelset, I'd recommend butted spokes. You'll get a little better compliance that way. It's not huge, but again, upselling to x-rays is just spending more for no good reason, unless you are doing it for looks and then, well, sometimes we do want our rides to look a certain way. Nothing wrong with that.
When I researched straight pull spokes for a build, I realized their harder to source… granted I doubt my LBS carries the spokes I need considering all the sizes and varieties that exist.

I’d probably stick to 2.3-2.4 for this XC/trail set. No plans for racing, though I did a XC event last year on the Yeti with Rekon/Rekon Races and stock DTs.. it was fun, but overbiked on my SB115 for this flat/sandy race. Would rather been on a Blur, Exie or SB100.

As far as the rays, I was thinking weight and compliance. No illusions about aero…
 
I was stuck between these two choices too. I went with i27. Ultimately, I think they're both great choices. Your deciding factor should be your desired tire width.

In my opinion-
2.4" and below: i27
2.4" and above: i30
I agree, but I also think the i30 rim is burlier whether you go with AM or EN builds. So more than just tire width…
 
I just received a shipping notification for my new gravel/commuter wheelset. My only complaint is that that BTLOS doesn't have many options for a hooked rim. After learning a lesson in how hookless rims play with a tire that is running a couple extra PSI to compensate for my big ass, I decided to go with a hooked setup for (hopefully) improved bead retention.


I am planning to run 38-50mm tires on the WGX35A.
 
I was stuck between these two choices too. I went with i27. Ultimately, I think they're both great choices. Your deciding factor should be your desired tire width.

In my opinion-
2.4" and below: i27
2.4" and above: i30
I agree with this. I bought BTLOS i27's last Winter for use with my 2.2 XC tires, however I ended up using them for reg. trail purpose also (Rekon 2.6/2.4). Although it worked ok, I felt the Maxxis tires with WT designation are better suited to the BTLOS i30's so I added them to my wheelset options.
 
Using proper spoke prep compounds, this just isn't a "thing" to worry about.
Hmmm. I haven't found any sort of spoke thread lube that prevents wind-up, especially as the tension gets close to final. Even when things go really well, there are always a few spokes that will twist IME. I prefer bladed spokes for that reason alone.

What magic nipples and lube are you using?
 
Hmmm. I haven't found any sort of spoke thread lube that prevents wind-up, especially as the tension gets close to final. Even when things go really well, there are always a few spokes that will twist IME. I prefer bladed spokes for that reason alone.

What magic nipples and lube are you using?
I always use Rock and Roll Nipple Cream on the spoke threads and Phil Wood Tenacious Oil on the nipple where it contacts the rim. Works like a charm.
 
I use triflow and I have no spoke wind up when I build a wheel without nipple washers. If I'm building with DT Swiss squorx nipples and washers, then I will experience wind-up which starts just below final tension and need to pay attention.
 
Just ordered. Hmm and hawed alot about the different options but ended up going with the following.

WM-i30AS 29er 30mm inner width All mountain Enduro shallow carbon wheels
- Series: Standard
- Version: EN
- Finish: Coating Free
- Weave: 12K
- Hub Type: BITEX 211
- Spoke Count: 28H/28H
- Ratchet: Default
- Front Axle: 15*110mm BOOST
- Rear Axle: 12*148mm BOOST
- Freehub: Shimano Microspline
- Brake Interface: Center Lock ( Disc )
- Spoke System: J-bend
- Spoke: Sapim D-Light
- Nipple: Brass Black
- Decal colors: None

Hopefully everything works out and I don't get hit with too much tax, coming from Stan S1 Flows on Shimano 510 hubs.
 
Just ordered. Hmm and hawed alot about the different options but ended up going with the following.

WM-i30AS 29er 30mm inner width All mountain Enduro shallow carbon wheels
- Series: Standard
- Version: EN
- Finish: Coating Free
- Weave: 12K
- Hub Type: BITEX 211
- Spoke Count: 28H/28H
- Ratchet: Default
- Front Axle: 15*110mm BOOST
- Rear Axle: 12*148mm BOOST
- Freehub: Shimano Microspline
- Brake Interface: Center Lock ( Disc )
- Spoke System: J-bend
- Spoke: Sapim D-Light
- Nipple: Brass Black
- Decal colors: None

Hopefully everything works out and I don't get hit with too much tax, coming from Stan S1 Flows on Shimano 510 hubs.
Similar to what I ordered last month.
-WM-i30AS 29er 30mm inner width All mountain Enduro shallow carbon wheels

  • Series: Extralight
  • Version: XC
  • Finish: Matte
  • Weave: UD
  • Hub Type: BITEX 211
  • Spoke Count: 28H/28H
  • Ratchet: Default
  • Front Axle: 15*110mm BOOST
  • Rear Axle: 12*148mm BOOST
  • Freehub: Shimano Microspline
  • Brake Interface: Center Lock ( Disc )
  • Spoke System: J-bend
  • Spoke: Sapim CX-Ray
  • Nipple: Brass Black
  • Decal colors: Gray

Image



This current wheelset (above) came in @ 1450g and cost me an extra $50 in taxes (received earlier this month), however my first BTLOS Wheelset WM-27AS (below) @ 1350g (ordered last yr) didn't cost anything extra.

Image


I wasn't sure of the Bitex hubs, however after a season on then I have no complaints.
 
Similar to what I ordered last month.
-WM-i30AS 29er 30mm inner width All mountain Enduro shallow carbon wheels

  • Series: Extralight
  • Version: XC
  • Finish: Matte
  • Weave: UD
  • Hub Type: BITEX 211
  • Spoke Count: 28H/28H
  • Ratchet: Default
  • Front Axle: 15*110mm BOOST
  • Rear Axle: 12*148mm BOOST
  • Freehub: Shimano Microspline
  • Brake Interface: Center Lock ( Disc )
  • Spoke System: J-bend
  • Spoke: Sapim CX-Ray
  • Nipple: Brass Black
  • Decal colors: Gray

View attachment 2020457


This current wheelset (above) came in @ 1450g and cost me an extra $50 in taxes (received earlier this month), however my first BTLOS Wheelset WM-27AS (below) @ 1350g (ordered last yr) didn't cost anything extra.

View attachment 2020458

I wasn't sure of the Bitex hubs, however after a season on then I have no complaints.
What size tyres are you using on the 27AS?

They look great.

On a related note, how are you finding the Garbaruk cassette? Is it a MicroSpline one?
 
Similar to what I ordered last month.
-WM-i30AS 29er 30mm inner width All mountain Enduro shallow carbon wheels

  • Series: Extralight
  • Version: XC
  • Finish: Matte
  • Weave: UD
  • Hub Type: BITEX 211
  • Spoke Count: 28H/28H
  • Ratchet: Default
  • Front Axle: 15*110mm BOOST
  • Rear Axle: 12*148mm BOOST
  • Freehub: Shimano Microspline
  • Brake Interface: Center Lock ( Disc )
  • Spoke System: J-bend
  • Spoke: Sapim CX-Ray
  • Nipple: Brass Black
  • Decal colors: Gray

View attachment 2020457


This current wheelset (above) came in @ 1450g and cost me an extra $50 in taxes (received earlier this month), however my first BTLOS Wheelset WM-27AS (below) @ 1350g (ordered last yr) didn't cost anything extra.

View attachment 2020458

I wasn't sure of the Bitex hubs, however after a season on then I have no complaints.
I went with th EN and dlight spokes for my Optic, I'm not a heavy rider at 165lb, just wasn't sure I should have gone for 28 spoke vs 32. Oh well, it's done and now it's just the wait.
 
What size tyres are you using on the 27AS?

They look great.

On a related note, how are you finding the Garbaruk cassette? Is it a MicroSpline one?
I bought the WM-i27AS for XC and those are 2.2 Fast Track Sworks T5/T7 @ 575g.

I have used the WM-i27AS briefly for 2.4/2.6 Rekons and aside from a little more of a round profile (on the front), they worked fine.

No complaints with the Garbaruk Cassette (MicroSpline). It's not quite as refined as the Shimano SLX it relaced, however the difference isn't enough to worry about. I don't even need to adjust the shifter barrel when going from the OEM SLX cassette to the Garbaruk Cassette.
Still waiting my second Garbaruk Cassette for the WM-i30AS wheelset.
 
I went with th EN and dlight spokes for my Optic, I'm not a heavy rider at 165lb, just wasn't sure I should have gone for 28 spoke vs 32. Oh well, it's done and now it's just the wait.
You'll be fine with 28H. As my Avatar states, at 52 I don't get too rowdy on the trails, however my XC wheelset is 28H w/Al nipples and even at 185-190 lbs there's no issue charging through rock gardens or 3 ft drops.
 
You'll be fine with 28H. As my Avatar states, at 52 I don't get too rowdy on the trails, however my XC wheelset is 28H w/Al nipples and even at 185-190 lbs there's no issue charging through rock gardens or 3 ft drops.
LOL, I just turned 53 so us old folks need to stick together. Last year was my first year doing drops in the Don, ever too late to learn. Waiting sucks.
 
My wheelset arrived yesterday. Coming in at 1530g for 29", i29, Standard layup, Bitex Hubs, 28 Sapim D-Light spokes, even a bit lighter than they showed on their website during purchase.
Quality appears to be top notch, looks and feels incredibly well build. A steal for the 605€ I paid incl. shipping, taxes and customs.
Hubs sounds very nice, relatively quiet but with a nice buzz, 54 points of engagement feel fine.
 
just finished building my second set of BTLOS wheels. I've got two sets of nearly the same exact setup that live on my enduro bike and my ebike.

Both sets are wm-i30as rims - EN with standard layup. both UD without graphics.
-The first wheelset is dt 350 classic 28h - black brass nipples - dt swiss comps
-New wheelset is new dt350 - 28h - purpole alloy sapim nipples - dt swiss comp spokes

This new set comes in at 1795g with tape and valves installed. 845g Front - 950g Rear. This set feels a bit more stiff then my first btlos wheelset, I'm guessing due to spoke tension and maybe alloy nipples vs brass, but I can't really see how that would contribute. I'm going to have to check spoke tension on my original build.

Still stoked with these. I have put these rims through hell and will continue to do even worse to them in the future. I do run cushcore XC f/r in my enduro set and cc pro in my ebike/bike park wheelset. Both have stood up well to some pretty gnarly rim strikes.

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