Currently saving up the cash for an Enve AM 29 carbon rim build for my Enduro Expert 29 and I'd like to get others opinions on whether these rims are really the top dog for an AM 29 wheel set build or maybe there are other options?
Are those the Specy Roval Control? I was looking at the Traverse SL wheelset as an option alright but seems like a lot of people are having issues with the spokes breaking, but they are a fair bit easier on the wallet.Although Enve is a hot ticket and I was going with them, I decided to save money and go with Control Carbon and I am glad I did.
Yea that's always the way with the top brands. I've never heard of Nox Composites, are you saying they are better than the Enve's or just as good for less cash?I would point you toward the Nox Composites carbon rims. I think you get a lot more bang for your buck. With Enve rims, you are paying a premium for those stickers that say 'ENVE'
Just had a look at the Iblis website and saw this: WheelsIf you want narrow carbon rims get the Enve's. If you want a wide wheel look at Derby Rims and Ibis for a complete wheel set and save more than a grand.
Yea, it's their reputation for stiffness and durability + 5yr warranty and 50% crash replacement that drew me to them.I went with the 29er ENVE AM for piece of mind. The 5 year warranty and lifetime crash replacement was well worth the cost of admission for me. Some say you're paying more because of the sticker, maybe. But what happens when you crack or destroy those cheaper carbon hoops? Pretty sure it'll cost more in the long term, that was my thinking when deciding which way to go.
So far I'm really happy with the nox rims... but I can't compare to Enve as I've never ridden them. There is an entire multipage thread on nox available here.Yea that's always the way with the top brands. I've never heard of Nox Composites, are you saying they are better than the Enve's or just as good for less cash?
At $900/rim for an Enve versus less than $200 for a wide light-bicycle rim you can buy 4 complete sets and one extra (9 rims) of the Light Bicycle rims. I weigh about 200LBs geared up and ride hard on very rocky terrain and the Light Bicycle rims have been extraordinary. I don't worry about them at all. They are stronger and stiffer than any other wheel I have ever had....and I built them myself. Other than XX1, they were the best upgrade I have done to my bike.But what happens when you crack or destroy those cheaper carbon hoops? Pretty sure it'll cost more in the long term, that was my thinking when deciding which way to go.
Crash replacement for ENVE rims is $400. My perception is that the Chinese rims have improved tremendously in the last year and a half. I'm still happy with my decision to purchase ENVEs a couple of years ago.At $900/rim for an Enve versus less than $200 for a wide light-bicycle rim you can buy 4 complete sets and one extra (9 rims) of the Light Bicycle rims. I weigh about 200LBs geared up and ride hard on very rocky terrain and the Light Bicycle rims have been extraordinary. I don't worry about them at all. They are stronger and stiffer than any other wheel I have ever had....and I built them myself. Other than XX1, they were the best upgrade I have done to my bike.
Light Bicycle rims will NOT cost more in the long term.
What sort of riding do you do? How are they noticeably stiffer than the LB rims...in all types of riding or only in certain circumstances? I went from several years on Stans Notube rims Arch/Arch EX to the LB rims, and there is a very noticeable difference between those two. I can't imagine paying another $600 to $700 just for rims (no hubs, no spokes, no wheel build). I have about $1,000 in each of my wheelsets (I9 rear wheels/and CK front and Hope front wheels). The equivalent Enve rimmed wheels would be another $1,400 in my estimation.I've had a lot of time on LB carbon rims (old process/new process) and they are a great
rim for the price (I did crack one of them). Along with other Chinese carbon rims (regardless of company backing them) you get max a 2 year warranty.
I run Enve's now and if you want the stiffest wheels hands down, USA made,
and a 5 year warranty and can afford it go Enve. I don't regret switching to Enve. If there were no performance difference and all they had was USA made and the 5 year warranty then they aren't worth it. The guys in UT really do build a great wheel. You just gotta pay to play.