[Mailman953]

I am looking to lighten up my rotational mass a bit with a new wheelset and could use some help. I currently have Velocity blunts with XT hubs and not sure about spokes. I am looking to get a set of Stans No tubes but not sure which model.

I am 6ft and weigh in at 185lbs. I ride mostly typical NJ singletrack trails with some rocks and roots. For the most part I keep both wheels on the ground small drops occasionally.

I was looking at a set of Crests but think I may be pushing them with my weight(Stans recommends max of 190 on their site). I also found a great deal on a set of Flows with Hope hubs. There is about a 600 gram weight difference between the two sets according to the sites calculator. So I am looking for some good input to help me decide.

 

[2old2mtbike]

I weigh 200 and have both, the Flows seem to roll better and are stiffer. The weight difference is not an issue since the Flows roll better. I have the Stan's hubs and they are lighter and cheaper. 270 grams is the difference when i calculated them.

 

[Mailman953]

Let me clear up the two wheel sets I am looking at. The first is Crest rims with Ztr hubs which weigh in around 1562g. The second set is Flow rims with Hope Pro II hubs that weigh around 1916g. The difference ends up being 350g which is 3/4lb. Does anyone think I would be ok on Crests as everyday wheels or should I get the Flow/Hope set which would be pretty bomb proof for me. Is the 3/4 lb difference worth it?

 

[DG5]

if You're a racer,that is a lot of rotational weight to save. If you're not,then get the hope/flow combo. Very trustworthy wheels and they will be able to accomodate any future fork or frame upgrades.

 

[Flyin_W]

MM,

Another consideration is tire size. Weighing 185#, I imagine you run bigger tires, if so, scan down to "Which tire fits which rim".

http://smtp.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/tire_dimensions

This is probably more relevant than weight savings at the rim. Hub weight matters little to rotational mass, and the Hope's are likely to be more durable, and easily serviced than the ZTR's (Sun Ringle?).

Here's a tire link from Schwalbe that I too found interesting:

http://smtp.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/rolling_resistance

 

[snigs]

At your weight, I'd consider the Arches instead of the Flows...I am trying to decide myself right now, but go about 15-20 lb. more with my full kit. 50g difference in the rim = less rotational inertia. Might be a good compromise between the Crest and Flow.

 

[Mailman953]

Currently I have Ignitors mounted front and rear at 2.1. I planned on running them for the muddy spring time then putting a 2.2 Ikon on the rear when it get dry and hard packed. I decided to try these for the weight savings over the hefty Nevagels I had on.

 

[Mailman953]

Snigs, I did consider Arches but I can get the Flow/Hope combo at about the same price as the Crest/ZTR or Arch/ZTR set.

 

[xjbaylor]

Snigs, I did consider Arches but I can get the Flow/Hope combo at about the same price as the Crest/ZTR or Arch/ZTR set.

In that case, go with the Hope/Flow combo.

 

[tiflow_21]

If you race go with something lighter like a 355 or crest, just realize that they aren't going to hold up to hucking/etc. You will benefit from the less rotational mass at the rim.

If you don't race, or only race every once in awhile go with the arch or flow. Before I started racing I built two sets of flows and they've been nearly bulletproof. The flows are nice since they're wider, but the arches are a bit lighter.

 

[Mailman953]

Thanks for all the advice. I went ahead and ordered the Flows with red Hope Pro 2 hubs, black DT Comp spokes and red nipples. Shipped to my door I only paid $560 new! I think I got a good deal