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How would this wheelset be for durability?

673 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by TerrorOnWheels, Aug 1, 2004

TerrorOnWheels

Discussion Starter · Jul 30, 2004

I'm looking on getting a lighter, but still stout, wheelset for my Bullit. So far, I've put together a combination that seems pretty good for weight and durability.

Mavic XC717 rims
Chris king hubs 32 spokes
Kenda Klimax wheels-superlight
14db spokes in rear and 15db spokes in front

What do you think of this combo? So far by my calculations this will take off almost 2 pounds of static weight per wheel and drastically reduce my dyanmic rolling resistance and improve acceleration. Looks pretty good to me, it will cost around $260.00 per wheel. Thanks for your advise and any other suggestions on a good, strong XC wheel.

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SuperNewb

· #2 · Jul 31, 2004

I would go with that but only because I can ride hard and still be light on my bike...
If you can do that and get away with it too then go for it
I would go for a meatier tire though.
Also dont except the wheels to last very long ( judging from you saying you ride a bullit) A year or 2 if that.

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vermont

· #3 · Jul 31, 2004

"so far by my calculations this will take off almost 2 pounds of static weight per wheel and drastically reduce my dyanmic rolling resistance and improve acceleration."

sounds like the dude has been reading MBA...lol "static weight...dynamic rolling resistance....

light, strong, cheap pick any two Bontrager coined this years ago and it still applies...esp to wheels. Unless you're racing its more important to get to the bottom of the hill in one piece and back to trail head still rolling...to me that means strong tires and fat rubber...

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ranier

· #4 · Jul 31, 2004

Nice wheel parts pick you got, but another factor you'll have to look at towards durability is how well the wheelset is built up. Recommend you search for an experienced wheelbuilder - check the wheels forums.

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sircrashalot

· #5 · Jul 31, 2004

Cost...

TerrorOnWheels said:
I'm looking on getting a lighter, but still stout, wheelset for my Bullit. So far, I've put together a combination that seems pretty good for weight and durability.

Mavic XC717 rims
Chris king hubs 32 spokes
Kenda Klimax wheels-superlight
14db spokes in rear and 15db spokes in front

What do you think of this combo? So far by my calculations this will take off almost 2 pounds of static weight per wheel and drastically reduce my dyanmic rolling resistance and improve acceleration. Looks pretty good to me, it will cost around $260.00 per wheel. Thanks for your advise and any other suggestions on a good, strong XC wheel.

I would check out Mike Garcia at oddsandendos.com. XC717 is maybe a bit flimsy. Velocity VXC is about 20 g heavier per rim but I think more durable. I have a set built with WTB laserdisc lites (American Classic Hubs with different labels) velocity VXC and DT supercomps. I weigh 160 is so you might want slightly heavier spokes. Total for the pair was $334 shipped. These hubs rock. They are butter smooth and lighter than any other hub out there. I was skeptical at first but now I love them. Chris King hubs rock, but they cost twice as much. Just another avenue to explore...

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TerrorOnWheels

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 1, 2004

I went a little cheaper route to see the diff tires make. I tried some Panaracer FireXCPro 2.1 tires. They definately made a difference in speed and handling, but on some of the rougher stuff, it didn't seem to plow through like the 2.5 Kendas did. Still though, they held up to some good 5 to 6 foot drops to flat and gripped well on the hardpack and even some really sandy softpack stuff. A funny note, when I was first ridding on the street with the new tires to get to the trails, even trying to be carefull to let the tires set-up, I turned a little too much and the front tire just went straight out from under me and I busted my arse hard. I just laughed it off, along with everyone else who saw me, lol. Anyway, thanks for the advise guys, see ya on the trails.

sounds like the dude has been reading MBA...lol "static weight...dynamic rolling resistance....

Yup, and it really works too.

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Jm.

· #7 · Aug 1, 2004

A huge amount of the strength/durability of the wheel lays with the build.

But that said, and considering that this is going on a bullit, I would use at least mavic 519s, and if not the 3.1s, these should be called the 719s and XM819s respectively. The rims you've chosen are strictly XC rims, and while double butted spokes work great for all kinds off wheels, strict XC rims don't necessarily work great for something that you want a good deal of strength and durability from.

To compensate, go with alloy nipples. With the right kind of spoke nipple these can be used effectively. They take a little more care to work with, but again if your build is good, it won't be much of a problem. Many people use DT revolution spokes up front as well (like me), they save weight and on the front wheel, it's not a big deal. With the rear wheel, go with something stronger because of the torque, like DT competitions or super-comps.

To further compensate for the 719s, you could run a smaller 2.0 tire in the rear, and whatever your "normal" tire size is, as well as an ultra-light tube up front possibly. Another idea is to run a 717 up front, and the 719 in the rear, although in this case you'll hvae a strict-XC front wheel.

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TerrorOnWheels

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 1, 2004

Thanks for your knowledge and insight JM

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