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Ibis 742 carbon wheel lifespan?

3268 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by hoolie, Mar 28, 2022

terrible

Discussion Starter · Jul 25, 2021

When I built my HD5 I used a set of the Ibis 742 carbon wheels with the Ibis branded 4 paw hubs. I had previously ran the wheels on my Niner Rip to see if I liked the 27.5 size. I really liked it and hence the HD5 purchase.

The rim has held up well. A lot of scratches and nicks but no cracks or breakage. Mostly the same for the hubs. They are reliable and still feel the same as new.

With all the nice stuff said, the spokes suck balls. I've had three spokes break now. I keep an eye on them since we do get a lot of rock strikes and pick up quite a few sticks around here. When I broke the first spoke I just figured I had grabbed a stick. But the 2nd and 3rd are just random.

Back year ago it wouldn't have bothered me so much but every time I break a spoke I've got to wrestle an insert out and re-tape my rim (stans) witch is costing me quite a bit of material and time.

Is anyone else having issues with either the 742 or 942 wheels?

My wife even had a set of the 942 on her Ripley v3 that lasted almost 4 years before spoke nipple heads started to pop off.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

MTBMILES

· #2 · Jul 25, 2021

You didn’t say how old the wheels are but it looks like you’re at the lifespan of the nipples or the spokes. Is there any corrosion on the nipples?

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budgie

· #3 · Jul 26, 2021

This sounds pretty typical for alloy nipples unfortunately. Aluminum and carbon are prone to galvanic corrosion, no matter what brand of rim. It’s a bummer, but your best option would be to rebuild with new nipples. Brass will have a longer lifespan, if you’re not concerned about the extra weight.

terrible

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 26, 2021

I bought the wheels 2/4/2020 so about 1.5 years old.

What bugs me is the use of aluminum nipples but then to use spoke washers with them. I know the thought is to save weight but then you loose any weight savings with the use of washers.

Why not just use quality brass and kill two birds with one stone.

hoolie

· #5 · Jul 29, 2021 (Edited)

Are you riding 4 days a month? 25 days per month? I’d be pissed. That is only 65 rides? I think # of rides/hours, would be more helpful than 1.5 yrs. I have about 400 rides on my 2019 carbon IBIS Logo 29er wheel set. I have broken 1 freehub, replaced bearings once. I am super happy with that performance Considering the price. This is my 2nd, and last adventure into cheaper hubs. I will return to Chris King and custom spokes, which I always say, CK hubs are the least expensive per ride, over their lifetime. I miss them. I know from talking to wheelbuilders, once a few spokes start breaking, you may want to replace them all (Unless you clearly rock strike each broken spoke). I agree, I am fan of brass nipples. But Im not sure a professional wheel builder would agree.

terrible

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 29, 2021

Average about 3 rides a week according to strava. Around 40 miles a week with 1200-2500 feet of climbing.

I'm happy with how the wheels ride, how well they hold a bead and I can't complain about the hubs. Just stinks to be replacing spokes in less than 2 years.

NorCalTaz

· #7 · Jul 29, 2021

hoolie said:
Are you riding 4 days a month? 25 days per month? I'd be pissed. That is only 65 rides? I think # of rides/hours, would be more helpful than 1.5 yrs. I have about 400 rides on my 2019 carbon IBIS Logo 29er wheel set. I have broken 1 freehub, replaced bearings once. I am super happy with that performance Considering the price. This is my 2nd, and last adventure into cheaper hubs. I will return to Chris King and custom spokes, which I always say, CK hubs are the least expensive per ride, over their lifetime. I miss them. I know from talking to wheelbuilders, once a few spokes start breaking, you may want to replace them all (Unless you clearly rock strike each broken spoke). I agree, I am fan of brass nipples. But Im not sure a professional wheel builder would agree.

I have broken 3 spokes on my 29" S35's, two due sticks, the other may have been delayed due to the last stick incident (happened 2 days after). I am glad I got the carbon rims with the Hydras, the hubs rock, and are very EASY to service, no more chasing minute springs around the floor. I think your suggestion of replacing the spokes and nipples may be something I need to do, I am a Clyde at 260 lbs and ride mostly on very chunky terrain, just hope the $$ doesn't break the bank, fortunately, I still have the original rims with Ibis hubs to use while they are being done.

doismellbacon

· #8 · Jul 31, 2021

Are you breaking spokes at the elbows? Or are the nipples breaking? Either way, Good excuse to rebuild them, and I REEEEEALLY prefer 2.0/1.5mm spokes with this type of rim...top quality Sapims, DT, or Wheelsmith XL14's if you can find somebody with a stash of them, will be very light, strong and resilient, and will add some nice feeling compliance to those stiff wide carbon rims. Pick your poison with nipples...brass will be stronger with fewer headaches and longer life before breaking, Aluminum will be lighter and look blingy. I use brass nips on my 34mm Derby (very similar to Ibis 742) bell-beefer wheels, and alloy on my S28 fast n light wheels, with same hubs on both...best of both worlds and a backup is always just a quick wheel swap away. Makes being tire picky a lot less work also.

hoolie

· #9 · Aug 1, 2021

NorCalTaz said:
I have broken 3 spokes on my 29" S35's, two due sticks, the other may have been delayed due to the last stick incident (happened 2 days after). I am glad I got the carbon rims with the Hydras, the hubs rock, and are very EASY to service, no more chasing minute springs around the floor. I think your suggestion of replacing the spokes and nipples may be something I need to do, I am a Clyde at 260 lbs and ride mostly on very chunky terrain, just hope the $$ doesn't break the bank, fortunately, I still have the original rims with Ibis hubs to use while they are being done.

Oh! Sticks! Yes, I forgot about sticks man. Its nothing but dust and rocks around here with the drought. I totally forgot about sticks, temporarily. Ive had a stick break a spoke, ironically up in Downieville, where there are alot of rocks, hahaha. I had a spare, bent it into a "u" shape, laced it to drive side without taking cassette off, drunk, at campfire that night. With huge help from a set of channel locks. Ugly.

Jayem

· #10 · Aug 1, 2021

budgie said:
This sounds pretty typical for alloy nipples unfortunately. Aluminum and carbon are prone to galvanic corrosion, no matter what brand of rim. It's a bummer, but your best option would be to rebuild with new nipples. Brass will have a longer lifespan, if you're not concerned about the extra weight.

I basically count on about 2 seasons, then I go back and replace with brass. To each their own.

C Smasher

· #11 · Feb 18, 2022

Edit: Old ass thread

As a reference - my Ibis 735's with Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Torch hubs have been bomb proof for 3 years.

I like them so much I wanted the new S28/29 wheels badly but Ibis wasnt selling them due to supply. Ended up going with NOBL TR37's and Hydras on my Enduro. I like them.

But this is what I want now. Reynolds Blacklabel 309/289. Sexy.

hayesbicycle.com

Blacklabel 309/289 XC

Description The all new Blacklabel 309/289 XC wheelset is designed to push the limits of aggressive XC racing and riding for ultimate performance. Featuring a new low profile and wide channel rim that increases cornering speed, direct power transfer, and improved compliance. The Reynolds...

hayesbicycle.com

hayesbicycle.com

Davide

· #12 · Feb 19, 2022

Until they break ... like all wheels, and all wheels do break spokes occasionally. They are not tomatoes, they do not go bad ...

hoolie

· #13 · Mar 28, 2022

C Smasher said:
Edit: Old ass thread

As a reference - my Ibis 735's with Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Torch hubs have been bomb proof for 3 years.

I like them so much I wanted the new S28/29 wheels badly but Ibis wasnt selling them due to supply. Ended up going with NOBL TR37's and Hydras on my Enduro. I like them.

But this is what I want now. Reynolds Blacklabel 309/289. Sexy.

Blacklabel 309/289 XC

Description The all new Blacklabel 309/289 XC wheelset is designed to push the limits of aggressive XC racing and riding for ultimate performance. Featuring a new low profile and wide channel rim that increases cornering speed, direct power transfer, and improved compliance. The Reynolds...

hayesbicycle.com

Again, with the “years” as a data point for wheels. What does that mean? I think # of rides, or # of hours is way more helpful. Thanks, I really like hearing other peoples experience with these Ibis Carbon rims, as I plan to order next bike with them.

sam-eye-am

· #14 · Mar 28, 2022

I have a set of 942s on my Ripley that have been in service since May of 2017. This was the first wheel set in a long time not built by me and first carbon wheel set.

I wanted CK hubs and the bike spec’d out to my choosing. It was quicker to have LBS do the build as this was the first V3 Ripley they would get in. I asked about alloy nips and carbon and they said no problem. Less than 200 miles later I broke a nip in the rear. Rebuilt myself with brass nips and cx-ray spokes and has been fine since. Front wheel made it around 2k mikes before having an alloy nip fail. Rebuilt that one myself too. Bike and wheels now have 5415 total miles.

I rode this bike on Durango to Moab hut to hut taking every single track option…after I rebuilt the rear. Same trip I did a couple rides in Moab, Cortez, and Flagstaff. Used to ride up and down Noble Canyon when I lived in SanDiego. Did the SDMBA Arch ride. Did Carabasset Backcountry Challenge 100k and now live in south coastal Maine where there are rocks and roots everywhere. I mean serious rocks.

I’m not especially light either at 180 lbs and have been running schwalbe nobby nics in 29x2.6 at around 15 psi front and 18 rear. No inserts/liners.

Still going strong.

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MTBMILES

· #15 · Mar 28, 2022

I have a set of the carbon wheels with the I9 hubs, four years and 3700 miles with zero issues, no spoke nipple or hub issues. Torch hub.

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Reactions: 2

C Smasher

· #16 · Mar 28, 2022

hoolie said:
Again, with the “years” as a data point for wheels. What does that mean? I think # of rides, or # of hours is way more helpful. Thanks, I really like hearing other peoples experience with these Ibis Carbon rims, as I plan to order next bike with them.

At least 3 rides a week February to December. Primarily NOrthern Utah. These wheels have seen several thousand miles per year. Shitloads of Moab chunk. Lithium, Fuzzy Bunny, Jimmi's Mom in the tetons. Fireswamp, NCS, etc. at Deer Valley. Grand Targhee bike park. Mid size drops (or do you want an exact measurement haha). Decent jump lines.

Have you riden Brian Head bike park? Kow the rocks?

Reactions: 1

hoolie

· #17 · Mar 28, 2022

sam-eye-am said:
I have a set of 942s on my Ripley that have been in service since May of 2017. This was the first wheel set in a long time not built by me and first carbon wheel set.

I wanted CK hubs and the bike spec’d out to my choosing. It was quicker to have LBS do the build as this was the first V3 Ripley they would get in. I asked about alloy nips and carbon and they said no problem. Less than 200 miles later I broke a nip in the rear. Rebuilt myself with brass nips and cx-ray spokes and has been fine since. Front wheel made it around 2k mikes before having an alloy nip fail. Rebuilt that one myself too. Bike and wheels now have 5415 total miles.

I rode this bike on Durango to Moab hut to hut taking every single track option…after I rebuilt the rear. Same trip I did a couple rides in Moab, Cortez, and Flagstaff. Used to ride up and down Noble Canyon when I lived in SanDiego. Did the SDMBA Arch ride. Did Carabasset Backcountry Challenge 100k and now live in south coastal Maine where there are rocks and roots everywhere. I mean serious rocks.

I’m not especially light either at 180 lbs and have been running schwalbe nobby nics in 29x2.6 at around 15 psi front and 18 rear. No inserts/liners.

Still going strong.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That is impressive! The rider, and the rims. I’m happy I just ordered S35 rims on new build.

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