Just agreed to buy some 20mm forks off here, and so will need a new front hub at least. Currently got Merlin built XT QR hubs on 717 rims from 2004/2005. Rim's fine, but hub is obviously no good.
Since Merlin is an LBS to me, I can either buy a new XT hub and have it built onto the existing rim, or just get them to build a new wheel.
Thoughts?
I'd go for a new wheel, just due the age of the old one - nowt wrong with it no doubt, but why risk using an 'old' component when you going for a more AM [I assume] fork & it's associated gnaarrrr usage.
That and it'll be easy to sell a complete wheel than it is in the bits & so offset the cost of a new one - actually not a option though is it if the hub knackered... I dunno I'd still like a new un personnally.
(also nearly impossible to match the parts cost vs a complete new wheel from the likes of CRC/Merlin).
At that age you're best off buying new spokes, even if your new hub has the same flange diameter and spacing as your current XT. Once you've paid for new spokes and a wheel build (assuming you're not doing it yourself?), you may as well buy a new hub as the difference for a full wheel price will be less than the cost of a hub service and new bearings (probably)
Cheers both. New build it is.
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