Hello

Looking for a bit of advice on what wheels to buy as a replacement for my current which are absolutely knackered. I’ve been riding on the wheels that came with the bike and have no experience in replacing/upgrading them.

I ride a 29er hardtail, mostly trail and a bit of downhill (think BPW red trails/forest of dean/etc).

Ideally would like sealed bearings. I have 6 bolt discs and standard QR. my tyres are 2.4″. Tubeless would be good but not essential as I’ve lived without it for this long. Unfortunately there is a bit of a budget £200 – £250.

Can anyone recommend me a set or provide any advice? I have currently been looking at the ones below which seem suitable. Has anyone got any experience with any of them?

Stans Arch EX or Crest on superstar hubs
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/stans-switch-ultra-clearance-wheelset.htm

Fulcrum Red Power 29 XL
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/red-power-29-xl-disc-6-holes-front-qr-15mm-rear-qr-143427?lang=en

Mavic EN427 on superstar hubs
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/mavic-switch-ultra-2017-probuild.htm

Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Rich

How about a nice pair of 32 hole Ryde Trace Enduro rims on blue Hope Pro 2 Evo 40t hubs. Handbuilt with DT Swiss Comp spokes. Dead straight and true. Fitted with yellow Stan’s tape and valves so all ready for going tubeless.

Nice, stiff, wide and relatively light wheels

£180 including delivery

You’re aware the fulcrums are 24h front and 28h rear? Just that you mentioned BPW reds and DH.

Of those I would plump for the Arch/Superstar combo.

I’d stay away from Fulcrum personally, they make nice wheels but their parts availability and service is very poor ime.

Find some second hand flows on hope proIIs, I have some as my heavy duty wheels.

I have some superstar wheels and I quite like the hubs, certainly wouldn’t entertain crests for your intended use and would be touch and go with archs. The mavic rims are old tech and outdated IMO. Know nothing about Fulcrum wheels so will happily defer to Northwinds opinion above.

Been riding the 26″ version of these and they’re great! nice and light, wide rim and seem strong as well.

They do adapters as well for the front hub to run QRs

https://www.merlincycles.com/pro-build-chosen-hub-alex-volar-trail-wheels-29-82077.html

Stans Arch EX or Crest

If you’re on the heavy side I’d steer well clear of Crests.

Have a look at the Superstar Tech 4 range too, they’re often discounted to £150 or so and really good wheels.

Incidentally, SS currently have 25% off custom wheels. Might save you a few quid…

Cheers for all the advice guys.

The heads up on the 25% discount has meant I could go for the Stan Flows. should suit me just right!