Carbon wheels on st...
 

[Closed] Carbon wheels on steel full sus.

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So, I have just gained the opportunity to get myself a starling built for me. I'm looking at whether I can justify replacing my still perfect and great riding Liteville 301 Mk 10 with a new biek but anyway...

Does it make sense to put carbon hoops on a steel full suspension frame? I guess anything to keep the weight down but it seems silly to spend money on a not particularly light frame and then bling it out with carbon parts.

From a riding perspective, whats the point in buying a compliant frame and then having super stiff rims?

Anyone with a Starling Murmur?

Thoughts?


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 12:50 pm
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Obviously not all carbon rims are the same, but I rode some on a Cotic RocketMax and was not very keen. Did a write-up here...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/first-rides-cotic-flaremax-and-rocketmax/

Have since rode my pal's RocketMax with alloy rims and it felt much better.

HTH.


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 12:54 pm
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Suspension tends to work better with less unsprung weight so lighter wheels are a benefit regardless of what the frame weighs. Whether carbon rims are a good idea is open to debate


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 12:59 pm
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[url= http://www.starlingcycles.com/news/2017/11/8/carbon-vs-aluminium-wheels-which-is-faster ]question answered in full [/url]


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 1:01 pm
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Starling themselves just did a[url= http://www.starlingcycles.com/news/2017/11/8/carbon-vs-aluminium-wheels-which-is-faster ] video[/url] on this exact subject

Carbon rims don't automatically mean a wheelset is actually lighter, if you can afford a set that drops a significant amount of weight then great, if not I'd stick with a really nice set of alloys.


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 1:02 pm
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Personally - my budget didn’t stretch to carbon rims so obviously they’re no good 😀


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 1:08 pm
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The extra lateral stiffness would have to be a plus point I think. The interaction between other sources of vertical compliance (tyres, wheels, frame) and the suspension must be very complex, if they interact in a bad way then removing compliance from something might help.

I fitted some wide carbon rims to my fs bike and can't say I notice a choppier ride, or less lateral flex etc., but the wideness seems to help with tyre grip. I am enjoying it.


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 1:12 pm
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Good analysis


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 1:16 pm
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question answered in full

Great! I obviously need to spend more time on the internets. Are you a Starling owner?


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 2:38 pm
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I am - and I’ve found no problems with the weight of the bike nor with the Hope Pro4 / Flows + Maxxis tyres


 
Posted : 15/11/2017 2:53 pm