So I acquired a Flow wheelset sort of by mistake, I had Flow EX in mind and hadn't realise there were two models.
I'm thinking I'm going to ride them anyway and see how I get on. I'm doing ST/trail riding on a 29er HT, no superb aggressive DH or big hucks/jumps. And I have to ride to the trails!
That said, any opinions on the Flow vs Flow EX? Happy running a 2.35 or 2.4 tyre on the Flows tubeless?
Flow are narrower, lighter, and are a great rim. For the riding you describe, they're possibly the better option, but either way the differences are small enough that it hardly matters.
Flow ex's are wider, but I thought they were slightly lighter too?
490g for flow EX versus 470g for Flow (26" 32h) and 545g versus 525g for the 29"
thx chaps, yes HG I'm thinking the same. worth a go anyway.
It's hardly science but, I reckon my Flow Ex was less strong than the Flow it replaced- it could just have been be bad luck but one big hit killed the Ex, dented right into the bed of the rim and meant it wouldn't hold a tyre on any more. The Flow had taken a lot of similiar sized blows before it eventually cracked. I think the higher rim sidewall might give them more survivability- basically crumple zone! Or equally, it might just be bad luck. You don't complain if you break a lightweight wheel on a dh bike really.
But they're both really good options- still using the front Flow and very happy with it, replaced the rear with a WTB i25 because it was cheaper! All in all I think I'd choose a Flow over an Ex.
I did the same thing when I got a set of second hand 29er flows on hope hubs. I didn't know enough on the subject but glad to report 2 years of faultless riding.
I've been using a set of Flows for about 2 years now. I'm not a smooth rider by any means. They've held up to some serious abuse. Two or three times a week on trails where most people ride DH bikes. Obviously my 26" rim is inherently stronger than the 29er but I'm sure you'll be fine with it. Crests would probably be perfect for you.
To me the Flow EX is a full on DH rim, considering how strong the Flow is. In fact I'd happily put Flows on a DH bike.
Flow are narrower, lighter, and are a great rim. For the riding you describe, they're possibly the better option, but either way the differences are small enough that it hardly matters.
^ this. Spot on
Had a set of 26" Flow wheels and they survived multiple Alps trips very well...Flows were the 'go to' rim choice for AM/Enduro/etc before Flow EX came out anyway. I wouldn't hesitate in getting a set...in fact you're a surrey hills rider so if you don't like them, let me know 😀
Big tyres tubeless are no problem... Have 2.5 minion, CM 2.4...all worked fine
thx, guys, good news all. @nuke will ping you if I don't get on with them. @jimjam yeah I have a set of Crests, they're going on my light/fast SS. They've done me good. The Flows are for my "trail bike", it's going to Wales etc as well as being beasted around the rootier home trails.