Im looking at getting some hope pro evo wheels but unsure whether to buy a factory set of hoops with black stans flow rims or get a handbuilt set with white rims. the cost difference is only £28 on the cheapest prices i could find. the wheel builder is merlin cycles. Will it be noticeable or is it just £28 extra for looking more pimp. Also anybody had any experience of merlin built wheels
You can get Hoops on white rims from the Hope Pro Shops, or whatever their stockists are called.
White rims are heavier, as they're powder coated, and IMO tend to look a bit pants unless you fastidiously clean them. I'd go black.
I have some Hope Hoops with Mavic XC717, and a set of Merlin's XC717 on XTR hubs. I know that I am not comparing like with like, but the quality of both sets are excellent, but you do get a couple of extras with the Hope Hoops. They should come preinstalled with rim tape, and you get some spare spokes and a 15mm conversion for the front hub.