Hi all.
I have a 32h King hub to build onto a rear rim. Must be 32h, and 26", not too bothered about tubeless as I run (and will probably always run) tubes. I ride what every one else rides and they seem to call trail or the lighter end of enduro these days.
I am used to wheels but these new breed confuse me. I have been looking at the new Mavic EN821 or a Stans flow. Anything else I should be looking at?
One thing that puts me off the Stans other than cost is how goddamn tight the tyre bead is, such a struggle to get on and off. The thing that puts me off the Mavic is the nipple system. Do I have to buy these separately? Will standard spokes work? Can I build them or do you need to be Sheldon Brown?
Thanks!
Have you owned Stans rims before? I know some folks struggle but the only tyres I ever couldn't get onto a Stans rim easily, turned out to be defective (and I couldn't get them on my 819s either)
821s looked good but are getting a terrible rep for durability, shame. They do come with the nipple things and work with standard spokes.
I've been pretty impressed with my WTB Frequency so far- I went for the sturdiest one, the i25 which is a wee bit heavier than a Flow Ex but seems stronger.
I've got Nukeproof Generator AM rims, which are fairly light (don't care enough to go measuring etc), but more importantly look and feel nice and strong once built up. No flex when riding either. They use all standard nipples and spokes and seem to be very easy to install/remove tyres, to the point where I rarely need levers to remove a tyre.
They've been used on some fairly rough and rocky terrain at decent speed with no dents and not even any scratches that stand out enough for me to spot.
If you want something lighter but not quite as tough, I believe there's a Generator TR rim available as well, but personally I'd recommend the AM as they don't seem to weigh all that much anyway.
Arch EX?
Took a chance on them as I weigh 100kg, I built a pair up with Dlights and Pro11 hubs and they've been fine, still running straight and true, weight is around 1700 grams. I've not had any problems fitting or removing tyres (maxxis and conti).
I went with the heavy stans and fitted the tyre by hand. Mavic 8 series seems to be let down by the extra nipples (not part of the weight either)
Heres another couple for you - WTB i25 or Sun Helix TR are both very reliable and good value to boot. More expensive rims are a waste of money IMHO...
Hope Tech Enduro, Stans Flow (unsure what type), Mavic 521, Superstar rims
These offer just what you are looking for IMO.
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/superstar-tactic-am-rim.htm
If not in a hurry, wait and see what discounts they offer up to and after Xmas.
Just gone down the same route myself. I looked at everything but wanted something that I could run tubeless (most stuff is these days) easily. In the end I went with Flows. Wide and decent weight and a mates been running his for years with no problems.
Cheers guys, ordered a WTB i-23 which seems to fit the bill. Only tipped over to those from the Nukeproofs or Superstars by the graphics, all look pretty ideal so thanks for the recommendations!