Mountain Biking - Cheap, strong, light wheelset recommendations

I'm looking for a disc specific wheelset for my '06 Rockhopper Comp. I mostly ride XC but there are some great trails in the area with drops from 3-5 feet and I don't want to walk around the fun stuff because I am worried about my wheels. I need something that is going to hold up to those drops with 170 lbs + bike on it. Obviously lighter is better as long as it is strong enough. One wheelset I have been looking at is the FSA XC-300. I've noticed Kona has used that wheelset on some of their higher end bikes and the wheels have good reviews (http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Wheelset/product_124938.shtml). Everyone says they are tough but I've never owned 24 spoke wheels and it does make me wonder about the durability. Also, could you comment on aluminium nipples; I know some people hate them. What are the major disadvantages? If anyone could recommend wheelsets that would be competative with, or better than, the FSA XC-300 given my goals it would be a great help. I have a absolute max budget of $400 but would prefer to keep it down near $300. Thanks everyone.

cheap, light, stong. pick 2.

try go-ride for the azonic outlaw wheel set 249.00 for the set

cheap, light, stong. pick 2.

lol, I was thinking in relative terms. I am looking for something that can handle my riding (xc w/ occasional 3-5' drops) that is within my budget (max of $400, maybe that isnt exactly cheap) and is as light as those factors will allow.

The Azonic Outlaws look like an option. One reviewer mentioned he broke a pawl in the read hub and ended up having to replace it. Has anyone else heard of these hubs having problems with this or was a fluke? It does seem the Outlaws are a lot heavier than the FSA XC-300. Makes sense though given the design differences.


Thanks for the input.

check yous pms jacob!!

I wouldn't call the Outlaws a light wheelset. Actual weight reported somewhere on ridemonkey was +2400g. They do meet the cheap and strong requirements.

Mavic CrossMax

Does anyone have experience with Cane Creek Terros Disc (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH408A00-Cane+Creek+Terros+Disc+Wheelset.aspx)? They are lighter than the azonics but only 28 spokes.

since your no clydsdale, and if you want to save money, check out rhyno lites. not the lightest, but i hear they're very durable. lots of bigger riders have them on there rigs. they might be right up your alley, maybe not. happy trails!

since your no clydsdale, and if you want to save money, check out rhyno lites. not the lightest, but i hear they're very durable. lots of bigger riders have them on there rigs. they might be right up your alley, maybe not. happy trails!

I have that on my list of possiblities but I am almost sold on the cane creek terros disc. It sounds like they may be strong enough to handle the drops and they are fairly light about 2kg for the pair. I'm still looking for confirmation on that though. Thanks for the input.

I ended up going with the Cane Creek Terros disc wheelset. After emailing the folks at cane creek I found that they are not quite as strong (they claimed 3 foots drops shouldn't be a problem, I wanted to be able to hit 4-5 footers) as I was hoping but I think they are strong enough as long as I don't get carried away. I'll give a review after I can get some real riding in. It might be a while though since I am up in Wisconsin. Thanks for all the input.