Touring - Mavic a319...decent rims? vs alex adventurer?

46" Surly LHT build ongoing
(takes 26" rims):

my LBS offered to swap out the stock alex adventurer rims for a set of
mavic a319 rims ...any feedback on these (I've read plenty on the 519 and 719
but not so much on the 319

...or should I request a different set of rims?
(some have suggested keeping everything as is
and saving the cash to buy a set of wheels later).

Basically I'm wanting to get the best bang for
the buck in terms of lightweight and durability
for both commuting/fire trail riding and loaded touring.

JC

Anyone who rides a 46cm isn't going to be a clydesdale. On that thought I imagine that the stock rims would hold up fine, especially with the 26" wheel size. I would get the LBS to check the tension on the new wheels, and call it good. If you want a lighter set of wheels eventually, wait until you can buy some nice ones. I'm no expert though, just some thoughts.

Alex doesn't have the best reputation in the world, but there've been grumbles about Mavic's customer service and the quality of some models (most notably the MA-3) as well.

It looks like the Alex is lighter and wider. I believe the Adventurer is double-eyeletted and don't know about the A319. You might want to check that.

I'm sure that either one will be fine if the wheel is properly tensioned by someone competent.

I'm sure that either one will be fine if the wheel is properly tensioned by someone competent.

I agree.

Will the hypothetical replacement mavics be on 32-spoke hubs or the 36-spoke hubs that the bike will ship with?

d'oh! I re-read your post, I thought you were modifying an LHT-complete-package, not building up from scratch.

I just noticed that this is a 26" wheel build. I could be wrong, but I don't think the A319 is available in 26". Maybe the XM317 is the Mavic rim to consider.

it just might be the xm317...maybe the lbs had the wrong number.

but any other suggetsions?

Maybe someone can confirm this but my LBS told me that Alex has made rims for Mavic in the past. Probably Mavic's lower end ones.

There are a lot of good 26" rims out there and if you trust your LBS, go with their recommendation. You are less likely to choose an inappropriate 26" rim than a 700c rim and like someone stated above, the build is more important. I have purchased several wheelsets built by QBP and they do as good a job as any shop and at a beter price. My last wheels were Velocity Aerhoeats and they have been great.

I have the a319 rims, 36 hole, Shimano disc compatible 700 wheel. It came standard on my Devinci touring bike. I have only put 300 kms on it so far but it appears more than capable for the touring role. I will give an update after my first lengthy, loaded tour.
Hockey

46" Surly LHT build ongoing
(takes 26" rims):

my LBS offered to swap out the stock alex adventurer rims for a set of
mavic a319 rims ...any feedback on these (I've read plenty on the 519 and 719
but not so much on the 319

I wouldn't bother. The wheels on the stock LHT seem to be just fine; I've put a few hundred miles on mine already without problems. And I'm a clyde (6'4", 255lb, 700c wheels) who's usually either carrying a pannier or two of stuff or towing a kid trailer.

They're still straight and true, and haven't had any problems.

I'm not sure I'll put the same rims on when they wear out, but I see no reason to replace them until the rims wear out or there's some other reason to rebuild the wheels (DT spokes, so the spokes should outlast the rims)

I'm pretty sure the A319 is a 700cc rim, so think your LBS is confused.

I recommend the XM719 (replaced the F519 and 319 rim) as the best match in a Mavic 26" rim with the LHT. It's a little wider and beefier than a 717 (replaced the 517 and 317) yet narrower and lighter than the XM721's (the beefiest 26" rim mavic makes for rim brakes). Can't say if it's better than Alex, but I can say that a handbuilt wheel is better than a machine built wheel. Recommend you go XM719 with double butted spokes and alloy nipples and save your partner some rotational weight whilst building a strong wheel.

Anyways, I've built at least 4 wheels with 719's and am really happy with their durablity and quality.