Mountain Biking - Shimano M540 Wheelset

What's up guys http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/ruinkai/coolgleamA.gif


I'm about to upgrade my bike with some new MTB wheels cause my rear SPIN wheel died today. :(

I would like to purchase the "Shimano M540 Wheelset". Do any of you guys have them, and how would you rate the performance of them in terms of speed, Durability, and looks ?

Thanks for any information.

Peace.

RINGO

those are the super low spoke count wheels, right? I have heard bad things about the road version, particularly, heavy rim, no stiffness, loose spokes, etc. I'd stay away from them. less then 20 spokes is a bad idea on a road bike, its an even worse idea on a mountian bike.

Phatman,

These are the wheels I'm talking about.

http://cambriabike.com/wheels/images/shimano_wh-m540_wheelset.jpg

What bad things did you here about them? I'm sure it can't be that bad or they won't be on sale in bike shops.

Do anyone here have the M540 wheels? Could you share your experience using them.


Peace.

RINGO

There was another thread about someone snapping spokes on their WH-R540 wheels. I think they popped two in the same ride. For the money (WH-M540 wheels seem to go for around US$300), I'd spring for some Mavic rims laced to good hubs. I saw Mavic 717s laced to Hope XC hubs going for US$284 at www.JensonUSA.com. I also saw that they had some Mavic 517s laced to XTR (2003) hubs for US$249. If you're looking for factory wheels, you can also get Sun-Ringle RPM Lites which use the Sun 0 Degree Lite rims mated to Ringle hubs for US$300. Got a little more money to blow? How about Mavic Crossmax Enduros... at JensonUSA for around US$500. I would think all of those would be superior to the Shimano wheels.

I agree, low spoke wheels are good for XC Pro athletes with full sponsorships that want to save every ounce off their bikes.

For us regular Joes, stick to something more reliable.

L8R

I run full XTR including the XTR wheelset. They are EXCELLENT. The XTR is the top end version of the M540. If the XTR is any indicator, the M540 is in good company.
Not an endorsement of the M540 specifically but Shimano has it's stuff together this year.

Thanks guys for all your help.


khuon

Are the Mavic 717s laced to Hope XC hubs better than the M-540 wheelset?

I was going to purchase the XT M-765 Wheelset for $574.99, but would have to also buy new di$c brake$ too which would cost me an extra $300, total $874.99. Not that I can't get it, but I have brand new XT V-brakes on my bike already that work fine. That's why I wanted the M-540 wheelset cause they don't require disc brakes, and would save me over $575 bucks. ;)

I'm 6 feet tall and weigh about 149-156 pounds. I ride on the roads/street all the time and love to go fast, and also through dirt roads or grass areas in the parks out here. Will the M-540 do a good job or is their a better wheel set for the same price $300-$350?

Here's my bike setup.

2000 Haro Extreme EX-1, Full Shimano XT MEGA-9 components, Race Face Prodigy Stem, Race Face Air Alloy Riser Bar, Chris King No-Treadset, Spin Rims, Michelin Wildgripper City tires, Manitou Fork, Giro Helmet, NiteRider Storm H.I.D, Nite Rider TrailRat II and 3 NiteRider Taillight's.

http://pic1.picturetrail.com:80/VOL133/1038847/3539722/33382868.jpg

My Spin Rims still work, but the rear wheel is giving me trouble. I think the hub is damaged or something and need new parts, but no one have them. The rims are kinda dated too, had them for about 8 or 9 years. LOL :D

Peace.

RINGO

Personally, I'd go with a set of Custom hubs (like Chris Kings, Hope's or others) laced to some Mavic rims. Or, go with a set of Mavic Cross-Max wheelsets. Much better IMO, than the Shimano's. Mavic has a couple different pricepoints for this year: CrossMax SL, CrossMax Enduro's and Crossland's.

L8R

Are the Mavic 717s laced to Hope XC hubs better than the M-540 wheelset?

I'm probably biased but I would personally choose the Mavic rims built to the Hope hubs (presumably by a good wheelbuilder) over Shimano factory wheels. I have nothing against factory wheels and in fact use them (Ksyriums on my roadbike) but I have not heard too many good things about the Shimano wheels. The ones on some bikes I've tried/test-ridden seemed fine on smooth roads but didn't inspire confidence on anything even semi-technical and even fireroads at speed made me feel sketchy. As a previous poster mentioned, if you want factory wheels, there are better choices such as the Mavic Crossmax series and the Sun-Ringle RPM series.

I would like to thank all you guys for guiding me away from those low spoke wheels, and giving me good suggestions and tips to think about.


I've decided to go with a set of Mavic '04 Crossland Wheels, and a pair of Michelin Transworld City Tires in 26" x 1.95" , 26” x 1.75” or 26” x 1.5”


MAVIC Crossland Wheels '04 WEIGHT:Front 970 g, rear 1100g Price $249 (http://www.coloradocyclist.com/images/products/full/mavcgtbsj03.jpg)

http://store.airbomb.com/mmASCTEST/Images/large/q/TR8260.jpg


A few more questions guys.

Which would be a better tire size 26” x 1.5” or 26" x 1.95" for speed, control,and handling in city streets, and also riding through dirt roads in parks?

I have a pair of Michelin City 26" x 1.5" tires on my bike, but never used 26" x 1.95" tires. Would the 1.95" be a better choice, or should I stick with the 1.5"?

On the Michelin website it says the Transworld City Tires come in these two sizes: 26”x1.75” and 26" x 1.95". On performancebike.com they have size 1.5 and 1.95", maybe its an error or something.

http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/transworldcity.htm

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=16520


Peace.

RINGO

Does anyone know why it is so hard to find weights for many wheelsets, especially those under $300 and Shimano brand? (eg, check out pricepoint and nashbar)

Does anyone know why it is so hard to find weights for many wheelsets, especially those under $300 and Shimano brand? (eg, check out pricepoint and nashbar)

Jenson USA lists the weight of all of their wheelsets. You usually just have to check a lot of sites to find out. Nashbar sometimes lists weights under the more info button.