Mountain Biking - XTR disc Wheel set vs Crossmax SL Disc?

Ok so I think I have decided to go XTR Hydaulic but I have to decide on wheels

Anyone using either of these? Comments? Thoughts?

Both sets are ~$850

Don't the XTR discs need center lock compatible wheels? The Mavics use the ISO standard mounts.

The XTR wheels fitted with XTR rotors make a really strange screaming noise. theres some sort of resonance going there.
if you get the XTR (which are fantabulous) use the XT centre lock rotors.

If you decide to use another brake system which uses 160mm rotors you can still use the XTR wheelset. IME the centre lock system is fantastic because it's easy to remove the disks when travelling to avoid damaging them.


You can't go wrong with Either wheelset.
But remember, the XTR wheels can only be used with a brake system that uses a 160 or 203mm disc rotor

IME the centre lock system is fantastic because it's easy to remove the disks when travelling to avoid damaging them.

When has this ever been an issue?

When has this ever been an issue?

I suppose it could be an issue if your bike is going in a case or you are carrying the wheels seperate in a bag

Thanks for the replies guys

any crossmax sl guys out there??

I've ridden the Crossmax's and they are fantabulous. If I were to get back into XC I'd have a set bolted to my bike. The low spoke count of the XTR scare me. Plus, I've always been a big fan of Mavic products. When I build wheels using Mavic rims, it's always easier. Seems the rims are straighter and true from the factory. Not the case with other manuf.

I've not test ridden the XTR's, nor any other Shimano wheelset, but had to true one. What a hassle, the spoke lacing requires a completely different technique. Innovation? I disagree. Changes for the sake of change is not innovation. But I digress.

I've heard about the noise issue with Shimano wheelsets, but haven't experienced it.

Personally, I'd get the CrossMax's.

L8R

When has this ever been an issue?

during three trips abroad with bike in bike bag 've bent three front ISO rotors. The rear hub is an XTR so easy to remove the rotor.

also rotors don't warp if something loosens up

front wheel is a Lefty so I can't use the XTR's anyways but IMO they roll better than the Crossmax.

I would be happy with either set (although Cross max would be my only option since it's available in Lefty version) and the two most popular wheels at XC races these days are the XTR's or cheaper but similar XT's and various versions or iterations of Crossmax.

either set will serve you well. Probably the 2 best wheelsets available at the moment

I think that hugi makes a center-lock version of their hub. You could build up a pretty nice wheelset with those hubs, and nice mavic rims. just an alternative.

Thats another excellent alternative!

DT Hugi 240S centre lock hubs built into Mavic X819 via DT Revolution spokes.
Can't go wrong there!