Mountain Biking - Wheelsets?

In the next few days I will be buying a new wheelset for my 1999 Cannondale F500. I've been having problems with my rear wheel, spoke breakage. I wanted to spend no more than $200. I was told that the Sun Rhynolite XL would be a good choice. I've also been tempted to get the ever popular Mavic 517's. I just lost a bid on ebay for used Mavic 517's with xtr hubs with tires for $170. Should I be bummed out or glad because there is something better?

I weigh 210 and do 80% of my riding on roads and 20% trails.

Also, I always wanted to know if there is a special tire for someone who rides more on the street than on dirt. Thanks

The 517 and Rynolite are two COMPLETELY different wheelsets, you are talking freeride stuff with the Rynolites and lightweight XC race with the 517's... you need to decide which is best for your needs.

if you're checking on ebay, this guy's got some nice wheelsets for under $200.

http://stores.ebay.com/Bikes-And-Wheels_W0QQsspagenameZl2QQtZkm

Sun RhinoLite, 'nuf said.....

I just ordered a set of Rhynolite XLs on XT hubs (http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/Itemdesc.asp?CartId={0**&ic=U23%2Drhy%2D14b&iMatItem=1) from BeyondBikes for $159 last week. Unfortunately the price is now $209. The wheels should be here monday. They seem like a nice and extremely strong set of wheels for the money. They are a bit heavy, but for this price I couldn't find any other wheelsets that were light and still somewhat strong. Jenson USA has a similar set of wheels for $188.

The Rhynolite XLs are a bit wider than the Rhynolites and they weigh about 40grams more per rim, but they are also supposed to be stronger. I didnt care that much about the little extra strength as the Rhynolites are probably overkill for me, but I wanted an all black wheelset. If you want a regular Rhynolite rim and don't mind silver spokes there are plenty of sets for around $150.

Also, I always wanted to know if there is a special tire for someone who rides more on the street than on dirt. Thanks

A set of slicks or semislicks will work very well on the road. Link. (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=1443) That pair will be quick and light on road, but won't be the best if you want to use them offroad. If the trails you ride are mainly smoothed packed dirt without many obstacles you can set tires that are still wide and smooth in the center and knobby on the outside. Not likely the best for either situation, but kind of a compromise.

I use Atomic Trailpimps on my Brooklyn Freeride and had them on a DH before this. They are a little heavy (big deal) but indestructable. My tires are Maxxis Hookworm 2.6. They are for street only.

http://img70.photobucket.com/albums/v214/CRSO57/IMG_0316.jpg

I'm in at #250 and I'm running a set of these (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12012-365_SHIXS3-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-XT-Disc-Wheelset-w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims---14G.htm) on my trailbike.
I've mounted slicks to a set of these with no problems.

On a side note even if you're not running discs the higher flange does give you a bit more lateral strength.

Gotta say, and raiyn was the one that converted me, for a trail bike I dont think you can beat ryno lites (I run the xls). The things are strong, cheap and lightish...I have a 36 hole strung to a hadley hub and I weight 250 to 270 depending on the time of year. That wheel has taken dirtjump, drops and some dh. Definately a worthy rim setup on the right hub.

Thanks everyone. got the rhynolite xl's with xt hubs, all black, looks great. I just need to take them and my bike in to my lbs to put them on. I wonder how much they will charge to replace the wheels that are on there now?

Oh and I wonder if I should get new tires with them? I have a Continental Atlanta in the front and a Serfas Drifter in the rear? I don't know much about tires so if anyone has any recomendations for new tires, that would be great. I do 80% riding on road and about 20% trails/offroad.

Thanks everyone. got the Ryhnolite xl's with xt hubs, all black, looks great. I just need to take them and my bike in to my lbs to put them on. I wonder how much they will charge to replace the wheels that are on there now?
There's a reason you're unable to do this yourself? I mean seriously it's easy.


Gotta say, and Raiyn was the one that converted me, for a trail bike I don't think you can beat Rhynolytes (I run the xls). The things are strong, cheap and lightish...I have a 36 hole strung to a Hadley hub and I weight 250 to 270 depending on the time of year. That wheel has taken dirt jump, drops and some DH. Definitely a worthy rim setup on the right hub.Throw in the fact that neither of us are small people and the assessment carries (ahem) more weight :D

There's a reason you're unable to do this yourself? I mean seriously it's easy.

Throw in the fact that neither of us are small people and the assessment carries (ahem) more weight :D

Funny I was talking today with some friends. They all freaked out when they found out I weight 270 and no under 200. The perspective of little people is pretty funny. While I do carry a lot of weight I carry it well. This confuses them even more :D

Funny I was talking today with some friends. They all freaked out when they found out I weight 270 and no under 200. The perspective of little people is pretty funny. While I do carry a lot of weight I carry it well. This confuses them even more :DI've actually managed to drop down under 260 for the first time in a couple of years. Dropping the amount of sodas I drink down to one every couple of days had a profound effect. But yeah people don't figure me to weigh as much as I do either.

I just take it as it comes. My weight is pretty much set at 250 to 270. I wish I could be less but the sacrifice of muscle to get that thin just isn't worth it to me. Must be from my football past.

I just take it as it comes. My weight is pretty much set at 250 to 270. I wish I could be less but the sacrifice of muscle to get that thin just isn't worth it to me. Must be from my football past.Well I'm in the process of transferring the weight to the Arm / Shoulder region from the midsection neighborhood.

Back to the topic the Rhynolites will serve you well.

Sorry. Yes ryno lites are kick ass all round rims :D...sorry about the distraction.