Mountain Biking - 29er Wheel Suggestions

Looking to lighten my 29er, starting with the wheels. But I know very little about what wheels are out there and what's good and light. Anyone have suggestions for some nice strong lightweight 29er wheels? I don't care if they're made for tubeless or not, although if tubeless will be much lighter, I'll go that route. I'm also open to good lightweight tire suggestions.

Currently I've got Bontrager Ranger rims w/ Shimano M475 hubs and Bontrager 29.3 tires.

it sort of depends on what you want to spend. you can get super lightweight strong wheels for many many many dollars. what is your price range?

it sort of depends on what you want to spend. you can get super lightweight strong wheels for many many many dollars. what is your price range?

Somewhere between $200 and $1000 I suppose

Stan's ZTR Flow is a pretty durable, relatively lightweight 29 inch wheel, about $240 a wheel.

IntoTheWild...like you I am also trying to find a decent 29er wheelset that is light, stiff, and somewhat durable/dependable. The ones that have made it to my short list do to these specifics or price are...Easton XC ones/EC90, Cobalt 2, Roval Control EL 29er, ... just eliminated a fulcrum wheelset.

The Cobalts have the best bling factor but i heard they dent really easy. They had a hub issue at first but general feedback is this has been corrected.

The Eastons are light and strong but working on them and finding parts a pretty difficult...around here anyway.

The Rovals do not have the bling factor of the other two but everyone talks good about them and they also are said to be light, stiff and durable. You have to get these through a specialized dealer as they are the only ones that sell them.

Anyone out there have any experience with these wheels and like to share their insight or view...or comment at all. Another set I am interested in but cant find much info on is the Reynolds 29er wheels. Good luck with your hunt for your wheelset and share any info you find as i am definitely interested as well.

I got a set of the Stan;s NoTube ZTR Arch 29er on the way,heard good things about them

ZTR Flows look nice, but the front wheel uses a 20mm thru axle. My fork takes a 9mm.

American Classic deserves consideration. There are a few (easily 5 o 6) people in the group I ride with on them. The riding here includes technical climbs and rocky rutted out descents and switchbacks. No one's had do bail out of a ride because their wheel failed. Tire choice for these guys and girls seems to be a Geax Saguaro 29er or Kenda small block 8's. These wheels are not the most expensive option out there. They are just good wheels. http://www.amclassic.com/en/products/mtbwheels/mtb29disc.php

Those American Classics use thru axles as well. I really don't want to replace my suspension fork just to change the wheels. Does anyone make a high quality lightweight wheelset that takes standard 9mm quick release axels?