Originally Posted by
NWsushi
Sorry for replying to an old post. I just want to mention that Mavic 717 (xc 717's) are not a strong rim. The aluminum they used is too soft in my opinion. I built a wheelset with new 717 rims with 125 Kgf and I saw the eyelet bulge out and looked fatigued. I just built a wheelset with cr18s and they look strong, but time will tell on its durability.
It has been 6 1/2 years since I replied to that post. We rode our tandem today with the same CR18 rims (XT hubs). They are very near the end of their useful life as the side walls are getting thin from brake wear. The last few years we have been using them with fat slicks for causal rides on the MUP. Not bad for a wheelset that has been in use for nearly 17 years and ~40K miles.