So I have worn out my stock Alex Adventurer rims on my LHT. I need new rims. Okay I am fine with that. I will go with Mavic A719s unless I get a resounding suggestion otherwise.

I have deore xt (m770) on the front and back. They are in great to excellent shape. Been looking at options on relace and build to the 719s. All fine and good.

I also have been looking online at full wheel sets, specifically 719s to XT hubs. I then ran across a place selling 719s laced to LX hubs. I emailed and asked about lacing them to XTs.

The reply was as follows:

"We could not build a touring rim on today's xt hub. In their desire to make a light weight hub, Shimano's XT hub flanges are made of an alloy that is way too light weight to hold up against any weight placed on them. The XT is now a racing hubset. The hub we use is made by Shimano specifically for touring. From design to production, it is created only for heavy duty touring."

Is this true? When did shimano make the change? Did they change numbers (i.e. m770 to m7xx) to reflect this? I assumes LX was lower in the hierarchy?

So am LX reviews or help, tips, suggestions, offers of free wheel sets.

I am 180+ pounds wet, ride an LHT fendered and racked, 35 pound kid in a seat on the back and panniers full of the days needs and desires (bike and all roll in at about 285 pounds). I ride nearly year round, rain won't stop me, snow and ice will.