Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Yes, but... ABoth bikes look like they are good, solid bikes on paper. Nothing jumps out as bad. The only issue that you might have a problem with is the forks. In suspension mode, the forks work just like they are supposed to...I've had the Reba. But in lockout mode, I've found Rock Shox forks to be frustrating. The lock out seems to not work at all for heavier guys like us. I'm a bit lighter than you and found them to pogo badly when I got of the saddle. That's not a deal killer but it was frustrating, especially when compared to Fox and Manitou which actually
lock the fork into rigid mode.
There are any number of hubs you can use. Sram X9, Velocity, even Shimano. All of them are good hubs. Hubs are seldom the problem when it comes to wheel strength. Rims are never the problem when it comes to wheel strength. Don't be fooled into thinking that a super wide rim is anything other than heavy.
I'll get flamed...again
...but rim strength and hub strength have little to do with wheel strength and durability. As big people, we are usually familiar with what breaks on bicycle wheels. It's not the rims. It's not the hubs. It's the spokes. Address the problem by, well, addressing the problem. Go to a stronger spoke rather than try to go with a "stronger" rim.
This article explains the issue nicely. I've been building with 2.3/1.8/2.0mm spokes for about 20 years now and broken spokes have become a thing of the past for me.
I
always build wheels with light, narrow rims even for mountain biking and I seldom have problems with the rims. Since discovering triple butted spokes about 20 years ago, I seldom have problems with broken spokes as well.
By all means, build your own wheels but build smart, not just heavy.
I really appreciate the thoughts. I tend to go in that same direction where spokes are concerned, although I tend toward strongest-possible rims to cover my sins and inadequacies as a builder.
With more experience (or a few deep breaths and practice to get better...) I'd like to go lighter.
It's disappointing to hear that about the Reba. The upside is that the effect will be diminished as I get lighter, I suppose. Motivation! On the other hand, for $799 I guess I can't complain... it seems like a quality mid-range fork.
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on the X9 29er last night. It should arrive Tuesday. I suspect I'll use the wheels for a season and then put them into paved trail and semi-slicks service for commuting. I'll build a better MTBing wheelset for XC and swap according to rides.