Originally Posted by cyccommute

A good hub is still a good hub. We are far too eager to just throw out the old to buy new. I know that I suggest just buying cheap wheels if you are just going to use the same components as a cheap wheel to build one but these hubs are worth keeping. No they aren't the same as the boutique hubs you've mentioned but they don't have the same price tag either.



Durable in what terms? A heavier rim is just that...heavier. It doesn't mean that it stands up to much more than a lighter rim. It's only slightly less prone to cracking and the thickness differences are minimal at best. Based on the volume of aluminum used, a "heavier, thicker" rim is usually only about the thickness of aluminum foil thicker (I've done the math elsewhere). Since the material is aluminum and the shape of the rim isn't round, that doesn't add much to to the durability.

As for tubeless rims weighing less and being stronger, I doubt that claim. There isn't anything inherently different between a tubeless ready rim and a "regular" rim. In fact, most rim can be made tubeless.



Why don't you think they are good for touring? If you are carrying the tool, you can remove the spoke if needed. And you aren't likely to lose the spoke in the event of breaking a spoke. Even if you did lose the spoke, you can always replace it with a square one.



Square aluminum nipples are a dumb idea in my opinion. They are too light for the duty and they are too soft. But brass isn't all that wonderful either. It's only slightly harder than aluminum and has a tendency to round off at higher spoke tensions. In other words, I consider square nipples "broke" no matter what material is used. Splines solve all the problems with square spoke nipples. For me, it's not about the weight...you save milligrams by using aluminum...it's about the function. They simply do the same job better.