Jarrett2

Yeah, I just called Specialized back and they said definitely quick release and not thru axle.

The 460 gram Arch EX is heaviest QR MTB wheel I can find in their online builder at this point.

Thanks again!

Jarrett2

I just spoke with Excel Sports and they recommended going with the HED Belgium C2 (450 gram) over the Stan's Arch EX (460 gram) due to shape.

They said it was no issue to pair them with a MTB hub.

nfmisso

Go with 36 or 40 double butted spokes; no fun rebuilding a wheel roadside.

dr_lha

Width, mostly.

EDIT: Note the HED Belgium C2 is more of a Road rim than a MTB rim at 23mm, but can be used for both. 23mm width is the new fashion in road rims, see also Pacenti SL23s and H Plus Son Archetypes.

dabac

Thing is, there's strength and there's strength.
Many MTBers are fine with wheels that are strong but hasn't got much endurance, b/c they know that in all likelihood they'll dent and flatspot a rim through a rough landing long before fatigue failure in the spokes becomes an issue.

For touring, you are usually better off with another compromise between strength and endurance. You probably won't be doing 2-3' drops (or more!), but you want them to last a fair mileage.
But build them up with butted spokes and you should be OK.

I don't think you'll find a 29er rim with a brake track, while you can certainly find that in 700C road rims. Likewise, I don't think you can find a 29er-labeled rim that'll take a truly skinny tire. Likewise finding a 700C-labeled rim that'll take a 2.2" wide tire well might be a bit challenging.

There's a persistent rumour that MTB-rated hubs would have better seals. Can neither comfirm or deny that myself.
OTOH CX bikes are generally based on road components, and they certainly know how to get muddy.

Choose according to dropout width, brake configuration, price.

jimc101

You won't find many, as 29er didn't really exist before disc brakes were standard for MTB's. There are rims out there, DT make the TK 540 (used to be the TK 7.1) DT Swiss - TK 540 and Rigida/Ryde dot he Sputnik Products | Ryde although they are all sold as heavy duty touring, no reason why they can;t be used for other applications


Would go with highly unlikely with that, apart from brands like Shimano, SRAM & Fulcrum which have dedicated road/MTB branding, most other brands don't differentiate, or only do now to differentiate between rim and disc version of the same product line. With Shimano, if you really want to see if there are different seals, the SI/Tech docs are view-able online, Have used several old (NOS) non-disc MTB hubs on road wheel builds, in use, can feel no difference between them and a dedicated road version.

Jarrett2

Thanks for all of the info. It looks like I will be going with those Stan's wheels as that's what the LBS has in stock and I need the bike functional by Friday.

MileHighMark

I've put quite a few miles on the stock AWOL wheels, and while they're not particularly light, they've held up well. I weigh close to 200 pounds, and commuted with front panniers.

Make you confirm the max psi for the Stans rims, as not all their rims can handle higher pressures.

Jarrett2

So glad you said this... whew. Stan's said the Arch EX has a max psi of 40. They recommended the Grail wheel. Called the LBS, he's working on getting some Grails right now. Thanks again. What a pain this is becoming. The tour Saturday is looking iffy at the moment.

davidad

You Should go with 36 double butted spokes. You, the bike and normal load weigh more than 340 pounds. If you are planning to tour or commute on this bike you need strong reliable wheels.

Anything less is selling yourself short.