im going to get a new set of wheels with xt hubs and i was wondering which rims you think i should get.i ride just about anything so i want wheels that will last.


mavic x517
mavic x519
mavic x618
bontrager mustang

What type of riding are you into? If mostly XC, I'd recommend the X517. I'm running the X317 and I'm very pleased with these as my "race" wheels.

I've always liked Mavic products, they last longer than other manuf. I've tried and are well made products.

I also have a set of D521's that I use for everyday riding. They're a little heavier, but much more durable!

I've never had any Bontrager product, but it's a well respected company.

L8R

i ride mostly paved and hard packed trails around wash dc.im just getting into offrode.the bontrager hubs on my factor superstock wheels didnt last over a 1000 miles and i want something better plus these wheels will be around a long time with my too sons now wanting adult bikes.they think im spending to much money on myself


ps:do you think a good set of wheels will improve my speed....i now average 14mph with slicks and i would like to bump it up.

From your description, a set of lightweight wheels might be your ticket. If you buy the rims and have them built up, it may cost you more than a complete set of wheels. You should investigate buying a second set and learning how to swap back and forth. (It's not THAT hard!)

A good Mavic rim is gonna run $60-$80 each, and then labor to build them up. You can get a decent wheelset for around the same money. Check out www.pricepoint.com or www.Jensonusa.com and there are many others. Pick up any mt. bike mag and scan through the ads for wheel deals.

Then, you can use your old wheels when you're planning on going with your sons off road where you might bash your wheels.

Another advantage, is you can buy a spare cassette and have slicks mounted on one set of wheels. Flip the quick release and plop on the old wheels with knobbies! 3 minutes top!

Just a thought!

L8R

just as a side note, I run 517's for my xc specialized (hardtail) and they have done very well, and are still in true after some techincal trails

needless to say I am very pleased with them.

I'd vote for the Bontrage Mustang. I'm running one right now on the rear, got it because the shop didn't have any Sun rims in stock. I'd also recommend the Sun CR18 - my personal choice for strength, value, and weight. In my experience, Sun rims far outlast Mavic rims and cost a lot less. I prefer the "triple box" construction. They only weigh slightly more than some of the other XC designs but they are a lot stronger

the shop i got my trek from has ordered me a new set of wheels but they havent come in yet and i cant wait any longer to go riding.the mavic wheels im looking at are from performance. there are 3 of there stores in my area and they have the 517's in stock and they have to order the 618's.the mustangs are also a build set from another shop near me......they are all around 200 dollars give or take and its just a matter of which ones to get.i was reading the reveiws at mtb reveiw on the 517 some good some bad.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, I'm a fan of Mavic way over Sun. I crushed a Sun DS-1 rim after it's 3rd use! I'm no lightweight, but destroyed it doing something I've done many times on other wheels that held up. Maybe it was just a bad landing or a bad rim, but nonetheless, it left a bad feeling about Sun Rims for me!

L8R