As spring approaches I am thinking of up-grading my wheel set. I have a good budget for this, around $800.00 for the set. This should open it up to lots of choices My riding terrain is not too rockey or rootey, lots of loam, and hard pack, however in the fall and spring I end up in some muddy areas. I do occasionally ride rocks, roots, and nasty downhills but that is not my day to day situation. I am beginning to think about racing XC this spring so a light wheelset is on my mind. I am not someone who searches for big drops and when they find me they are usually are in the one to two foot range at the most. Anyone have suggestions?

Here is a recent thread on just this topic.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=wheels+new

Mavic Crossmax SL are a light, durable wheel for xc riding.

Pony up a few more bucks and go I9.

Actually I paid 800 delivered to my door (MT. High Cycle). They are light and super stiff. Highly recommend both I9 and Mt. High.

The Industry 9 All Mountain in anodized silver looks nice. Originally I was thinking of the Mavic Crossmax SL but have been speaking with people who have had trouble with them. I don't think the pawls in the rear hud are as many as in the Industry 9, which makes me favor the 9 over the Mavic also. I had a hand buillt set of American Classic Hubs with Velocity VXC rims which were very light and held true for every. I had a bit of trouble with the rear hub though, it was a little fragile. I was beginning to think why change, maybe just upgrade the hubs and stick with the Velocity VXC rims. The hub I was thinking about were the 2008 Shimano XTR, does anyone have an opinion on this combo compared to the Industry 9. I know the 9s will cost more but if they are significantly better I am ready to order. I also use Avid Juicy 7 brakes so I would need the adapter on the hubs.

AC 350 MTB. Great wheels.

I have a set of the AC 350 disc wheels and a set of the I9 wheels. If you are planning on spending $800, go for the I9s...and talk to Larry at Mountain High Cyclery.

$800?? Isn't that kinda expensive??

I have found that with bikes, everything relates to "You Get What You Pay For".

I would much rather save for months, rocking out a crappy wheelset until i can afford a great one, than make do.

Not if you have seen I9s first hand.

I9's are gorgeous wheels, and will be getting a set once my current wheels kick the bucket.

Well I went back and forth between the Mavic Cross Max SL the I9 and building a wheel set using Chris King Hubs and went for the Chris King Hubs with DT spokes and Velocity VXC rims. Maybe not the lightest of the bunch but they till fall into the light catagory and I think they will be extremely bulletproof. Thanks all for your input, it was very helpfull.

If you want to minimize weight especially in the rim area, consider Stan's wheels https://www.notubes.com/

They are $550 and up depending on the hubs.

I'm presently riding $600 (list) Cane Creek Zonos, but I'm going to Stans for the lighter rims and better tire-holding/rim design for low pressures.

Al

get the mavic crossmax sl's. they are a little out of your price range, but they are worth it

Guess you missed the OP's post two above yours where they indicate they already bought something else.