Help! Component and wheel questions. Which is best.
 

Ok,
So after some careful mulling over and some long talks with my local LBSes, I have decided to keep my Litespeed hardtail for XC race and XC race type riding. The reasoning being that Ti is virtually infatigue-able (unlike aluminum) and differences between makers is negligible. Also, there is seemingly no real technological advancements in the Ti hardtail frame to justify upgrading to a new one.
Anyhow, I do have to "jazz up" my components a bit. Here are my questions....

1) I want a lightweight, tubeless, factory built, disc wheelset. Don't suggest a regular mavic with xtr hums or whatnot, I have already been over those pros/cons and decided against. The choice is between the-
Shimano XTR M965 pre-built set or
Mavic CrossMax SL

2) Hollowtech II XTR crank or FSA carbon crank

3) As far as disc brakes go, I was planning on getting the new xtr shift/brake levers which I am pretty sure can only be used with xtr disc brakes (?). If that's true, are the xtrs very good or do they fall way short of the magura or hayes?

Thanks!

1 - mavic...
2 - fsa
3 - shimano offer power but you would require a compatible hub with the new xtr brakes I believe as it uses a different interface on the hub itself.

The reason for the first two is pure company loyalty. I love mavic and lov fsa. As for the third choice I would say either of the others to avoid having to buy a special hub (unless there are adaptors now?)

1) Mavic
2) Shimano
3) Avid Juicy 7's

Definitely prefer Mavic wheels over shimano wheels. Can we ask why you would not put together a nice tubeless wheelset? Also I am not a big Bontrager fan but the new race lite wheels are getting decent reviews (I have read problems as well but nothing I have not heard about the others).

I really like the Shimano Hollowtech designs. They are stiff as anything available and lightweight as well. Can't beat shimano shifting either.

How did you pick Shimano and Hayes as top Brake choices? I know the XTR's are good but there are plenty better. Don't buy it for the name alone :)

The XTR brakes work nicely. Good power and modulation. You do however have to use XTR hubs for the disc to fit but if you get the XTR wheels that wont be a problem. As far as the XTR shift/brake levers, you may want to ride a bike that already has them before putting them on your bike. They work well but feel very awkward, some riders love 'em and some dislike 'em.

If you get the XTR wheels you will have to run their brakes as well unless you have them built up with different hubs. So here I would say get the SL set. It will give you more options.

I am a big fan of Hope brakes. I would suggest the MonoMini brakes. I have been running Hopes for years and never had any problems or complaints (well, they get noisy depending on the pads you have in them).

I also like the Shimano cranks better then the FSA. Both are very good but Shimano takes it because I like their look better. I also like AC NomadXC cranks. Very strong and light and also have a nice look to them. They are also easier on the wallet.

Have you thought about SRAM ? The XO group (IMHO) has a better feel then the XTR. They now also have a front derailleur to go with the rear now. Also, I find the grip shift to be more user friendly and less likely to break in a crash.

:beer:

1) Not thinking in terms of SRAM...just never really liked gripshift at all.
2) I heard from my LBS that the 2005 Crossmax SL will work with the XTR brakes(somehow), but even if not, I could use an XT rotor.
3) The reasons i would buy the XTR over the avids or hope is only because I get a great deal if I buy the whole group, and also because I am under the impression that the XTR integrated shifters/brakes only work with an XTR disc brake. Please correct my if I'm wrong...

Uh, oh, here we go again!!! I'll stick to the requested choices.

1. Mavic I think the CrossMax's are by far a much superior wheel to the Shimano in terms of strength and weight. Plus, they are much better looking (not a big factor)

2. I'm going to go with the SHimano's here. The new XTR's are not MY gig, but they are beautiful and the new bearing system is solid.

3. I don't like Shimano brakes, but if you want the flippy shifters, you are stuck with them. I guess I shouldn't say I don't like them, I just like my Hayes BETTER!

L8R

Oh yeah, Sram is now making triggers as seperate shift pods, so if you DON't like the integrated shifter/levers, and want to use different brakes, you have another viable option.

My next upgrade will be to Sram Triggers so I can keep my Hayes!

L8R

I have to agree that the new Shimano integrated shifter/brake lever stuff sucks. I'd rather just have a plain brake lever and SRAM trigger shifters.

You can use XT levers with XTR calipers. I ride with a few guys that use this set up because they can not stand the intergrated pods.

:beer: