Almost There!

Chris_F · 02-25-12, 02:33 PM

I trashed the drive side spokes (threw a chain, previously lost the spoke guard), and I've never really loved my rear rim but I love my hub (Shimano XT). I'd like to have the wheel rebuilt at a local shop but want to stick a new rim on it. I don't like the current rim because it's heavy and has a lip on it that makes it hard to get tire beads to seat (they get hung up on the interior channel where the rim tape goes because the rims have a sort of ridge there.) Current rims are WTB Trail Laserdisk.

Priorities are reliability/durability (I just like my stuff to work) over weight. I don't need a cheap wheel but don't need the absolute best. Not knowing what the price ranges are it's hard to say what I want to spend. $100 is too high, and $20 seems too low. Maybe $50 (if that gets me something decent, not afraid to spend more for a much better rim).

Any suggestions?

Chris_F · 02-25-12, 02:41 PM

I should have mentioned, 26" wheel, disk brake.

mechBgon · 02-25-12, 02:42 PM

If you're into cross-country riding and aren't abusive, the Weinnman ZAC19 is a good value... reasonably strong, not absurdly heavy, and under $25.

Chris_F · 02-25-12, 02:55 PM

In to cross country and not abusive describe my riding pretty well. I'm also 160lb so I'm not a heavy guy and pretty easy on equipment.

ShimmerFade · 02-25-12, 04:23 PM

Some of the mavic offerings are pretty nice. I've got a EN521 on the back, which would probably be too much for non abusive XC, but if its quality speaks for other mavic products I would say give them a look. It was quite affordable too.

I've also had pretty good experience with WTB. My stock rear wheel was some XC model that took quite a beating before needing to be replaced. I still have the front one, and it has never had to be trued after over 3,000 km. I also was having trouble seating brand new tires on the rims. What worked for me was to just always pump a little above the max psi, let it sit a little bit, and then let some air out.

Mr Pink57 · 02-25-12, 05:15 PM

Stans Flows will be strong for years to come I would just get a set and have the wheels rebuilt. Maybe you can work something out with a shop to have them rebuild at a lower cost if you buy the rims through them.

GSH · 02-25-12, 10:11 PM

A friend of mine built up a wheelset with SunRingle' Inferno 25 rims. He uses them for trail riding, weighs 170'. They've performed nicely. Can be had for around $40.