Lightweight 26" wheelsets?
 

I am in the planning stages of building a bike using 26" wheels (I'm a little lady). However, I can't seem to find light wheels around 1500g under $500. (my other dream build uses Williams 19 wheels that fit those specs). I was thinking that smaller wheels should be lighter, however, 26" MTB are definitely made to deal with tougher riding and are way heavier.

I like 26 more than 650 because of the wide range of widths available and larger number of producers.

Does anyone have any ideas on dependable 26" lightweight wheels? Also, I don't use disc and I do use clinchers

You might want to see if you can find some Crank Brothers' Cobalt wheels, the 26" ones weigh right at 1500g. They list for over $800 but you might get lucky and find a used set for closer to $500. Only bad thing is they're disk-only.

Also, FSA makes the XC-500 set that's 1800g for less than $600. I haven't tried either of these, just some of the lighter ones I've seen.

you're underlying premise doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, at least as articulated.

Given that you want these wheels to be light (1500 grams) that would imply that you're interested in them being light in order for the bike to be faster (i.e. climbing and accelerating)

So if the purpose is to go fast, there has to be a better selection of high quality, narrow, low rolling resistence tire in 650 than 26" For example Vittoria EVO open clinchers are available in 650, and will be better than any 26" road slick.

Conversely, if you want wider, more robust 26" tires, then going fast/ low weight would not appear to be such a priority.


Given that there are lots of options for nice, light, 650 wheels, I'd go with 650.

Disc braake only.

Also you're going to have an issue with the rear drop out spacing at 135mm.

You are right. In terms of speed it doesn't quite workout but I haven't seen more than 2 tires that are 25 and above that do not qualify as beach cruiser tires. With general riding I stick to 25. And I know I am not a racer but if I can spare weight where I can and where it counts, I will. With that in mind, I would much appreciate the advice

^ but if you're a small person, why do you want anything wider than 23?

I guess just personal experience, I have never flatted on a 25. And maybe it is psychological, it just feels like I have more grip on corners

I've never thought of 21 vs 25 as a weight thing before