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I need a set of wheels for my 29 hardtail but it's non boost. I'll likely keep it a few years yet but option of converting to boost would be handy.
I'm looking for 25mm internal under 1800g for general xc/gravel and trail duties.
My options are:
1. Get some dtswiss xm421s built onto pro2 evos I have sitting around. I find them draggy hubs but can be converted to boost.
2. Second hand mavic xa pros but not many about and alloy nipples which probably need replacing at some point.
3. New xm421 on 350 hubs from fitwheels. Good value, and heard they are reliable/tough but a bit more than I want to pay.
Hunt is another option but not all glowing reviews.
Anything else I should consider or any other thoughts? Thanks.
When you say the Pro#s can be converted to Boost, you know that means either cheap spacers or end caps and redish?
Yeah that's what I thought with the hopes.
Hope adapters still mean the wheel is misaligned until re dished though
I'm not trying to put you off, it's the way I'd go on it. Just making you aware
Aye not just a simple adaptors and go. Redish would be fine though if I went that way.
I'd get 350 hubs on XM421 built up - check your local shop - the prices may not be dissimilar to fit wheels.
The 350 front hub will go boost with a wolftooth boostinator without re-dishing (thats what I've done)
For the rear I'd just get what you need now and and if/when the time comes to go boost buy a hub and rebuild or buy a new wheel and sell the old one.
Thanks slackboy, I think I really want the xm421 on 350s. I checked some UK wheelbuilders and prices were quite a bit higher although it is good to keep it local for servicing etc.
Hopes don't need a redish on the rear with the Hope kit. Axle spacers either side and disc shim(s).
Out of interest, why do you find the Pro2 Evo's draggy? Might be that they just need a good service, as they're a decent hub.
All of the options you've mentioned are worthwhile, including the Hunts (XC Wide, though they are out of stock at the moment I think). I've got some Boost XA Pro's on one of my bikes, and though I bought them as a cheap stand in 2nd hand off a friend, they are one of the best riding wheelsets I've ever owned! I'm over 90kg too, and give them a bit of stick, and they've shrugged it off and the ride quality is superb.
XM421's are good rims. 350 hubs are great too.
Apologies for muddying the waters, but any of the options you've mentioned will be worthwhile...
And don't worry too much about the non-Boost thing... We were all worried around 2019 for a short while, but the emergence of Gravel Bikes actually designed to be ridden off road with 45-50mm tyres means the non Boost 29er wheels that people started literally giving away have all increased in value again! 👍🏻
Mboy my hopes were on my mk2 soul with crest rims and they just felt slow for such a light wheelset. Especially rolling downhill. They were just serviced but felt even worse! Shame as I like the whole UK engineering thing.
I'd probably get the Mavic XA pros as s/h they are the best option but not seen any for sale. But think for long term durability new DT Swiss will last a good while. Do like the Hunts but lots of stories of mangled rims although that is the endure wides which may see more abuse
Hubs aren't draggy, that's in your head. Tyres are mind.
Maybe it is but it certainly wasnt the tyres I can assure you! It was a bit of an xc build thus minimal tread and weight.
Bit higher engagement would be good too but not essential.
Current wheels for info are Kinesis Maxlight IX which have been great if a bit narrow
I'm using the Mt Zoom boost spacers on the front of my race bike, spare bike is non boost and means I can swap wheels about.
No redishing has been required and it's fine🤷♂️
Try Halo with Zoom boost adaptors if and when required 👍
I have a set of pretty nice SRAM Roam 50 wheels for sale, they're nonboost but as the rear is DT240S it's easily adapted and I can include a wolftooth boostificator thing for it. They're maybe a little skinnier than you want though at 21mm internal but they're light and tough...
FWIW I've got wheels with both "proper" boostificators, and with the cheap "spacer on the end" type and they've both worked great. The cheap ones are a little annoying occasionally but really, how often do you remove and refit wheels?
Thanks all on the boost advice. Seems an easy job to sort.
Appreciate the offer Northwind but sound similar to the maxlights that I have. They have been bombproof but again 21mm internal so a bit wider preferred.
So I think I'll go with the xm421 rims on 350 hubs. I'll get them specced with brass nipples, can upgrade the engagement and go for 28 spokes f & r. Need to sell some some bits first - pro evo 2 hubs anyone?
I'll keep a look out for used wheels like the m1700's etc too.
Thanks all for the very helpful input, is much appreciated.
I bought a set from JRA which sound like your wish spec. I needed standard front and boost rear but they have adaptors for most options. So far , very pleased with the wheels. In fact I am going to order some for the road bike to replace the rotting Hunts.( Not a euphemism)