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I'm looking at replacing the rear wheel on my singlespeed 29er and thought I would ask for opinions on a couple of options...
standard QR, 135mm
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-mt15-mtb-rear-wheel/rp-prod121432 ]Shimano MT 15 rear wheel[/url]
£70
Pro's - cheap, Shimano freehub so spares readily available
Con's - a bit narrow, Shimano freehub not serviceable
[url= https://www.merlincycles.com/pro-build-chosen-hub-alex-volar-trail-wheels-29-82077.html ]Merlin pro build Chosen hubs on Alex rims[/url]
£110
Pro's - 23mm internal, tubeless ready
Con's - Chosen hub a bit of an unknown quantity, dunno about spares
What do we reckon STW?
The high engagement points on the chosen hub is pretty cool, sounds like an angry wasp
I have the 26" version of the merlin/Alex/chosen wheel and the hub is very good for the money, it's well sealed and the cartridge bearings were well packed with grease. I've done a few hundred miles on mine, including the coast to coast with the bike fully loaded and it's never missed a beat. The only criticism I would have is that the valley in the middle of the rim is very deep, making it an absolute pain in the arse to tape properly. I ended up doing mine the ghetto tubeless method.
I had the chosen wheel in 650b 25mm volar rim. Couldn’t get a tyre to inflate with a track pump for love nor money as the tyres were all very baggy on the rim. Went up fine with a tubeless inflator though.
The axle snapped too but I was using it bolt through.
Of those two I'd go for the Merlin one. Merlin have a good reputation for wheel builds.
Also - chosen hubs are a bit like novatec, perhaps not so big, but they make hubs for 3rd parties. Spares availability on eBay looks ok - eg. Pairs of end caps are about 8 quid and you can get freehub bodies on eBay too. Bearings will be a standard industrial size, so again, fairly easy to source.
Other nice things about the Merlin build- it's a nice wide rim, ready to go tubeless; it uses standard spokes so easy to replace if needed; it's 6 bolt rather than CL on the Shimano one; likely to be lighter; has more spokes probably better for singlespeed.
Thanks for the replies. Certainly leaning towards the Merlin option now.
Merlin have a good reputation for wheel builds.
The wheel is actually built by Raleigh, not hand built by merlin. Don't let that put you off though, mine is still straight and true and has never been touched by my spoke key.
Yep, had read that on their page.
I ordered it earlier and Merlin stuff generally comes quickly so hopefully get it for the weekend