Budget Wheels
 

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Budget Wheels

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Hey, looking for some budget wheel recommendations. Of course I want the moon on a stick. Not too heavy, 30mm ish inner width, 29er and micro spline hubs. Reserve wheels look lush, but are beyond budget. Same for the Hope hoops.

Looked at Sonder Alpha. Happy to take any recommendations. I did look at those circa £400 Ghost carbon wheels, but had a nightmare of a warranty claim with the store that sells them, so not keen to give them more business.


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 8:19 am
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If Hopes are over budget how about some second hand Hopes? I almost always prefer used posh stuff to new cheap stuff


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 8:46 am
StuF and StuF reacted
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I had 700c Sonder Alpha wheels on my Camino, seemed solid enough over 1000km or so.

I would recommend secondhand Hope Pro4 on XM481 or similar or the DT M1700 or M1900 wheelset would be a good option also


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 8:49 am
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What's the budget and what's not too heavy mean to you? Should be able to get something with a DT Swiss ratchet LN hub around the 2kg mark for not loads.

E.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226548773895


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 8:51 am
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Thanks all.

Nixie - less than £400 (hopefully a lot less).


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 8:55 am
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Half price roval control or traverse at tredz https://www.tredz.co.uk/roval

XD driver though.

Or have a look at JRA for UK hand built.

Eg https://www.justridingalong.com/product/ravine-core-series-wheels/#front-wheel


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 9:32 am
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There will be a lot of haters but I'm gonna say it anyway. Hunt.


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 9:39 am
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OOPs, just saw your mention re warranty

the ghost carbon wheels a few of us bought? light, only 26mm, but claiming suitable for enduro... :S so...

GHOST C26 29" Carbon MTB Wheelset – Sportandleisure.com


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 9:42 am
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Shimano XT M8120

I have them, been using them 4 years now, they're great and tick all your boxes. No complaints whatsoever.


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 9:56 am
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it might be worth phoning Spa Cycles in Harrogate. They make excellent robust wheels


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 10:09 am
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I'd find the extra £100-odd for a pair of Hope/DT wheels from someone like Moonglu.

Or shop around for bargains and be prepared to buy front and rear separately, and maybe not have matching brands.


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 10:15 am
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@thepurist 2nd Hunt Wheels Trail Wide fit the bill .


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 10:16 am
 nre
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I have some brand new 30mm Newmen 29" wheels on the classifieds. XD driver though... but it can be swapped


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 11:39 am
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I've had a silt XC rear wheel under my fat arse for 2 years a d it's still true.

So these may fit the bill

https://siltmtb.com/collections/enduro-end/products/enduro-alloy-29-1-969g


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 11:42 am
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Thanks all. I ended up going Hope. Deals on Merlin assisted.

Have owned Hunt (thought they were good) and considered the Ghosts, SILT and even hand built. Good to know how much choice is out there.


 
Posted : 21/01/2025 11:46 pm
matt_outandabout, chakaping, chakaping and 1 people reacted
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I'd say don't mess about with 'cheap' wheels. Buy the DT Swiss rims of your choice on your preferred hub (DT Swiss, Hope etc.). In my experience it'll be cheaper in the long run and they'll be more reliable.

Edit: whoops, a bit too slow.


 
Posted : 22/01/2025 1:05 pm
chakaping and chakaping reacted

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