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I've recently acquired a pair of second hand but unused 29" rims, they are Stans Arch EX and a Flow EX (old models). I'm going to have a go at wheel building, something I've not done before but I have swapped out a broken rim and managed to get a solid and straight end result so I figure I could have a go at building from scratch.
I have a pair of Deore hubs on old 26ers so I plan to reuse them unless I come across some other bargains very soon (I do like clicky!)
My dilemma is which way round to build them - Flow front for bigger volume or Flow rear for greater strength. They will be used on my Stooge so a rigid fork hence wanting the volume.
I weigh 13st, mostly ride XC in Warwickshire and the Cotswolds with trail centres like Cannock, FoD, Afan, CyB half a dozen times a year.
Thoughts and hub offers appreciated.
Bigger on front for volume.
Some manufacturers do this with wheelsets (Mavic?)
arch ex are pretty tough rims so I wouldn't be worried about it on the back unless you're really getting carried away.
I have the same rims on my Inbred SS and run Flow front with 2.4 Ardent and Arch rear with 2.2 Ikon which seems to work OK.
I have a little used Hope Pro2 100mm front hub (blue) with through axle and QR adaptors, let me know if you are interested...
TBH neither rim is especially tough- they're strong, but they dent easily and it's pretty easy to dent an Ex to the point it can't be repaired, because the side edge is short and fairly soft. So I wouldn't stress about it too much.