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I'm torn between the ZTR Flows and 355s for general trail riding, the odd trail centre etc. My local riding isn't rocky and I sometimes run a 1.8 Fire XC in the winter so the Flows might be overkill, but then again I'm not a delicate rider and I might stick a 2.3 Cinder or High Roller on for a trail centre trip, which might be pushing things on the 355.
Has anyone got any experience of such extremes? Is there a magic third option that's the best of both worlds? I'm fairly set on the Pro2 hubs for reliability, parts and potential bolt-thru compatibility (QR only for now though). I like the idea of being able to go tubeless easily in future, but again that's not something I'd do immediately.
The 355's will be fine. Running Pro2 SP 2.35 HR front with Stans and no problems whatsoever. The 355's appear tough and rigid after a months riding. Ride at Gisburn (very rough and rocky) and Llandegla.
I run the flow and love them for everything. I also believe that they were the most popular choice in the recent Hope Hoop group buy. I find the wider rim gives a much more stable feeling platform for any tyre. Just makes the contact with the ground feel so much more solid and planted.
since the flow is designed as a DH rim, and the 355's a XC rim it depends what you aim to do with them.
I went for the ZTR Olympic for XC and they have been tough brilliant rims for most riding and racing. I also have some Arch rims and have been well impressed, especially since they seem to make bigger vol tyres work better and inspire confidence when running at low pressures. never felt the need for Flow rims... but that's probably since I don't do jumps and tricks.....
I weigh 16 stone and ride pretty clumsily so went for the flows. I also intend taking them to the alps. Sounds like the 355s would be fine.
Btw tubeless is amazingly easy with these rims. After installing the yellow tape I got a non-tubeless big earl to inflate right away with a track pump, a few slow leaks that were quickly stopped with some sealant. A Maxxis UST tyre just went up straight away with no leaks at all.