[Closed] light bicycle carbon rims

Shining tor water bars have claimed many rims and tubes ha!

Because I am too lazy to read through all these pages what is the concensus?

- Are they strong and durable?
- Is tubeless set up easy?
- Any major issues?
- Do they wear well - is their peeling of lacquer etc...?

Yes
Yes
No
No

And as I'm also too lazy.... What is the concensus for the ideal LB rim for an AM/trail build wheel. Similar in strength to a Flow, with similar width?

Thinking about building some up on my spare Pro2 Evos

I on the other hand have read through all 17 bloody pages (commenting on one some several months ago!) and would also gratefully request some wisdom!

Anyone know what ERD I'd need for AC 32H hubs on 650b 35mm hookless? As it seems as some ERDs quoted are a bit off.

What is the best finish (as I'm liking the matt UD best but could be swayed)?

What spokes/nipple combo for rider weight v light wheel build (about 12.5st trail riding with odd enduro)? Was hoping for 1500-1600g

Cheers

Anybody got advice on running these tubeless?

I see some posts have said that for the 33mm rims use Stans Downhill rim strip, but that only seems to come with a schrader valve fitted, not a presta.

Will the Lite Bike rims accept a schrader valve?

I'm using mine just with yellow tape. Well, blue tape rather but it's basically the same. Working well so far though they've not had a huge amount of use. 2 chaps in our holiday group were using them with specialized tlr tyres and tape, seemed fine for them too

Did we ever get a concensus on the ERD accuracy of the 26 inch 33mm ones?

I used gorilla tape on all 3 pairs of mine

I bought a set of CX wheels. The front one developed a bulge after less than 20 miles. They want to send me a replacement rim only and leave me with the cost of having the wheel rebuilt. Not very happy at that

I on the other hand have read through all 17 bloody pages (commenting on one some several months ago!) and would also gratefully request some wisdom!

Anyone know what ERD I'd need for AC 32H hubs on 650b 35mm hookless? As it seems as some ERDs quoted are a bit off.

What is the best finish (as I'm liking the matt UD best but could be swayed)?

What spokes/nipple combo for rider weight v light wheel build (about 12.5st trail riding with odd enduro)? Was hoping for 1500-1600g

Cheers

You can use 551 as quoted, I have built a few with that and its ok.

UD matt is defintely the nicest

DT Supercomp/Comp Race or Sapim DLite with prolock Alu or SIL Alu respectively. I would strongly recommend locking nipples on these rims.

And as I'm also too lazy.... What is the concensus for the ideal LB rim for an AM/trail build wheel. Similar in strength to a Flow, with similar width?

Thinking about building some up on my spare Pro2 Evos

MUCH wider... I mean massively so. Stronger too.

So are all you people ordering direct from the LB site or through Ebay?
My fingers itching over the buy button. 🙂

Literally just had a pair of 35mm hookless 29ers built with Hope Pro2s and DT Super Comp spokes.

I have used Gorilla Tape since going tubeless 5 years ago. Light, cheap and lasts years.

Schwable Hans Dampf and Rocket Ron went up straight away with track pump and never leaked, jallop added 2 days later.

Wheel weight with Gorilla Tape and tubeless valves 1732g for 29er.

They built up great and ride flipping lovely.

Yet to break a LB rim, been on them a couple of years, 15st kitted and ride like a nut over everything.

So are all you people ordering direct from the LB site or through Ebay?

I bought direct.

Direct.

Direct here too.

Cheers all.
Ordered direct.

Ordered direct too very efficient. Got them all built up on hope pro II evo and sat with tyres on (tubed just to shape the tyres a bit) but will run tubeless. Look cool and stealthy...Unfortunately my new frame is delayed so it's driving me made as can't wait to see how they spin...

What's the delivery time on these?

Interested in a set for a disc cross build as some UK suppliers have quoted £200 a rim!

About 4-6 weeks until there in your hands, much of that once they land in the UK.

cheers. Really wanting a light set of rims for a disc cross build

Why does no one in the UK stock carbon rims?

Has anybody come to these rims from Hope Hoops with Arch EX rims?

I currently use them tubeless with 2.25 tyres on my SC Superlight (26") and whilst I don't feel there is anything particularly bad at all with my current wheels, I do have a need for some better ones on my other bike.

The thoughts are to buy either a set of AM rims from LB and build them up on some older ProII hubs (non evo) I have, or buy a set of complete wheels with Hope/Nova hubs from LB. Then drop the Hope hoops to the second bike.

Riding is mainly XC with black trail centre routes / peaks etc, and I don't jump around or go mad on rock gardens etc.

But I do weight 110KG kitted up.

Am I just wasting money as I don't find anything to complain about from the Stans rims, or are there noticeable differences that enhance riding?

I got these to replace some normal non EX arch rims, you aren't going to notice any massive difference, the only thing I've noticed is they are stiffer and the tire rolls less on the rim

nm

Just had a look on the LB site, there are some 38mm rims listed!? Is this a new development, or have I just not scrolled back far enough through this thread?

Hi all, I am looking to replace my 29er Arch EX wheels with some LB rims as I keep bending the Arch EX rims and snapping spokes.

I am struggling to decide which width of rim to go for though, the 30mm or 35mm. I currently have a Cotic Solaris which I use a 2.25 on the back, 2.35 Hans Dampfs are too wide, would I have clearance issues with the 35mm rims?

Heads up- LB now have 38mm 29er rims available (although not advertised yet) and they have 50mm 29er rims ready for the end of December.
Same finish and options as usual.

Anyone tried the fat bike rims?

$278 to lose 150gm seems a lot (tho I suspect you lose less on normal rims)

Just seen some unbuilt rims in my Lbs, very nice. Looks like I am gonna have to explain another set of wheels to Mrs Dhd. Thought I could resist. 😥

Ive just received some Nextie hookless 35 wide and 28mm deep carbon rims and they are nice and look good quality.

Originally wanted derbys, but with these being half the price of derbys and 2 years warranty i thought id give them a go.

Im thinking of having a go at building these myself and possible sending to my LBS to be checked over. Already have some pro 2 evo hubs and after reading various post I'm best to build them with brass nipples.

Only thing I'm undecided on is what spokes to go with? Being a lightweight rider at 11.5st i don't want to overbuild the things, but then again i want them to take some abuse.

Can anyone advise on what spokes to go with for the build and how do i figure out what length spoke i need?

Many thanks

I have just built up some rims using DT Swiss 240 hubs and Competition Spokes. The DT Swiss Spoke calculator with the Light Bicycle quoted ERD's worked fine. I used aluminium nipples but if you aren't too fussed about the slight extra weight brass nipples are easier to work with - because the rims are so stiff, you end up with pretty high spoke tension and it is easy to round off the alloy nipples.

mrski1 - Member

I am struggling to decide which width of rim to go for though, the 30mm or 35mm. I currently have a Cotic Solaris which I use a 2.25 on the back, 2.35 Hans Dampfs are too wide, would I have clearance issues with the 35mm rims?

Hi- you won't have clearance issues with the rims themselves, but they can fatten up tyres a little. Only a little- I put some numbers earlier in the thread which I can't be bothered to look up but it was millimetres, way less than some articles suggest. So it could make the difference but it has to be really marginal (or it could push a "fits ok" into "doesn't fit very well")

Northwind - Member
mrski1 - Member
I am struggling to decide which width of rim to go for though, the 30mm or 35mm. I currently have a Cotic Solaris which I use a 2.25 on the back, 2.35 Hans Dampfs are too wide, would I have clearance issues with the 35mm rims?

Hi- you won't have clearance issues with the rims themselves, but they can fatten up tyres a little. Only a little- I put some numbers earlier in the thread which I can't be bothered to look up but it was millimetres, way less than some articles suggest. So it could make the difference but it has to be really marginal (or it could push a "fits ok" into "doesn't fit very well")

Thanks for that, I decided to play it safe with the 30mm rims, still wider than my arch ex rims but hopefully that bit stiffer built up 🙂

The 29mm superstar tape is this wide enough to be used on 35mm wide rims?

My rims have a 30mm inner width but are pretty deep.
[IMG] [/IMG]

^^^ Or am i bet to use narrow tape to sit in the well of the rim, which is 11mm wide?

Thanks

i sued the 30mm wtb stuff from crc on my 35mm rims, worked very well,

Thanks - Did you manage to cover 2x 29er rims with it?

ive done 3 650b rims and still got plenty left
only had to go round once

thread resurrection!

after reading all 18 pages I'm just about to buy some 38mm hookless 650B rims from LB and wondered if anyone here had bought them over the 35mm? LB seem to recommend the 38mm over 35mm in all their web chats now and for $5 and 40g an end I can't really see a reason why you wouldn't want them. I think the extra width causing tyre profile issues had been debunked (in any case its less than 10% wider), but happy to hear any real life experiences.

cheers

I was looking at these today as I was about to order my 35s when I saw the 38.

The 38mm have only been out a month or so. I saw one ride report on MTBR but that's about it.
http://forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/new-light-bicycle-38mm-rims-941499.html

I reckon I'll just go with the normal 35s. The width difference is neither here nor there. LB say the new ones are stronger but I don't hear any negative issues with the strength of the 35s so I reckon they will be grand. I'm also slightly concerned that the extra strength plus significant extra height of the rim will add significant stiffness, and while one of the reasons for going with the carbon rims is the extra stiffness, I don't want to go OTT. Especially on a short travel bike, too much stiffness may be a bad thing.

I haven't chatted to LB themselves so I'd be interested to know what they had to say, especially regards the stiffness point.

I've just pulled the trigger on some 27mm hookless 29er rims so we'll see how they go. I went quite light as my 29er is weenie.

mine are going strong 2 years on, tubeless is a PITA though, any schwalbe tyre is like a wizard sleeve, built up with yellow tape but still difficult, but sounds like this isnt an issue anymore, considering some nextie hookless, among the million and one things i "need"

I’ve been running 35mm 29er rims since April last year and I’m still chuffed to bits with them. They just get on with their job of being a relatively light, stiff, wide and strong rim. I’m planning on building a pair for the Bigwig next and I’m pretty sure I’ll be sticking with 35mm.

38mm rims only give an extra 1.6 mm internal width for an additional 40g over the 35mm.It does mean the rim beads are thicker though by what, and extra 0.7 mm each. I've no doubt they're stronger, but for me, the point of diminishing returns has been reached. I'm planning on ordering some at the end of January, but I'll be ordering 35s.

Annoyingly they only seem to sell the 38mm via ebay, which would avoid their paypal fee. I see tenacious doug has been emailing them regarding the other befeits of a 38mm rim, so be interesting to see what they come back with.

scienceofficer i was talking to them on web chat today and she warned there will be a delay because of chinese new year apparently, so order sooner rather than later. not sure how true this is but way back on this thread i think some folks were delayed because of it. I'm going to order soon i think.

Yeah, it was the same last year. I'm not in any rush.

For anyone interested I've been working on a Rim tape solution for our new carbon wheels and have found a really good gorilla tape replacement were now buying in - 25mm wide but really good for 30mm+ rims, leaves much less mess than gorilla if you need to remove it and bonds well with the carbon surface for a good seal first time. Will be available from our store (shop.birdmtb.com) next week.

Do you get stung for import duty on the rims?

Yes. Vat and import duty is around 25% plus a customs handling fee of around £15 normally.

Cheers Ben

I plan to use hope pro II hubs any recommendations on spokes?

The benefit of carbon rims is they don't bend like aluminium ones, so you can go really light if you want. Sapim leader or cxray, dt supercomp or revolution, or if you don't mind waiting the excellent pillar range is available from top venturer in Taiwan in small quantities at a price that makes it worth shipping them in.

Cheers again Ben all being well these are going onto one of your frames!

Do you get stung for import duty on the rims?

You take your chance, I bought rims and spokes and got no charges.

did you hear anything back from LB Doug?

what weight do the 29er xc rims come in at as a complete build?

Some info but not everything I asked them. They suggested the 38mm was 10-20% stronger than the 35mm. I have asked specific information on the stiffness between the two, apparently they have lab tests that will give me this info but I've not had them sent through yet.

what weight do the 29er xc rims come in at as a complete build?

Depends how you build them...

Mine with American Classic hubs and Revolution spokes are 1370g.

Annoyingly they only seem to sell the 38mm via ebay

The 38mm are on their website, I ordered them a couple of weeks back and they are still there.

crikey that is light! What kind of cost are we talking about for that, and did lb build them or did you just order the rim

Whats the durability like for everyday xc riding..im around 80k, have been using crest 26ers for past few years with no issues whatsoever

I've got the 29er 35mm rims which came in about 415g and have been fine. 28 hole and built up on DT 240 hubs with revolution spokes. Came in about 1450g.

Looking at building up a set of 25mm road rims on DT 240s again and will likely come in about the same weight of my 29er MTB wheels scarily enough. Anyone tried the road rims at all?

The 38mm are on their website, I ordered them a couple of weeks back and they are still there.

Sorry MSP i meant they only sell the 38mm on ebay and not the 35mm too. i know you can order 35mm direct from the site but i think that incurs a paypal fee. torn between the 38's & the 35's now.

have you got your 38's yet?

What kind of cost are we talking about for that, and did lb build them or did you just order the rim

Whats the durability like for everyday xc riding..im around 80k, have been using crest 26ers for past few years with no issues whatsoever

About £600 or so I guess - I bought hubs from the US (AEBike.com), and spokes from Germany, and built them myself. Rims were 355 and 356g - if you're bothered you can ask for light ones (I did).

If you've been fine on Crests you won't need anything tougher - they've been faultless, I'd have another set without hesitation.

I bought a 27mm and 30mm for rear and front, built with Extralite front hub and AC rear, DT Rev spokes, 2 cross. 1320gram without tape.

Most bike shops / experts advised against DT Revs, alloy nipples, 2 cross etc. Big test tomo on its maiden run.

have you got your 38's yet?

No, they have just gone through customes today, should have them sometime next week.

I have gone for the full downhill version, so not really saving much weight on a set of stans flows, but should be much stronger and wider.

cool, i'd be interested to hear what you think of them!

Has anyone had any build issues. I got some over 6month ago but only just got round to getting hubs and spokes. On building up found 1 spoke nipple on each rim would not seat properly. Inside the rim seems to have a load of excess carbon which makes it thicker and not smooth at that point. Also one of those holes is drilled slightly skew.

Need to contact LB I think

Here's some Info LB sent me on comparative test figures between the 35 & 38. They are pretty self explanatory. Impact strength and positive stiffness (which I assume is vertical stiffness) is much better than the 35, while lateral stiffness is similar.

I'm not an expert in wheels but my thought is the greater lateral stiffness will be offset by the lower spoke tension so my slight concern about these perhaps being too stiff is not an issue. Plus I don't expect to notice the lateral stiffness difference.

So overall, 38s should feel similar, with greater strength, marginally more weight but look much more badass because of the depth!

[IMG] [/IMG]

thanks for following this up Doug, much appreciated. look like i will be snaffling some 38's off ebay tonight then!

Interesting stuff. If I'm reading it right, It should be that the 35 shares more of its impact force with the rest of the wheel structure as it deforms twice as far as the 38, which should compensate a bit for its overall weaker structure.

Can anyone recommend an experienced wheel builder for these?

I had mine built onto existing Hope hubs by 18 Bikes in Hope. They did an excellent job with them.

Where you based fudge? My bother in law built both of mine, he's north east based

Cheers I'm in Northern Ireland so will need to courier them, will make a few phone calls next week, mine will go onto hope Pro2 EVO hubs aswell. Any recommendations on spokes.

I used DT revolution

Fudge you need Norms Bikes in Belfast. Top job and easy to pay.

crispyrice cheers for that, just 25 miles away from me, I'll give them a call on Monday.

I built my own. Been building for a few years but by no means a pro. Just take me time. Really enjoy building these as they go together really nicely. Only done 28 hole with revolutions so there's easier options to build too.

Come on surely someone's tried the road rims, any thoughts on the 25mm x 35 mm anyone?

I bought the 650B 35mm version and have had them on the bike for about 3 months. Unfortunately while washing the bike (after two full days of riding this weekend) it appears that my rear rim has a small split/crack.

I wouldn't be able to say how it happened as it's been pretty uneventful, I've been doing small to medium jumps and drops (nothing big) but didn't crash it.

I've emailed LBC with photos so I'll see what they say / find out what their support is like. I also only have the one bike so now I can't ride for however long its going to be...

[IMG] [/IMG]

Slightly worrying! I think I will wait to see what the customer support is like before purchasing, keep us informed.