 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I will be ordering a new set of wheels tomorrow & would appreciate some advice.
I'd set my heart on the pre-built Hope hoops set up, with Pro 2 & DT500 rims, but am still considering the DT400 (or Mavic XC717) rim version instead.
Bike:
Ventana El Ciclon (140) with DHX5 air shock (not because I'm a freeride god, I bought it with that shock secondhand, but love it)
Fox Float 140RL QR
Brakes will probably be Hope M4 with 180 rotors F+R
XT, Thomson post & stem, Easton EA70 bars 685 etc.
Majority of my riding is XC, with trips away to Wales, Yorkshire, Peaks (typical trail rider)
Me:
Big but fit (95kg + kit). Not a jumper, but I like to ride hard down the rough stuff.
I'm thinking strong kit rather than light, as I've mullered wheels in the past (2 Sun Ringle Equalizer 27 rims destroyed).
You can see why I'm leaning towards strong, but were the Sun Ringles just crap rims, & could I happily use DT400 or Mavic XC717 rims & save 100g each end?
I also realise that Hope M4 brakes(which I will also be ordering tomorrow, probably), are overkill for what I do. I have cooked my current XT's on long descents though, with 180/180 rotors.
Advice please...
Cheers
Wanabee freeride god (but too old & scared)
Just brought a set of HOPE HOOP PRO 2s with 717 rims as the guy in the LBS said DT 400 are a bit "softer & prone " to damage easier.
I have had 717 on all my wheels and never failed me yet. used on the same kind of terrain you will be riding. CYB,PENMACHNO etc
I probaly weigh in at around 90kg kitted on a good day so you should be ok on 717s.
flows rims everytime, especially if you are a freeride god (wannabe or otherwise)
Or if you are going hope hoops maybe go with the Stans Flow rims. Stronger then the 355 and the 717 yet dont weigh silly amount (i believe they are lighter then the DTswiss burly version (is it 400 and 500 on the hoops? I thought was 4.2 and 5.1??)
Cheers. I'd not considered the ZTR. Looks good.
Do you have to run them tubeless?
Could I run my non-tubeless Nobby Nic 2.25 Snakeskin, as a tubeless set up? I'm still wary of faffing about with the tubeless system, though. I'm used to tubes- it's probably a comfort-zone thing.
BTW, Hope are now offering the 500 as an updated version of the 5.1 aparrently.
You dont have to run tubeless, just have the option
I have hope hoops stans 355 and im currently running with tubes. I too have been unsure about tubeless but i have just bought 2 valves and sealant so after the xc event next weekend im gonna give it a shot!
I run my stans flows with standard tubes. The have the widest internal width of the hope hoops so help with tyre volume. Light, strong and wide with option for tubed or tubeless...perfect! 😀
Going off topic for a minute, does anyone have opinions on these brakes: Hope X2 or M4. After reading a lot of stuff here & on MTBR, there would be around 100g each end weight penalty if fitting the M4, but could be offset a bit by using a 160 rotor at the back (56g less). I'm not a weight weenie, but I know it all adds up to getting to the top of the hill behind everyone else, & that's not fun.
I like the idea of big brakes to haul my big arse to a stop on those few occasions I need to, but they are heavier. Are the X2's enough for my needs?
Flow rims all the way, Nics will convert nicely to tubeless if you want, or you can just use with tubes.
500 our fave, flow if you're thinking tubeless ever.
gimme a shout if you're thinking wheels/brakes together - can sort a nice deal?!
I run DT400s and 500s with Schwalbe non UST snakeskin tyres. Go for the 500 unless you are XC racing.
If you buy hope hoops with flow or 355 rims do you only get black pro 2 hubs - is this where I would have to get a custom setup made by someone?
I want to swap my xm317 with black pro2s for some flows with red hubs - im a bike tart!
Reread my post.... meant to say that I run DT500s tubeless with non UST Snakeskin Nicks.
Hey Chris! Go with the Flows as tubeless is well worth the initial hassle - you can have a go on mine if you want? And the X2s are really powerful, Scotty has them on his bike.
(edit) Just seen your post Mike.
Almost got a test ride on Scotty's bike yesterday (X2) after trail building, but had to fly for Easter family stuff. Shame, but need to get a move on with this order so I can bed everything in & get used to them before Wales.
Quote 18bikes: "500 our fave, flow if you're thinking tubeless ever."
Why do you prefer the 500?
BTW, I've heard your great reputation & I'd shop with you if you were more local, but I'll be buying from Phil's Bike Co., because:
He's a mate
He's local
He sponsors our club (TROGmtb)
He'll fit them
Just a quick question, are the 500 exactly the same as the 5.1 but with new stickers?
If you buy from a Hope Tech shop (like 18 bikes) they can get any colour hub made up on any rim.
we can offer the standard Pro2 Hope Hoops with all colour options, at no extra! so flows/red hubs, no worries!
500 - always preferred the DT options, Swiss made, eyeletted, decent quality. Run 5.1 myself, on lots of demo bikes too. Not sure where the worries come from, we see FAR more issues with Mavic - 721 is really the only Hoop option I'd recommend, but massively overkill for trail riding. I think Hope agree, cos their initial options were only DT. 500/400 are slightly different profile, and DT say a slight change to the alloy.
Chris - no worries, I'm happy to share advice anyhow!
Reckon I'll be going with the ZTR's if I can get them.
As for brakes- I just fancy having awesome amounts of stopping power on tap, so I'll be going for the M4's with braided hose & 180/180 rotors.
Cheers for all the advice.