[Closed] What 'Enduro' Wheelset?

look for some wheels that are not branded with the latest fashionable i.e have your pants down name, and save yourself a boat load of cash.
you know as well has i do, that sticking the word enduro on a component does not make one ounce of differance......... 😀

I know Tony.

OK - what 'trail*' wheelset 😉

* just bombing around on that won't break

hope and mavic.....perfect combo in my eyes.
or some handbuilt ones from spa cycles, using good old shimano xt hubs with loose ball bearings.......had a pair for 7yrs, still going strong.

DT's excellent but pricey Spline1 EX1501.. wide and strong!

Ultra reliable star ratchet with 36T engagemnet as standard

From PB

DT have simply got these wheels right. Weight is on the money, especially considering how stiff and strong they are. On the rim, the wider profile is something we're big fans of here at Pinkbike and the tubeless performance is good. At the hub, they are a worthy update from the classic 240 hubs. They are a hundred dollars or so more expensive than some of their competitors, but we would say they are worth the extra cash. These are, without a doubt, one of the best factory wheelsets money can buy right now. - Matt Wragg

What's the state of the hubs, not a rebuild job?

If your gonna be racing , reliable is key ime , the crossmax are pricey and high maintenance - friend had his 6month old set internals replaced for the 3rd time this weekend by mavic, all for free but of 4 mates racing on mavics all have had to have them fixed under warranty
Also how much ch mavic weight saving is skinny rim at the back? a few people at ews had theirs rebuilt onto the wider front rim after folding them and saw at least one person with a different rim on the back of their crossmax at ukge this weekend

I'd go for hopes on flow ex or as I have light bicycle carbon 35mm wide rims built onto my old hopes, easy enough to convert to 142 for a new frame

Spank Oozy 😀

Easton will let you down when you need spares
Mavic wheels are awesome ( on a road bike) they're nothing but loads of niggly problems on MTB's
E13 I haven't had any experience of yet.
Hope/Stans look dull but work & are mega reliable.

If you're looking at Crossmax money I'd go for Light Bicycle rims on hubs of your choice - DT240s if the budget will stretch.

Cheers all. Reliability is something I'd obviously want - my Hopes/Mavics are 5 years old (and I bought them second hand so could well be a fair bit more!) and the only maintenance I've ever had to do is replace the bearings which is a 10 minute job and I've only done that a couple of times.

So Hopes on Stans Flow EX seems to be a good option. I've never run tubeless either so would be saving weight there I guess.

Anyone using the Light Bicycle carbon rims? I live in the Pennines where rocky trails are the norm and would be scared witless of killing a carbon rim!

Cheers - I'll carry on looking 🙂

Yes, a 16 page thread full of people using them on here, plus a significantly larger thread on MTBr.

+1 for spank oozy!

I have the rims laced to pro 2 evos, come in at just over 1700g and have taken one hell of a bashing with no problems.

Abigale and me have been running Roval Traverse ELs for a couple of years which have been used mainly in the Peak and for Alps trips. This year mine have had 3 weeks battering in the Alps and Abigales 5 weeks.
Both sets are still running true and mine have had 2 spokes fitted. one which broke when it was hit with a rock and one getting it of a trailer when it got caught.
I've also taken the plunge and getting some of my existing Hope hubs built onto some Light Bicycle carbon rims, bought off classifieds but new, for my other bike. Dropped them off for building on Saturday so cant comment on them yet or how they compare

goldenwonder - Member

Mavic wheels are awesome ( on a road bike) they're nothing but loads of niggly problems on MTB's

Dunno about that, my SX have been brilliant.

'Ginger Rick' is currently re-tensioning my Flow Ex's on Hope Pro 2's in prep for the Basque. Plenty of trips to the Alps/Wales/Peak/Lakes and these have ran completely true over the last 2 years. Had a number of spokes snap at bizarre moments, but I think they were built too tight to begin with, apart from that I can't recommend them enough.

Superstar Tactic...someone on here used them to race the EWS and they were faultless by all accounts, i have them on my hardtail on that basis, seem good so far, the Tesla-Evo hubs are a joy to use, the ease with which you can change bearings, swap between axle standards etc is excellent.

I can only go by my personal experience as a mechanic in a very busy shop.
We've fitted 6 sets this year I think on custom builds & they've all been back in for hub issues.
Hope hubs-around 20 pairs so far & only 1 warranty…

All you people recommending spank oozy, the spank subrosa looks stronger, why not that?

And does anyone know who will build up a spank on hope combination (I don't think any leave the factory like that)?

Was interesting to see Mavic fitting front Crossmax Enduro rims to the rear of pro's wheelsets at the EWS- basically turning them into Crossmax SXs, the rear (essentially a Crossmax ST rim) doesn't seem to be up to the job. Though o'course they could be fine for civilian use.

I've put a set of Lightbicycle rims on DT240Ss, they've not been tested that much but my older design LB rim has worked really well in the back of my hardtail so I'm reasonable confident. DT hubs are stupidly expensive new but if you look around, you can easily pick up 26 inch wheelsets with 240 hubs in for not much money, and they're longlived and fully servicable so it's not much of a risk.

Hopes on Flows are a good simple option- the Flow Ex rim isn't the toughest tbh, I was a wee bit disappointed (though not terribly) by mine, the old Flow was more resiliant IMO.

I've got Easton Havocs and they're been really good - lightish and super easy to run tubeless (UST rims). i've had no issues getting spares and I'm sure Silverfish will make it work.

I'm not a fan of the Stans system - I know saying stuff like that is worthy of lynching round these parts but is seems like a bodge / faff comapred to UST. One of the chaps that I ride with has some and seems to have a lot of issues with geting tyres to seat and with the valves. His wheels flex more than his old Mavis too (lots of tyre rub).

mindmap3 - Member

His wheels flex more than his old Mavis too (lots of tyre rub).

He should probably get them fixed tbh.

It could be that he's fallen foul of the low tension myth- lots of people are afraid to build Flows right, they think they need low tension because they have no eyelets. The minimum tension for Flow Exes is actually higher than the recommended tension for Mavics.

For tubelessness I honestly found them pretty much identical, once taped, to my Mavic USTs. Only difference being that very occasionally I damaged the rim tape while removing a tyre, which could be irritating. And there's more room for user error with fitting the tape and valves I suppose if you don't follow the instructions.

I do like the WTB UST-ready system, it seems like a best of both worlds- the light weight and easy wheelbuilding of TLR, and the bead of UST.

Whilst I'm very much a fan of the Stans Flow EX (with them on two of my bikes), I've now found a new favourite: Syntace W35.

They run tubeless in the same was as Stans do but the 35mm width has a noticable effect on the profile of tyres.

Is there anything better than a set of Pro 2 evo/Flow Ex's out there for the money at present?
I'd like a wider (25mm internal) rim if possible but they all seem pricey.
To be honest, I don't want to splurge on another set of highish end 26" wheels, and I certainly don't want to buy a new frame and forks to suit some 6fiddys.
No Superstar Components please.

http://www.tweekscycles.com/components/mtb-wheels/hope-technology-hoops-pro-2-evo-on-hope-tech-enduro-26-inch

i love mine in silver

This conversation was happening while waiting for stage 5 at the recent Grizedale UKGE, the opinion amongst racers was that the mavic enduro set was nice and bling but people getting them repaired every race was silly and how the hope/stans flow ex combo were reliable for a couple of seasons of racing with no issues.
I've also got hope pro II / Flow Ex and have no inclination to change.

Mavic tubeless on hope hubs for me.

Theres nothing really wrong I guess with my old Pro2 hubs so I read with interest the thread on the LB carbon rims, especially the wider versions. Tempting... Otherwise I may just get some new Hope Hoops on Hope's own rim or some Stans...

Last thing I want is to shell out £600 on some wheels for them to be constantly requiring fettling or bits replacing. Sod that...

These caught my eye the other day
http://www.xxcycle.com/american-classic-all-mountain-26-wheelset-2013,,en.php
they also have some cheaper ones on that site too.
Never used the shop or the wheels but they are light and get some decent reviews.

sideshow - Member
All you people recommending spank oozy, the spank subrosa looks stronger, why not that?

And does anyone know who will build up a spank on hope combination (I don't think any leave the factory like that)?

I got mine built up by my LBS with my choice of spokes and nipples, cost me a bit extra than say merlin hope/flows but they are briliant coming from hope on 521s.
My reasoning was £450 for the spank wheelset where it was only the rims they were raving about in all the grouptests they were winning, or £442 for the same rims on Hope pro 2 evo, which are well known for being ace and are made in the UK with excellent warranty backup. Plus built by a guy I trust and meet on the trails and can go back to if anything goes wrong. AND i got to choose type and colour of spokes and nipples. Add on the support your LBS factor and it was a no brainer.

Subrosas are stronger but to be honest kitted up I weigh 90kg, so add around 14 of bike and the fact that I am not at all smooth or graceful and the fact that these are still running perfectly means the Subrosas are maybe overkill for trail riding.

Sorry about the massive writeup but I've just got back from a smashing ride and am still buzzing like mad!

Hope Pro 2 Evo with Mavic 521s or Hope Tech Enduro

I don't see any advantage in the hope rims than the flow ex. They are the same price, heavier (I think) and narrower.
I'd like something reasonably priced with at least a 25mm internal rim.

Not the e13's, mine are buggered after a year. Rear hub bearing tension collar won't stay tight and over tensions the bearings whilst riding. MBR mentioned this in a long termer review couple of months back, wouldn't mind so much but their original 10 out of 10 review is part of the reason I bought them!

Been running the LB 35mm 29ers on supercomps and pro 2s since April and really happy with them. 1700g and £600 with the build by my LBS. I'm wondering if the schwalbe procore system is the solution to protecting carbon rims from rock and root strikes.

These have proven to be robust, fast and very very light

https://www.sram.com/news-articles/new-sram-roam-and-rail-mtb-wheels

I would go for a custom build with Ryde Trace Enduro rims, Hope or DT-Swiss hubs, sapim d-light spokes
I have that build with Hope hubs and used it for the Trans Savoie and they are awesome.

How is the Mavic rear rim to front rim possible with out a new hub? The front wheel has 24 spokes and the rear only has 20...

thatd be why ive seen a few yellow front/ black rear but still with yellow hubs then!

I'm wondering if the schwalbe procore system is the solution to protecting carbon rims from rock and root strikes.

This, I'd been conjuring up a similar system in my head but Schwalbe the big ****ers beat me to it with a better/lighter arrangement.

I will be buying into the procore system as soon as it's available.

Stu661 - Member

How is the Mavic rear rim to front rim possible with out a new hub? The front wheel has 24 spokes and the rear only has 20...

Ooh, good question! The guy in the Mavic truck just said they were fitting front rims as an option... I don't know if the hubs were swapped, didn't really look. Or maybe they've produced some "rears" with the front extrusion but machined and drilled for 20 holes, or something. Haven't a clue really!

I don't see any advantage in the hope rims than the flow ex. They are the same price, heavier (I think) and narrower.
I'd like something reasonably priced with at least a 25mm internal rim.

I'd like something reasonably priced with at least a 25mm internal rim.

ive got the WTB st i25s and they have been very reliable
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/wtb-st-i25-mtb-rim-2014/rp-prod107299

the frequency version is lighter
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/wtb-frequency-i-25-rim-2014/rp-prod107298

Balls...I'm waiting for my crossmax's to be delivered in next few weeks, maybe I should back out. Arrrgghhh my heart was set on them till this thread

Another vote for Spank Oozy either full wheelset or just the rims. CRC had them on offer a little while back hopefully they are still on offer.

Can't remember the exact weight but I think they are around 1600g They feel very stiff and accurate in the turns. Taken them down DH trails, rocky Welsh trails and some easyish bike park stuff and they are holding up every well. Spoke tension seems even and wheels are still running true.

hmmm count dem spokes... from EWS whistler 24 front and rear they must have some special hubs
cedric
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anne caroline
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Take the rest of the day off detective Kimbers. Cheeky buggers!

I just put a Frequency i25 on my official beating-up wheelset, to replace a Flow Ex (and a Flow before that) which didn't like the beating up so much. So far, seems good- I did a fair bit of rough riding on a flat rear at la thuile due to a tubeless pinch/slow puncture and it's not got so much as a bruise. Early days yet mind but I think it might have the Flows beat. But I don't think anyone does them in a cheap wheelset- they're cheaper than Flow Exes to buy but probably hard to build into an equivalent Hoop for the same money

ive got the WTB st i25s and they have been very reliable
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/wtb-st-i25-mtb-rim-2014/rp-prod107299

the frequency version is lighter
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/wtb-frequency-i-25-rim-2014/rp-prod107298

Thanks Kimbers.

Early days yet mind but I think it might have the Flows beat.

I've got Ryde Trace Trails on DT 240s and love them. Lighter than flow ex, wider , something different. They have a wider still version too, I think called trace #enduro

Hmmmm. Spank Ooozys in polished finish would give me an excuse to sent my frame back to Orange and have it re-done in the chrome type powdercoat!!

To be fair, the Spanks look pretty good. Will take a closer look and read some more reviews.

I've been looking at a set of the Mavic wheels but not the Crossmax Enduro. I'm considering the new Crossmax XL which seem to be wider than the Enduros but the same weight:

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/mavic-crossmax-xl-wts-first-look-2014.html

I have the WTB i23 frequencys (two sets infact) and I think they tick all the boxes. Might be abit narrow for some who are after super wide rims but at 23mm internal, never had any problems, they are abit cheaper and lighter than the i25s too, got mine built with hope pro2 evos for £300... Hard to beat that if you ask me.
WTB are bringing out a 25mm wide version of their super light KOM rims. Now that might be something better!

I also like the look of American classic All mountain wheels, and the Syntace W35s, but they are at least £600 a pair. Better at double the price? not sure...

If it was my money I would be going for a superstar tactic wheelset.

The tesla set weighs 1690g in 26 inch format £230

http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/tactic-tesla-am-wheelset.htm

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/components/wheel-sets/product/review-superstar-components-tactic-tesla-evo-14-48393/

However they have a new Switch Ultra LITE model with a new front hub that is almost 84g lighter so should be looking at low 1600g for £200

http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/switch-ultralite-tactic-wheelset.htm

In 2013 this guy raced his 180mm Enduro rig on the even lighter sentinel rims including 2 rounds of super enduro and the final EWS round.

http://mtbtrailtales.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/long-term-reviews-bionicon-alva-180-airsuperstar-sentinel-wheelsetshimano-zee-brakes/

The Superstars attract me but in all honesty, some of the reviews of their wheelsets would scare the life out of me. See my previous comments about constant maintenance / sending them back to be fixed/replaced.

If the rims are good though I could buy some and get them built onto my current hubs... Another option to investigate...

I'm going to be honest their customer service is shite. But my 490 AM wheels have been fantastic.

In my opinion Superstar's customer service is quite good.

After a few years of use the bearings in my wheel hub needed replacing. Superstar where good enough to make how to guide and email it to me.

Also when I badly dinged the rear wheel Superstar rebuilt the wheel with a new rim, spokes and nipples and only charged me for a new rim and no return postage.

I'm not saying they are awesome, just that they are not always bad and can be good.

Also if you are worried about the wheel build just factor £15 into the price of the wheel to get your LBS to double check the spoke tension for you. Still some in at a bargain.

But forget all that and go with the Spank Oozy as I suggested earlier 🙂

Absolutely no chance in hell would I buy a superstar wheelset.
There are far too many horror stories with regards to failure, followed by accusations that it is due to user error and "Fruits" behaviour on here was revolting (slagging off competitors and shilling his own stuffs).

jk1980 - Member
I've been looking at a set of the Mavic wheels but not the Crossmax Enduro. I'm considering the new Crossmax XL which seem to be wider than the Enduros but the same weight:

but still the same disintegrating hubs?

I've got some KOMs coming tomorrow, apparently they are quite enduro but I'll be using on them on an xc bike, which will get ridden in the enduro style. It's all very confusing. Couldn't be bothered waiting/paying for the extra 2mm wider version coming out

I've got a set of Superstar wheels in my commuter- the price was right, the build wasn't, they're supposed to be "bombproof xc wheels" but they've needed constant attention despite never seeing harder use than a canal path.

But I bought them on that basis really and they're still decent value just for the parts, so I don't mind much.

Hopes and Stans Flow, handbuilt with brass nipples, bombproof enough for trail riding (enduro).

"Fruits" behaviour on here was revolting (slagging off competitors and shilling his own stuffs)

Who is Fruit? I'm guessing related to Superstar? I haven't been an active member on here for very long something I missed?

Just got the call that my Hope hubs with Light Bicycle rims are built and ready for collection.

Fruit is the main lemon behind superstar and has a bit of a reputation.

If you want lighter than the Flows but no more expensive then the Arch EX are pretty tough. I know a couple of people who have them who ride pretty fast/hard on techy stuff in Calderdale and the Lakes - no issues so far.

Who is Fruit? I'm guessing related to Superstar?

If you want Mavic Enduro wheels without the price tag and the YELLOW, then get some 821's built onto your hub of choice for a fraction of the price. I have a set built onto Hope PRO II and they are really tough. As far as I can see they are almost identical to the Crossmax Enduro front wheel but with a few more spokes and much less YELLOW.

I have a pair of both Mavic SX's and ST's and they have been good wheels, but they do have problems. When I bought them I managed to get the MP3 warranty for just a £1 per wheel set and it's been very worth while. The warranty gives you two years or 3 complete wheel rebuilds for only the cost of the warranty and postage.

The main problem I have found is the bearing preload adjuster on the rear hubs needs to be watched and the rear axles have a habit of snapping. Both wheel sets are super stiff, the ST's are let down by only being 19mm wide. As stated above the rear rim on the Crossmax Enduro wheel set is just a ST rear with bladed spokes and for that reason I would entertain them.

I have just ordered a set of the new Crossmax XL's, the weight is ok and the rim is 23mm so should be better than the SX's and lighter. I don't think it matters what wheelset you pick they all have issues, just go for what you like the look of.

I did consider carbon but couldn't justify the price, I might try the Light Bycycle one the future but after seeing a few sets of ENVE's bust I'm not going the shell out mega bucks.

robbonzo - Member

I also like the look of American classic All mountain wheels, and the Syntace W35s, but they are at least £600 a pair. Better at double the price? not sure...

DT's excellent but pricey Spline1 EX1501.. wide and strong!

This... I've had a pair for 12 months, and they've been fantastic. Light, stiff & nicely sized. I've abused them, chucked them down stuff, landed them terribly, piled them into things and they're still true.

The only reason they're not on my other bikes is the price tag..... 😥

duir - Member

If you want Mavic Enduro wheels without the price tag and the YELLOW,

That's crazy talk, they're the 2 main selling points.

So what's stronger, spank oozy or flow ex? (flow ex being heavier...)

Also what are the hubs that come on spanks like? sealed cartridge bearings? easy to get replacements?

Oozy are XC narrow though. 21.5mm. Look good otherwise.

That's crazy talk, they're the 2 main selling points.

Like it!

Personally I love the yellow but wouldn't pay several £100 more for what is essentially the same wheel.

But yellow is proven to make you faster.

How much faster you'll be when your wheels are away getting serviced/fixed though.........

Hope flow 2 and flow ex are still a great combo. Reliable, ok weight, nice and wide and bomb proof tubeless.

I had flows on my previous 26" bike, picked up a 650b which had nice wide sun ringle rims but kept burping them tubeless. They had to go and because hope were pushing the enduro wheels, it seems they didn't build any flow ex wheel sets. After 6 weeks of waiting I picked up some hope enduro wheels as a compromise. And a compromise they were. 2.35 width hans and rock razer felt awful on the 23mm rim, low pressures and adverse cambers meant it felt like the rear tyre was constantly going to roll off the rim.

I put up with them for a few weeks before swapping them for flow ex and I've not looked back. Honestly cannot see the market for the enduro rims. Heavier than flows, narrower and don't set up tubeless anywhere near as easily. Bead popped to rim at a worrying hide them around the corner 50psi whereas the flows pop in place at 20 psi. Love hope products but a made out of house poor spec rim isn't fitting with the in house made quality they are known for

I've ridden a couple of stages with a completely flat tyre and theyre still true and no dings. Granted I wasnt going full pace but I'm impressed.

Using hope and Flows.

Superstar Switch EVO's and EN321's. Been faultless for me. I did have XT hubs before the EVO's which did need regular maintenance. The 321's are bombproof, few slight flat spots and kinks on the rear, but otherwise they'll just keep going and going.

i`ve been using 321is for years but would appreciate something wider. i think those wtb i25 rims look mint.

Also what are the hubs that come on spanks like? sealed cartridge bearings? easy to get replacements?

I've had my Oozy wheel set for 10 months. So far the whole wheel set has been great. Still running straight and spoke tension seems good and the hubs are running nice and smooth. The hubs have sealed cartridge bearings. I spoke to Hotlines before I got them who claimed they have good stock of all parts, spokes, bearings etc.. I don't know what size bearings they are so don't know if they are a common size that I can get from any bearing shop.

The 321's are bombproof, few slight flat spots and kinks on the rear, but otherwise they'll just keep going and going.

Very similar, i had the EN521 and they took everything i could throw at them, ended up selling them with the bike they were on and have regretted that since.