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Got the green light from the boss to purchase a set of new wheels for the Pickenflick at the Hunt-type budget.
Not wanting to start another wide-ranging 'what gravel wheels' thread (already posted up a Superstar? thread a couple of days back, but have decided not to go down that route)
But before I finally commit ...
1. Anything else I really should consider at £320?
2. Which of the two Hunt 700 wheelsets should I go for?
Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc (slightly heavier, slightly wider rim, higher spoke count)
Or ...
Mason X Hunt 4 Season Disc (lighter, slightly narrower, deeper rim, fewer spokes, lower rider weight limit, 100kg)
The Mason's have a lower rider weight limit, but at 70 kg (me), that's not really an issue for me. Use will be mixed local trails plus events like the Dirty Reiver, Three Peaks CX, Yorkshire True Grit, plus a small amount of light bike-packing. So the wheels do need to be up to a battering!
Would prefer the lighter set but only if they are up to that kind of use.
I have the 4 Season Gravel Disc because of the higher rider weight. A good set of wheels and after 9 months have needed no attention.
The only gripe - and it may or may not be the wheels' fault - is that every tyre that I've used is a total PIA to get on with traditional tyre levers. I can get them off no problem but need a Kool Tool to get them back on. I carry one with me when out riding!
From the sound of your use I’d go for the gravel pair. I’ve got the mason x hunts and I did write off a rear rim on a massive pothole I just didn’t see (following a van perhaps a little too close and he pot hole just came at me!).
Mountain bike would have survived fine and bizarrely I didn’t puncture. I got a crash replacement rim for 30% off and the service for that was very quick. Maybe it was a fluke - otherwise the wheels are well build and I’ve had them about 10 months ridden in all weathers and on potholes roads / a cycle track with loads of sharpnridges caused by roots growing under it.
I’m not sure how well they’d go off road though. They’re on a Cannondale caad12 disc with 25c Lugano tyres run with tubes. I’m about 80kgs ish I think.
Following
I've had some of the Mason x Hunts for a few years now - ridden all over including some more interesting off-road bits and pieces. No bother at all, and I'm nearer the 100kg limit than I should be 🙂
DT Swiss C1800's, they have a 130 KG weight limit so very tough and are 2 mm wider than the Hunts
They do an E 1800 as well which is a bit narrower (20 mm internal) and lighter.
This was the reply from Hunt when I emailed them ... Still can't make up my mind ...
Truth be told the two wheels are very similar at first glance: they use the same style hub and the rims are made of the same material. That’s said, here at HUNT we design wheels that have a great strength in purpose, and both the Mason X HUNT and the 4Season Gravel Disc are prime examples of this.
Gravel riding is a somewhat new ‘genre’ however it is something that has been around for a long time. When we think of Gravel Riding, we think of those beautiful trails in the Dales and Peake District: bridle paths that are more akin to a mountain bike trail! A wheel designed for these trails needs to be strong, but lightweight enough to use all day.
The Gravel Disc is that little bit overbuilt, it uses 28 spokes rather than 24 to offer a stronger wheel capable of handling the rougher terrain. The wheels are that bit shallower, but importantly they are wider, this means that when a tyre is fitted it effectively becomes that bit larger. This offers a more stable base for the wheel, offering greater comfort and increased grip.
The 4Season Disc is that bit lighter weight as it is not designed for such heavy-duty riding. The lightweight rim has a profile that offers great aerodynamic benefit whilst still remaining strong and reliable. They are light enough to use all day on the climbs, but strong enough for the occasional ‘cross race. Importantly though, they are built with British weather in mind! As a result, they are well sealed and use top quality EZO sealed cartridge bearings to keep all the muck and grime out. In fact, the same hub is used on both wheels, one just has more holes that the other.
Hope this helps to clear things up, if you have any other questions please let us know.
They confirm what I said I reckon - I’d go for the slightly heavier / stronger ones for the description of he riding you do. Hunt day the lighter ones are ok for occasional cx-ing. It sounds like you’ll be giving the wheels more of a beating than that.
I've just weighed the difference between the two sets (58g) in my hands using weights from the kitchen scales ... There's really not much in it, so probably better to go for the slightly more robust build ...