Heya all,

After fubaring my front Sun Singletrack rim. It's time for a new wheel build.
At the time being, i'm only looking for a front wheel. As funds don't permit both.
I've a proposed build in spec ( Hope Pro 2 32h, Mavic 823 and dt swiss spokes - unless i can find decent white spokes somewhere and white rims )
I've checked MTB - Direct, they don't seem to stock Hope or Mavic 823s. My LBS quoted me £160, including labour. So i'm either looking to beat, or match that. If not, i'll go with with them. I'm going to miss CRC or Merlin, Unless someone can really inform me of an opinion other then it was crap and they build rubbish wheels.

Are their any other sites out there who can build wheels and deliver? Like Asap as i'm missing riding.

Edit - Also, 823's? Are they tubeless only? or can they be run with tubes? Can't seem to find anything regarding that. If not, they will be 721's.

Sorry mod's if you deem this is a re-post, just the other thread's all seem to slate everyone and everything and i would like opinions from people who in the know. Eg other MTB company guy's.

You can run a tube in an 823. Somewhat defeats the object of it though if you are are not just using it as a quick fix. And it will add more weight to an already heavy rim. Stick with a 721. If you want white ones, MTB Direct did do some in the past, so it might be worth asking, or look at the Syncros range of wheels.

Well i'de only be running with a tube untill i've got the money ready to go tubeless. Having the rim already would help.

I'll look at the syncros range - but tbh, the white rim is not something that's overly important.
Would prefer white spokes.

Also, i'm based in Guildford, Surrey.

Those Syncros rims look tasty, but aren't rims using Pins supposed to be "weaker" then a welded rim? They ( Syncros ) mention how they use pins, and longer sleeves?  Noit to bothered about the weight. My old Alex rim's weighed a tonne.

I'm thinking normal black spokes, white rims, and red hubs? Tasty. Given me something to consider over the Mavics, thats for sure.

May as well look at Halo then, some of the Syncros and halo are almost if not completly the same rim

Merlin have an awesome reputation, I got my last build done by them and I've killed it in under 2months....I'm gonna blame my riding rather than them.

Personally, I'd call MTB-direct.  They've just sorted Harry-Barn Owl on here out with a set of Pro2's on 721's so they'll be able to sort you out.  Col builds wheels for the race teams they run...I'd trust him.

Rootes

wheelpro did not go out of business

iirc
Roger just simply had had enough as he had way more work than he could handle but didnt trust putting his wheelpro name on a wheel that someone else had built


i have a pair of roger musson built wheels in my shed from 99 or 00 still strong and still true ! hope sport  on 521s

they are back now though ...

spokes rather than colour id stick to using either sapim or DT spokes or perhaps wheelsmith (if they are still going i havnt seen s**t from them in ages)

Ive seen wheels from most wheel builders destroyed its how the destruction occurs that is the determining factor ... no wheel builder can stop a rim denting .... thats rider error and bad judgement

but if the wheels constantly loose and bending thats usually a  bad wheel build

CRC did charge £95 for what you are after and £63 for a Pro 2 on a 721. £160 seems extortionate to me!

I've had a couple of builds from CRC, both were fine but needing a 5 minute tighten after a week or two from new, although what wheel doesn't need that!

Orge.