Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?

[JWestland]

Hi-

My XTC came with a pair of 36H CR18s, which aren't all that heavy for a tough rim (440g).
But with my weight, light load and riding (commuting as unfortunately didn't get a chance for a laden getaway yet) a lighter wheel can be safely used.

I believe Mavic XC517 were the lightest option Thorn offered.
However, XC517s are not being made anymore. You see used wheels on "fleabay" and I am keeping an eye out there.

Are there any other common lightweight 26" wheels that are easy to find secondhand and that are reliable?
(I can get an Alexrim etc, but I know Thorn picks their parts for a reason)

[davefife]

mavic 717 rim brake in 32 holes = 420g, 517 = 410g.  I build a few 717 rim brake wheels every year for fast light commuting/touring duties, never any bother 32holes are fine built onto quality hubs and with double butted spokes.  On my own RST, it came with sun cr18s, one of the most disapointing and short lived rims I have used, I went for rigida carbide coated a few years back; heavier but ok for the commute duty, audax, fast touring use.

Happy to advise on build specifics and help you out further

Dave
www.davesbikeshed.co.uk

[JWestland]

I got the bike secondhand with CR18 and no bother myself. However, it depends on loading too I am light and I don't carry much on commute either.

A 717 is 20 grams lighter, you really notice that difference as much compared to CR18?
Of course a tourer isn't a racing machine, just wondering...

Had a look at your site, sounds like great fun to do. We have some bike shops and a shared workshop here, the longest running shop closed it's doors unfortunately...

[Andybg]

I would not imagine the 20g difference would have much effect. Maybe some Schwalbe Kojak 1.3 tyres would be a better investment depending on what tyres you are currently running?


Andy

[JWestland]

I got Sportcontacts (for when there's no frost

Tubes always first point to go to

[jags]

what about these wheels jawine might be just what your looking for.

[JWestland]

Hi jags seems link didn't come along

*eying up vintage road frame for project too*

[jags]

oh sorry about that i'll have another go but don't hold your breath i'm useless on computers

http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/xc-mtb-wheelset-26/2094453

[davefife]

sportcontacts = good/light tyre, run these myself.  glad you liked the site, bike shed is going well, good luck with 2nd hand wheel search!

[jags]

Say Dave give me a price on a shimano dynamo front wheel good rim good spokes.

[davefife]

source the hub dynamo yourself (rose are cheaper than UK/Ireland) ship it to me, double butted aci spokes 46p each, mavic xc717 rim for rim brakes 36h 26" £40. build cost £30, rim tape £3 + postage to you at cost in a sturdy box. Other rims/diameters are available

[Danneaux]

You're a good guy, Dave, but we already knew that! 

Best,

Dan.

[jags]

source the hub dynamo yourself (rose are cheaper than UK/Ireland) ship it to me, double butted aci spokes 46p each, mavic xc717 rim for rim brakes 36h 26" £40. build cost £30, rim tape £3 + postage to you at cost in a sturdy box. Other rims/diameters are available

Thanks for that dave will pm you .

[JWestland]

Hi Jags, thanks! Look lovely but guy won't post per ad.

[jags]

do you want me to try and contact him, i had a chat with him before nice guy but not to keen to travel .
look to be a good set of wheels though.