Thorn Cycles Forum

Technical => Wheels, Tyres and Brakes => Topic started by: JWestland on December 11, 2012, 03:50:18 PM

Title: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: JWestland on December 11, 2012, 03:50:18 PM
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)

:)
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: davefife on December 14, 2012, 09:53:21 AM
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 (http://www.davesbikeshed.co.uk)
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: JWestland on December 14, 2012, 11:51:58 AM
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...


Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: Andybg on December 14, 2012, 12:37:08 PM
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
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: JWestland on December 14, 2012, 02:53:06 PM
I got Sportcontacts (for when there's no frost ;)

Tubes always first point to go to :)
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 14, 2012, 03:12:01 PM
what about these wheels jawine might be just what your looking for.
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: JWestland on December 14, 2012, 04:37:46 PM
Hi jags seems link didn't come along :(

*eying up vintage road frame for project too*
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 14, 2012, 06:30:10 PM
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
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: davefife on December 14, 2012, 08:30:32 PM
sportcontacts = good/light tyre, run these myself.  ;D glad you liked the site, bike shed is going well, good luck with 2nd hand wheel search!
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 14, 2012, 09:06:46 PM
Say Dave give me a price on a shimano dynamo front wheel good rim good spokes. ;)
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: davefife on December 14, 2012, 10:11:48 PM
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 ;)
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: Danneaux on December 14, 2012, 10:16:54 PM
You're a good guy, Dave, but we already knew that!  :D

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 14, 2012, 11:24:21 PM
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 .
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: JWestland on December 17, 2012, 12:48:50 PM
Hi Jags, thanks! Look lovely but guy won't post per ad.
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 17, 2012, 02:53:29 PM
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.
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: JWestland on December 17, 2012, 03:52:21 PM
I got a wheelbox I can post him, but didn't get chance into looking into that yet, as than total cost might be higher than getting parts and building wheel myself.

They do look lovely though, classy!

You can ask the question though if you want, if it's NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! even when he doesn't have to find a box then that's sorted.

Tx :)
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 17, 2012, 04:03:55 PM
no bother i'll email him now see what he says.
Title: Re: Light and affordable 26" wheels, any suggestions?
Post by: jags on December 26, 2012, 07:14:40 PM
apologies to davefife on the new front wheel saga.. i was getting Dave to build it for me but my good wife bought me the shimano one for Christmas.
so sorry Dave  hope i didn't put you to too much trouble :-[