New hoops

[Hardtailforever]

I'm looking for a recommendation. I'm building up a set of stiff, lightweight XC wheels around King classic hubs and am trying to narrow down my rim choices. I'm a lightweight rider, and I ride super, super light (i.e.: I rarely flat or need to true, despite my propensity to crash).

The top contenders are Bontrager Valiant and the ol' faithful Mavic 517's. I'm worried about the longevity of the 517's, since I've heard some horror stories about stress cracks and spokes pulling through at high tension. Any thoughts? Any others I should consider? I've been saving for these wheels for a long time, so cost is no object. I'd like to keep it to under 410g/rim.

thanks

... also, what are some good lightweight QR skewers? I run front suspension, so probably cromo up front, ti rear. I was thinking Salsa; Anyone out there have them? Like them? Should I consider any others?

[Hardtailforever]

I checked out the weight weenies site. It's got a lot of potential, but there aren't many users, and it seems like the site is just getting going. It's not particularly well designed, there are lots of "coming soon" links or missing data, and the forum is practically empty. Also, you'd think a site like that would have a list of light parts and their weights, but there is none.

So, not much help there yet. I know people around here are using light wheels. I'm just asking for opinions/experiences.

thanks

[jjrsds]

http://www.speeddream.com/

Might want to give Daves wheels a call. He does a lot of light weight wheels only and builds the wheels to how you ride and what you ride.

[Hardtailforever]

I'm not looking for someone to build me wheels. I'm looking for opinions from people who ride lightweight wheels. I know all about Dave's wheels, and have spoken with Dave Thomas himself. However, I'm not going to pay well over $550 for something I can do myself for $350. Plus, I already have the hubs.

On another note, if anyone has any actual experience with either mavic 517's, bonti valiants, Sun 0deg or any other lightweight rims, please let me know. At this point, it looks like I'll get the 517's, since I have a line on some at better-than-QBP prices.

thanks

[martini]

want an opinion, eh? Stay away from Mavic's! Personally I've NEVER had any luck with them. Always pulled out spokes.

I've not had any troubles with the Bonty's though, I'd go thata way if I were you. I just recently built up a set of Velocity's and can honestly say I was surprised to see how well they built up. Quick straght and true right away.

[SickBoy]

I have personal experience with Bontrager Valiants AND Sun ) Degree Lite's... both are pretty solid rims and have lasted a while without the need for a lot of care (don't have the tendency to come out of true too easy).

Come to think of it I have never had a problem with any of my rims which includes some Mavic 217's as well as some real cheapies on my singlespeed. So maybe I am not the best person to ask.

[halls]

I have a set of 517's with hugi hubs that i have been using for the past 3yrs. i'am, oh let's say 192lbs. (not ready for the WWF) I do xc riding.I try not to take to many big hits. so far they have been good. i worked in a bike shop part time for 5yrs. and i it seems to have alot to do with the kind of riding you do. I would say the Chris King hubs are bullet proof.:sick:

[Kingbozo]

I have had 517s on my old hardtail for years. The only "problem" I had was a dent a put in the rear rim which was totaly my fault.

I am running 317 discs on my newer bike and they have stayed true for 2+ years.

[Hardtailforever]

I have a set of 517's with hugi hubs that i have been using for the past 3yrs.

What kind of spokes are you guys running on your light nondisc wheels? I was planning on running all DT revos (since they're available cheaply through QBP) but have heard some weird stuff lately about running revos on the rear drive-side. Any thoughts?