elcyc

Harris went out of biz a few years ago, but the old pages for this item are still up:
https://web.archive.org/web/20040726...html#mtbwheels
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/wheels/559.html
Yes, I did order and install the Brutal Beast set into my Gary Fisher Advance.
And this wheelset is remarkable. Finally broke a spoke (near nipple) after over 15k miles of commuting with dual pannier load on the fronts. I replaced the spoke immediately, and the wheel it true again.
There is corrosion and dis-integrity at the X of where the spokes touch. I noticed this in the broken spoke; it did not break at the X but there was clear dis-integrity there.
On the front wheel, the nipples have a green corrosion coating. I do regularly clean and put a dab of WD-40 on those nips, but issue comes back quickly now. The rear nips are in much better cond. Not sure about the X.

Okay, so I might want to have spare similar (new) wheelset on standby. I doubt I'll get anything at that 2004 price again. But feel free to suggest alternatives up to $200. The set must be as strong and reliable as the Brutal Beast.

alcjphil

Given the rate of inflation since 2004, $200 isn't reasonable. Think twice that amount

bboy314

Yup. I too would like to buy some quality bike parts at 2004 prices.

shelbyfv

Useful update, thanks!

elcyc

I can think at any multiple, toots But it ain't addin' up.
I spoke with Harris in 2020 about this wheelset. They still had it in stock for under $200.
Hmmm ... maybe I'll just hold on to these. Those rims are still in excellent cond. And, the Deore's are still on their original ball bearings!
And ... Spokes are cheap and easy to install.
The spare $ is better used for, say, a couple of thrift store vintage bikes.

Rick

I would use trI-flow oretinacious oil instead of the WD.

alcjphil

Since Harris has gone bankrupt that option is out. What they had in stock in 2020 might well have been in the store when you bought your first set.
As well, they were starting to close down, probably trying to sell as much stuff as possiblle

spelger

you forgot to add "toots"

shelbyfv

Why? Had something gone wrong with it?

bboy314

“champ” or “boss” would have also been acceptable.

OP, are you suggesting there has not been inflation on bike parts (and everything else) in the past 20 years? I’m interested to see if anyone comes up with examples of similar quality new wheelsets under $200.

Russ Roth

Might not be completely unrealistic, under 200 will be hard, under 250, potentially doable. Contact BMX Guru, he builds wheels and carries the Rhyno lite rim in different sizes. Considering he's got the rims for 50ish each, a basic set of deore hubs like you have and affordable straight spokes it might slip in around that price. Modern bike also sells the rims for 35.00 each, some 10-15 year old NOS LX or XT non-disc hubs can be gotten for under 40.00, LBS might be able to build for another 120-130 depending on their pricing for spokes and building.

icemilkcoffee 

I don't know about $200, but here is a new set of wheels with Velocity Cliffhanger tubeless ready rims for $269:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274684081776

BTW, there are TONS of 26" rim brake wheelsets on the used market. TONS. Because MTB's have all gone to disc brake (and tubeless) in recent year and nobody wants these rim brake wheels any more. Nobody should be whining about these wheels being expensive when people can't get rid of them fast enough.

alcjphil

Good point. In fact there are probably tons of 26" disc brake quick release wheels out there as well

elcyc

Not hard at all, toots.
I found this very easily with a Google search.
https://velomine.com/products/whl-ft...10-bk-dti2-0bk
https://velomine.com/products/wheel-...0-black-spokes

$189.00 total . About what Harris quoted in 2020.

Clyde1820

Velomine -- frequently has various "tougher" wheelsets at discounted prices:
https://velomine.com/products/silver...100-135mm-nmsw
https://velomine.com/collections/26in-mtb-1

shelbyfv

Velomine does have a good selection and attractive prices. However, the wheelset I bought from them (years ago) had not been stress relieved and I had to re-tension. Not a huge deal but clearly a negative. And this was a higher spec wheelset than OP is shopping. I would buy from them again, just not expect perfection.