Toadmeister

Ride a 2109 Jamis Renegade Exploit today, love it. Decided it’s time for a second wheelset. Current wheelset does me good but I’d like to upgrade a little:




Budget $500

I’m more interested in durability than weight, I’m a Clydesdale who doesn’t count grams. Prefer 32 spokes. Tubeless of course. Will use probably exclusively on Gravel and put on WTB 44mm Riddlers.

would really appreciate Some suggestions and direction. Thanks in advance.

mstateglfr 

There are dozens of options.
below are 3 that are a good mix of quality, price, and weight.
I am 225 and ride the 3rd option.
All 3 options are handbuilt which is good to ensure proper spoke tension.
https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/h...0c-126226.html
https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/h...00c-95184.html

https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/h...0c-126214.html
https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/h...00c-95181.html

https://www.prowheelbuilder.com/
H plus Son Hydra rims, Bitex RA12 hubs sapim double butted spokes, brass nipples. You can choose the spoke count. 1760g total for the build weight.
about $450 shipped.
Also, you can choose different options for each part of the build. The site has their own wheelset too for a little less $ that takes the guessing/options out of the mix(the decal can be removed too, if it matters).

Toadmeister

Thank you sir, very helpful. Ive heard good things about Merlin Cycles but Want to order domestic US currently, I’ll Still consider them in the future.

Going to explore ProWheel Builder out of Georgia for now.

DrIsotope

PWB Signature Disc. I have a set of disc and a set of rim brake (same hoops,) and zero complaints. With double-butted spokes, under $500 shipped.

rosefarts

I'm going to build a set of wheels in a day or two for the mountain bike. They'd work fine for a gravel bike.

Novatec 791/792 hubs. Easy endcap options for almost any configuration. $142 (various prices on eBay but around that)

Stan's Crest MK3. Lighter than a road rim. 365 grams, so as light as entry level carbon. My skinny butt probably won't notice. I think they're probably fine for gravel if you're heavier. Maybe someone can chime in. $200 (100 each)


Sapim race DB spokes and alloy nipples. $75 from bikehubstore.

So $420 and I'm building them myself. Should be about 1500-1550g

If you switched the rear wheel to straight guage spokes and did all brass nips, you'd be right at 1600 and save a couple bucks.

It's super satisfying to build your own wheels. Even if you can find something cheaper prebuilt.

Think about it.

rosefarts

This is hard to beat.

katsup

There is a DT Swiss 350 option under $500 from Colorado Cyclist that you can get built with 32 spokes.

https://www.coloradocyclist.com/cust...ross-wheelsets

Don't forget to use the promo code, you can see it when selecting the options for the wheels.

gus6464

Stan's rims are too soft. Fine for a gravel bike but no way I'd put them on an mtb unless they were going on an ultralight racing XC bike. They are light for a reason.

rosefarts

140lb rider mainly interested in long climbing and moderate xc high mileage days. Miles are split between 4 bikes with the gravel getting the vast majority.

My guess, they'll be fine. If not, they'll be a sweet gravel wheelset if I ever get a new bike with disc brakes.

Toadmeister

thanks. Like how their choices are laid out in a table format for ease of review and choice.

Elvo

I am on a very low budget so I have to buy on Ebay - I got the Giant P-TRX 1 27.5 for $200, P-XCR 0 29er for $215, and Pacenti Forza Carbon Disc for $280. They are all really good wheels for under $300

Toadmeister

placed my order with them! Got me some orange Hope Rs4 hubs and nipples just for fun.

i also called and talked to them twice about options and advice, they were very helpful.

katsup

Nice and congrats. I have a set of RS4 wheels with a bit over 1500mi on them and I like them a lot.

Prodigy4299

Just to add some further options to the mix, I've heard really good things about the Hunt 4-Season wheels. UK-based, but I believe they ship stateside too.