BigPoser

Ordered a set of the WR38's the other day for my gravel build. I went with the Novatec hubs because I've heard great things (except for the bearings if you ride in the rain; which I don't). Can't wait to get the bike built and mount them up. Should be a sweet set up for sure.

smashndash

Picture 1 is damage to the rim/brake track. I’m not sure exactly how it happened, but judging by the damage to the tire, I assume it must have been a few rocks that I hit at just the wrong angle? It’s definitely not pinch damage because I’ve been running this tire very hard. Do you guys think it’s cause for a new rim, or at least a professional inspection? If this really happened because of some rocks, then maybe 25mm tires on these rims really isn’t practical.

Picture 2 is a random cosmetic defect that I just noticed. Part of me thinks it might be sealant that seeped into the paint? But I had sealant all over the rim and that’s the only spot where anything happened. It also looks too... uniform.

noodle soup

I wouldn't worry about the chips, but I would probably wet-sand the nicks, and apply some clearcoat to the sanded area.

It looks like it was from some rock impacts, because the tire is also scuffed up a bit in the same area.

Sy Reene

That kinda damage IMO is somewhat related to the 'new' 105% rule

Chi_Z

someone took their 25mm tire for a gravel ride, stick to pavement with those tire / wheel combo. Even with 38mm tire on 24mm rim combo, i still get rock strikes to the rim. The places I was going probably required 42mm+

smashndash

Why... would you assume that? I’m smart enough to realize that the rim is far more exposed to rocks. I also actively swerve around pebbles when I have the luxury to do so. Sometimes I don’t. I did have a bit of a run-in with a bridge the other day so I can’t say for 100% sure that this was caused by rocks. I’m going to assume it was the bridge and hope that no further damage occurs. If I keep seeing new chips show up, though, I’ll update the thread.

Esthetic

Wow, just stumbled upon this thread. These look fab.

An i9 Torch/ AR36 Disc build for that price is just what the Dr. ordered for a Teammachine SLR01 Disc build i have in the works over winter. To think i almost went with a Hunt set with a Novatec hub for nearly same price...

Anyone experience any flex in these shallower options?

BluFalconActual

Just curious, has anyone gotten slapped with customs duties or taxes from ordering from the overseas warehouse?

Rides4Beer

No flex on my 46's, and I'm 185lbs and put out some decent power. I'm looking at some 36's for my new disc bike.


I didn't, but that was earlier this year, not sure if it changed after the new rules went into effect in June.

noodle soup

Low spoke count is the usual cause of wheel flex, not the rim itself.

iwing88

i just ordered a pair of AR46 disc brake. now waiting.......

iwing88

Finally i got my wheelsets!!! after 3 weeks plus.

robbyville

congrats! Pics please or it hasn’t happened. maybe you put it in already but how are you setting them up?


Enjoy and ride safely,

Marcus_Ti

So...if you ordered the wheels the 4th, and got them the 19th...that would be 15 days or just over 2 weeks, not "3 weeks plus".

iwing88

ok thanks.I have not setup yet because i do not have the cassette chain lock type wench tool to open the cassette lol.
I will definitely post pic after setup.

iwing88

ya marcus you are right, 2 weeks plus my bad lol.
but reallllly long wait. i hope it is worth it. i have not tested the AR46 disc yet.

robbyville

looking forward to it. What tires are you going to use, tubeless, or clincher?

iwing88

i am using 25c after asking light bicycle. They told me that 25c has the best aero with the AR46. Clincher lol after reading some horror article from forum like you need to replace sealant after 6 months. And white fluid spreading everywhere if you have a puncture. What do you think? How about you?

cheers

robbyville

ha! The joys of internet opinions. I’ve been exclusively tubeless for the last few years and 50-50 since 2013. Love em and doubt I would go back, zero flats since day one.

iwing88

really?! how about every 6 months to clean and redo the sealant ? easy to clean the old sealant?
which are the best tubeless tire? i am looking at conti 5000 TL. should i get the 28c or 25c? i know 28c definitely more comfortable.

Marcus_Ti

Be warned...the GP5K are known to be very tight fitting tires. Lots of tubeless options out there in all sizes.

iwing88

ok. so any recommendation for AR46 disc? puncture resistant pls lol. i dont have a aero bike only roubaix

WhyFi

I can't remember the last time that a tire lasted me 6 months unless three of those months were hanging on the wall during winter.

When it comes to tubeless, there's definitely a trade-off. If you're not getting frequent flats, I'd recommend sticking with tubes. If you are getting frequent flats, and if you can trust yourself to do some minor maintenance, then tubeless starts to make a lot of sense.

noodle soup

I never clean out my tires, but my tires never last 6 months. They are worn out long before that.

robbyville

sorry for the delay in reply. I never clean out sealant, and I never used to have a problem with it drying out until I moved to the desert. I am pretty slow in the uptake though so generally what happens is I feel my tire and I notice that it’s a little softer than a usual day loss of air.

I remove the core, shake my sealant and put about an ounce or more using the supplied tube (see pics). I put the core back in and pump up the tire. The entire process takes less than a minute or two for both tires.

Ive used a lot of tires and the GP5000 is certainly the longest lasting I’ve had, but as mentioned can be a little tough in mounting technique for the first timer. I’ve had great success with the Schwalbe Pro One’s (TL Easy), super easy to put on but may need a compressor to seat. Lots of great options out there!