Rims or hubs, what's more important?
12-29-14, 06:33 AM
#1
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Rims or hubs, what's more important?
So I'm in the market for a new wheelse which will be hand built locally. The problem is I'm torn between two sets and I'd like some input of you guys.
The first set are reynolds 2013 assault rims with DT240 hubs. The 2013 model is 46mm high and still has the traditional V-shape.
The second set called the zenith SWD .50c race. This has the shops own rims and hubs. The rims however are made by reynolds so it's basically a reynolds assault slg rim but instead being 41mm high they're 50mm. The hubs are a bit lighter than the DT's but I think quality wise the DT's have the advantage.
Both sets cost and wheigh about the same so it really come down to rim shape and hub quality.
Which of the two would be more important for you guys?
The first set are reynolds 2013 assault rims with DT240 hubs. The 2013 model is 46mm high and still has the traditional V-shape.
The second set called the zenith SWD .50c race. This has the shops own rims and hubs. The rims however are made by reynolds so it's basically a reynolds assault slg rim but instead being 41mm high they're 50mm. The hubs are a bit lighter than the DT's but I think quality wise the DT's have the advantage.
Both sets cost and wheigh about the same so it really come down to rim shape and hub quality.
Which of the two would be more important for you guys?
12-29-14, 07:03 AM
#2
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One is no good without the other. It won't matter which one you buy.
12-29-14, 07:19 AM
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Tread these waters carefully, I don't believe Reynolds ever offered a 50mm wheel so those are probably going to be some kind of cheap knockoff? Out of curiosity, just how much are the wheels going to cost out the door?
12-29-14, 07:43 AM
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I'm fairly certain that they're not knockoff's, definitely not cheap 
They're not trying to sell them as reynolds rims anyway. They simply state that the braketracks of the rim are CTg which is, if I remember correctly, made by Reynolds. So I figured these are probably Reynolds rims.
The reynolds set would cost €1100 or around $1340, the zenith set costs €1137 or about $1390.
This is a link to some pictures of his work.
https://www.facebook.com/WheelTec/photos_stream
And this one takes you directly to some pictures of the zenith's.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7964204&type=3
They're not trying to sell them as reynolds rims anyway. They simply state that the braketracks of the rim are CTg which is, if I remember correctly, made by Reynolds. So I figured these are probably Reynolds rims.The reynolds set would cost €1100 or around $1340, the zenith set costs €1137 or about $1390.
This is a link to some pictures of his work.
https://www.facebook.com/WheelTec/photos_stream
And this one takes you directly to some pictures of the zenith's.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7964204&type=3
12-29-14, 12:17 PM
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I'd probably go with the known quality (Reynolds and 240's) since there really isn't a savings going the other route.
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12-29-14, 03:41 PM
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Whether or not the rims are made by Reynolds does't really concern me because I'm confident of the quality since I haven't heard of any bad experiences with them. So basically what I'm asking is if the V-shape is really that much of a drawback compared to the newer U-shaped rims.
12-29-14, 04:20 PM
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Whether or not the rims are made by Reynolds does't really concern me because I'm confident of the quality since I haven't heard of any bad experiences with them. So basically what I'm asking is if the V-shape is really that much of a drawback compared to the newer U-shaped rims.
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12-29-14, 04:49 PM
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12-29-14, 05:47 PM
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IMO hubs are the last thing to spend big bucks on. Rims and spokes are much more critical to the performance of the wheels. All this is assuming a minimum level of competence from all of the parts. No name Taiwanese hubs do a fine job for very little money.
12-30-14, 07:01 AM
#12
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Edit, in the photo's they show the Reynolds rims with external spoke nipples, they have just recently switched to this style in 2014 so if the 2013's they offer have them I would have some doubts.
Last edited by dvdslw; 12-30-14 at 07:09 AM.
12-30-14, 08:39 AM
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There is no real gain in compromise in this matter. While you can get by with a little less than absolute top shelf hubs, why go cheap if you are popping for hi-zoot rims? You need hubs to be dependable, your life relies on it.
12-30-14, 08:53 AM
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So they're not Reynolds, Not Cheap, and not Knockoffs? Then what exactly are they? Unless Quality branded, they're nothing I would ride. On the other hand, if they are in fact Reynolds rims with DT hubs for $1,300 then they look pretty good!
Edit, in the photo's they show the Reynolds rims with external spoke nipples, they have just recently switched to this style in 2014 so if the 2013's they offer have them I would have some doubts.
Edit, in the photo's they show the Reynolds rims with external spoke nipples, they have just recently switched to this style in 2014 so if the 2013's they offer have them I would have some doubts.
12-30-14, 10:20 AM
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I emailed the shop about the rim manufacturer and the zenith's are indeed made by Reynolds.
12-30-14, 10:49 AM
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That's the point. Inexpesive Taiwanese hubs such as made by Bitex ARE dependable. They have strong shells and excellent bearings. The freehubs are sturdy. I say spend on what you must, don't spend on what you don't have to.
12-30-14, 12:05 PM
#18
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Tires are what contact the road. If I were getting wheels I would factor in a few hundred for Dugast tubulars. Thats where you will feel a difference. Rims, spokes, hubs are non factors to me.
