|   Replacing my wheels and need input... | johnny blaze
Jun 12, 2002 10:41 AM | | I have been riding on Mavic 221's F&R and decided that since I'm going to disc's, I'd rather get a new set of wheels with disc hubs rather than lace hubs into my current set. Jenson is offering Rhynolite 32h XL's with XT disc hubs for $169. Airbomb is offering 2002 Avid mech's f&r with a set of Rhynolite's 36h with XT hubs for $279+$20 more if I wish to upgrade the front brake to the 185mm rotor. Are the XL's much better than the regular Rhynolites? Which offer is the better one? As always thx for any input =)
johnny blaze |
| depends on your needs (tires, riding style) | Seb
Jun 12, 2002 12:10 PM | | I just built a front rhyno XL / XT disc wheel, and previously had a set of XT / Rhyno wheels front and back.
The major difference is the welded, machined rim on the XL. Normal Rhyno Lites don't have the machined rim, and are pinned. This makes the XL better for rim brakes, but matters not one bit for discs.
The other difference is width. The XL is about 10% wider. That makes it a better option if you are running really fat tires, like 2.4 or bigger, and offeres a bit more traction (and rolling reistance), especially in corners. Conversely, the normal rim (which is a little bit lighter and narrower) could be a better match for enduro and XC riding, paired with typical 2.1" or smaller tires.
A set of front and read Avid discs will run maybe $160-$180, so the Airbomb deal could save you at least $50, maybe more with the upgrade. If you are running discs and aren't doing downhill, the regular Rhyno Lites are as good as the XL's, and maybe better. I'd say which you choose depends on wether you need the extra "beef" the XL's provide for downhill / mega free ride, or want something that is more suited to (very) hard xc riding and "normal" stunts.
Either way, get the new wheels tensioned, centered, and stress releived by somebody who can be sure its done right. The rims are so similar that the care taken building the wheel is going to be the major difference in how strong they are, not whether the rim is the XL or not. Both companies have a decent rep for wheelbuilds, but it never hurts to be sure, and its a good way to protect you investment (be that your wheels, or your neck). |
| Excellent response....big thx!! nm | johnny blaze
Jun 12, 2002 12:18 PM | | |
| 221s to Ryhnolites is a big change | shiggy
Jun 14, 2002 8:49 AM | | You are going to be adding a lot of weight and going to a much wider rim.
The 221 is a nice XC rim and the Ryhnolite is a heavy-duty basher by comparison.
Are you having problems with the 221s staying true? Are you using BIG tires at low pressure? Do you ride big drops?
If not, the Ryhnolites are overkill. |
| 221s to Ryhnolites is a big change | johnny blaze
Jun 14, 2002 11:11 PM | | I've had no problems at all with my 221's but I don't want to lace disc hubs into these if they are as much trouble as the reviews on this board say. Also I'm at 200lbs. and want a sturdy rim. How good are 221's on small drops? Any other wheel suggestions? Thx =)
johnny blaze |
| I have been using a 221... | shiggy
Jun 17, 2002 8:02 AM | | ...on the rear disc wheel of my singlespeed for 18 months. I do not ride "drops" (except for drop handlebars) as in North Shore inspired freeride, but I do ride aggressive XC that may include riding off small ledges and rocks and over logs. I have not needed to touch it since the day I built it and it shows no signs of spoke bed stress. |
| |
