Author Topic: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)  (Read 353 times)

jim-ratliff

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MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« on: May 03, 2012, 11:57:07 am »
Bushwacka, Liam, etal:


So IF I was looking for a mid-market, tubeless capable, wheelset for XC use (tires in the 2.1 - 2.2 range) what would you recommend and what do you know about the following.


Mavic CrossTrail
Crank Brothers Cobalt II
NoTubes ZTR Crest


 
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bushwacka

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2012, 12:38:12 pm »
first XC tires the pros use are in the 2.2-2.4 range. XC races do not use skinny tires because they are....

A.slower rolling
B.less grip
c. less comfort

I am torn really.

The UST of the Mavic is nice(I own a set of Crossmax) but the rim profile is narrow, if you insist on running 2.1 it should not be a problem but with my tires they tend to become rounded and make the sidewalls flexly.

I also own a set of Stans Flow that I feel ride better due to their wider width. they are heavy but I feel like in most races I am faster with them due to how they absorb rocks and corner.

My next wheelset is going to be a pair of cost be damned carbon wheel though. It is worth money IMO.

jim-ratliff

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2012, 01:11:49 pm »

BW:  Thanks. Yes, I remember what you wrote about rolling resistance of wider tires and what the pro's ride.

In the reviews I've read everyone really likes the Crossmax, but there were also many comments about the rear hubs requiring frequent maintenance (like every couple of months)??

What carbon wheels.  I noted that Enve is now offering 5 year warranty on their carbon road wheels. I think in three years carbon will dominate the upper end market -- and we will probably find that not all carbon wheels have the same carbon just as all frames don't.

I will say that Lynn rides nothing but carbon (Zipp 404) wheels on her road bike, and loves them (except in crosswinds), and kicks my butt going up hill (and downhill if long enough to get above 30mph).
« Last Edit: May 03, 2012, 08:08:15 pm by jim-ratliff »
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bushwacka

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2012, 05:42:34 pm »
Mine have a summer on them, in some pretty wet condtions and they are still fine. I am bike mechanic which means I have no time to actually work on my bike.

jim-ratliff

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2012, 08:09:42 pm »



What carbon mtb wheel would you buy today?
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bushwacka

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2012, 09:08:48 am »
honestly which ever one is cheapest. they are nearly all made by the same couple companies anyhow.

jim-ratliff

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2012, 09:50:45 am »



I decided to buy a pair of Mavic Cross Trail's.
List price $599, Performance Bike sale price $419,
Yesterday's special 15% off price = $356
10% Members incentive points = $35 to be used against future purchases.


Net wheelset price (sort of):  $330
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jim-ratliff

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Re: MTB XC Wheelsets (CrossTrail, Cobalt, Crest)
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2012, 09:51:47 am »

disc brakes for road and cyclo cross = 2013.  And, maybe, 11 speed Shimano.




http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/02/bikes-and-tech/2013-shimano-11-speed-disc-brakes-and-more_207632

"If you're gonna play the game boy, ya gotta learn to play it right."