kwikee
Likes Dirt
I'm looking to upgrade the stock Syncros wheels on my Genius and have been looking hard at Hope Hoops with Stans Arch Ex. I'm about 90kgs, and riding style would probably be described as XC/light AM. I've also looked at the LB carbon wheels, which when spec'ed with Novatec hubs, come in at a similar price range. Don't really want to go over $600.
The third variable to throw in here is Hope Pro 2 EVO SP hubs- are straight pull spokes genuinely a better option? DT Swiss reckon the difference is negligible when comparing quality spokes and hubs.
So ultimately, the choice is nice quality (but a tad heavier) Hope hubs and a good all round Arch EX, or Novatec hubs (have heard both good and bad reviews) with LB carbon rims. My gut feel is to go quality hubs and alloy rims, rather than cheap but carbon. Couple of hundred grams weight penalty,but one would imagine reliability and longevity? I'd also rate stiffness/strength over weight.
I've actually been happy with the stock wheels, other than the hub failure, but recently have noticed the flex, especially in the rear, coupled with the fact that they are 21mm internal width and the standard Ardent running tubeless squirms around quite a bit on it.
Opinions, especially from those who have experience of my options appreciated!
The third variable to throw in here is Hope Pro 2 EVO SP hubs- are straight pull spokes genuinely a better option? DT Swiss reckon the difference is negligible when comparing quality spokes and hubs.
So ultimately, the choice is nice quality (but a tad heavier) Hope hubs and a good all round Arch EX, or Novatec hubs (have heard both good and bad reviews) with LB carbon rims. My gut feel is to go quality hubs and alloy rims, rather than cheap but carbon. Couple of hundred grams weight penalty,but one would imagine reliability and longevity? I'd also rate stiffness/strength over weight.
I've actually been happy with the stock wheels, other than the hub failure, but recently have noticed the flex, especially in the rear, coupled with the fact that they are 21mm internal width and the standard Ardent running tubeless squirms around quite a bit on it.
Opinions, especially from those who have experience of my options appreciated!
Last edited: