FAQ: Heavy Duty 29er Wheels

YOOPER · 02-19-2008

I"m 250lbs(big boned) and looking for some heavy duty 29er wheels. The weight of the wheel is not an issue, what's a couple of more pounds to push! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

madcap · 02-19-2008

250lbs myself running 36H Velocity Blunts

most 36H rims should do the job for you

Random Drivel · 02-19-2008

Kris Holm, Sun RhynoLites, or WTB DDFR's should do the trick.

Oliver · 02-19-2008

I am building up some new Sun Equalizer 27mm 29er rims, they look real nice, I will give feed back once I am finished.

FlatFender · 02-19-2008

+1 for Rhynolites
I run them on my 26er and my 29er

ratty2k · 02-20-2008

Liking my Halo Freedom rims... not gone out of true at all, and are getting ridden progresively harder as I'm gaining confidence.

bulldognz · 02-21-2008

My son is 6'3" 300 pounds rides a paragon. What 29" wheel set would you recommend for a big rider?

Soupboy · 02-21-2008

KH rims laced to XT-equivalent or better hubs. Game, set, match.

Try a search using clydesdale - this is an oft covered topic.

Schultz29 · 02-21-2008

I used to think that Shimano XT hubs were the most sturdy xc hubs available. But, over the years I've broken a bunch of free hubs and in most every case I was riding a really steep grade. However, for the money I'd still recommended them I just might buy an extra freehub in the event you break one. In addition get the XT hubs with the higher flange. I have a set of XT center locks and I can't stand them. My wheels are flexy mess and I have always attributed that to the low profile flange.

sthrnfat · 02-21-2008

If the wheels will be used for general XC use I'd look for an XT hub and a WTB Dual Duty FR rim. Low buck option that will hold up to some abuse and is cheap to replace if you run into problems.

Another options is Sun High Rider wheelset. It's based on a Rhyno Lite rim which should be plenty durable for XC use...
http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp...t=49&brand=243

swaneedawg · 02-21-2008

After looking at the many options that are available...I chose to go the XT 36 hole six-bolt disc hubs front and rear, and Rhyno-Lite rims, also 36 hole with DT-Swiss 14g spokes, built in a 4-cross pattern. I think the 36 hole rims/hubs are paramount to a strong wheelset for any Clydesdale. The shorter effective spoke length with the profile of the Rhyno-Lite rim should make a very strong wheelset. I also am going to run the WTB Weir Wolf 2.55 tires. May not be the lightest thing out there, but they will be strong.

Plus, you always have the option of going with solid axles for extra stiffness!

BWG · 02-21-2008

I'm 260 and Mikesee strongly recommended 36 hole Rhyno-lite rims with butted spokes for my new hardtail build. I chose Hope Pro II hubs - 10mm bolt-on rear and front converts easily from QR to 20mm TA. I'm currently running Stan's Flow rims (only come in 32 hole) with butted spokes and the same Hope hubs on my other (FS) bike. The hubs have been flawless but I knocked the rear out of true, which is why I'm going with 36 spokes on the new wheelset.

eischman · 02-22-2008

I have a set of Hope pro II hubs laced to DT swiss rims that are perfect for a clydesdale. I plan to post a set on the classifed once I get another rim in and my shop has time to build it. Should be 2 weeks. Watch the classifieds

tallrider · 02-22-2008

I'm 6-5 and 235 and run I9's with KH rims and also have a set of Chris King hubs laced to DT Swiss TK 7.1's with the double eyelets and 14GA spokes.
Both sets have proven reliable under my less than graceful riding and crashing and curb jumping.

29erchico · 02-22-2008

From my post last week on the same subject:

My light duty wheelset is 36h Rhyno's on DT Comps & DT FR hubs, have not even thought of running them for a long time. My every day wheels are the exact same setup except for the Kris Holm 38mm wide Unicycle rims. I thought the Rhyno's were stiff until I got the KH wheelset, wow: they don't even compare, not at all. The KH rims are over 800g each, but worth it if you want tough. The extra volume they give a tire and the way that they provide such better sidewall support to the tire's casing is sweet as well.

rob · 02-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWG

I'm currently running Stan's Flow rims (only come in 32 hole).

Looks like they're making them 36 hole now...

http://www.notubes.com/product_info....roducts_id/395

wrongway benton · 02-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schultz29

I used to think that Shimano XT hubs were the most sturdy xc hubs available. But, over the years I've broken a bunch of free hubs and in most every case I was riding a really steep grade. However, for the money I'd still recommended them I just might buy an extra freehub in the event you break one. In addition get the XT hubs with the higher flange. I have a set of XT center locks and I can't stand them. My wheels are flexy mess and I have always attributed that to the low profile flange.

xt hubs come with lx free hubs don't ask me why. But I also have hod problems

Soupboy · 02-22-2008

KH > Flow ($) > WTB DD FR > (Blunt) > Ryno > Delgado/TK

Match your hubs to the requisite spoke counts - i.e. most are 32h (KH, Flow, WTB, Ryno, Deltaco, TK) and some are 36h (KH, Ryno, TK(?))

lil hillbilly · 02-22-2008

cant say enough about the Kris Holm hoops that are on my Kona. The difference they make is just incredible!! being that they are so wide they make even a 2.2 look beefy! So along w/ the KH rims go for strait gauge spokes and brass nipples. go for a cheaper front hub and spend some money on a good rear hub like a Pofile Racing, Chris King , Hope, DT Swiss or even Hadley. also a big enprovement are throught axels. get rid of the quick realeases and bolt them on!! one more tip: for the rear hub go w/ a single speed hub or like the Profile a 6 speed hub. this will give ya a dishless wheel which translates to a very strong wheel.

pic of the pimp bike

croscoe · 02-22-2008

The Holms are great rims. Mine are laced to Hope Pro II hubs (dishless rear).

grawbass · 02-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupboy

KH > Flow ($) > WTB DD FR > (Blunt) > Ryno > Delgado/TK

Match your hubs to the requisite spoke counts - i.e. most are 32h (KH, Flow, WTB, Ryno, Deltaco, TK) and some are 36h (KH, Ryno, TK(?))

Why do you think the WTB DD FR is better than the Blunt and Rhyno? Just curious.

Soupboy · 02-23-2008

Experience. The WTB DD FRs I've owned are still intact. Can not say that for the others built up similarly and employed in the same conditions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grawbass

Why do you think the WTB DD FR is better than the Blunt and Rhyno? Just curious.

JSD303 · 02-23-2008

I have a set of DT TK71 36h (with rim brake surface) on Hope Pro IIs on my rigid SS and they have been perfect for a year. I've weighed from 230lbs to my current 190ish weight. I agree that the KH and Flows at 36h should be stronger, but I wouldn't put the TK and Delgado in the same category. I guarantee I would have smashed the hell out of the Delgados by now. The TK71s take a lickin' and keep on tickin'...

Davidcopperfield · 02-24-2008

32h in 559mm is perfect whereas in 622mm 36h is perfect thus using 32h in 622mm is not perfect as simple as that, so why 32h in 622mm for mtb exist? right, you can make a 4h rim but such rim would have to weight a tone.

Schultz29 · 02-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidcopperfield

32h in 559mm is perfect whereas in 622mm 36h is perfect thus using 32h in 622mm is not perfect as simple as that, so why 32h in 622mm for mtb exist? right, you can make a 4h rim but such rim would have to weight a tone.

So are you saying, that this rim (if produced) could also be used as a musical instrument? I recall an episode of Star Trek where Mr. Spock and a hippie chick were having a jam session. Spock played the Vulcan Harp while the hippie chick was shredding what appears to be a 29'er wheel. As you suggested the instrument seemed quite heavy but it produced a lovely tone.

slocaus · 02-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidcopperfield

32h in 559mm is perfect whereas in 622mm 36h is perfect thus using 32h in 622mm is not perfect as simple as that, so why 32h in 622mm for mtb exist? right, you can make a 4h rim but such rim would have to weight a tone.

You need more mountain bike between your legs and less between your ears.

dieseldog · 02-24-2008

DT TK7.1 laced w DT 14/15 ga spokes (natch) to DT 340 hubs. 32h 3x lacing. I'm 235 and ride aggressive xc. A fine balance of weight and strength - do wish they were 5mm wider in cross section - stiffens up the tire.

Davidcopperfield · 02-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by slocaus

You need more mountain bike between your legs and less between your ears.

I see it like this in 559mm you have certain distance between 32 spokes if you build a 622mm with 32 this distance is wider so the wheel is wekear and flexier. If you put 4 extra psokes -36- then you reduce the distance between spokes paying the weight penalty which is worth (unless prfi racing) it is like 20-25 grams a wheel. You get a 12,4% stiffer/stronger wheel. It was mentioned 12,5% is this correct?

hitarock · 02-26-2008

Replaced my taco'd DT Swiss (was it a bogus build, or is DT just not up to riding 29 fixed with a 190lb rider?) with bomber Kris Holm rims after only 1 month of riding my Karate Monkey fixed gear, which places a lot more weight on the front wheel in down hill situations.

I hammered the same KH rim on my mountain uni, so I can ride it with confidence. Both front and back are now KH 29 rims.

Your LBS will not understand the issues when you say you want something to hammer hard on and not fall apart (but they can't figure out that mountain uni is far more rad and stressful on the parts than the two wheeled version....).

Soupboy · 02-26-2008

The first rule of the 29er forums is to disregard davidcopafeel with extreme prejudice. The world will benefit from said behavior.

29erchico · 02-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupboy

The first rule of the 29er forums is to disregard davidcopafeel with extreme prejudice. The world will benefit from said behavior.

It (DC) has been on my ignore list for a long time. My mind still gets unwanted doses of it's alleged thoughts by many folk who quote what it posts.

It's a troll, yes quite possibly the strangest one yet, but still a troll.

Biggidy bRad · 02-27-2008

What might one recommend for heavy-duty and light in the same package?

I'm 195 lbs and currently on I-9's with ZTR Arch rims... the rear needs constant adjusting. Spoke tensions are correct, the rear rim is just not enough... front ZTR Arch rim is holding fine. Was considering a Flow for the rear but don't know if its gonna be enough. Wanna stay light though and I'm new to the 29'ers.

*planning to build a new set upon the release of the new Reba 20mm thru axle fork, probably gonna hold off on the rear until then also so I've got time to research.

Random Drivel · 02-27-2008

Since it is now a sticky, here's my setup:

Hope Pro II's (36h f/r)
Sun RhynoLites
DT Swiss Comps with brass nips.

After a year of use, the front is in need of a minor true. the rear is still in true. Not bad for a 260# rider who likes running over things.

RYNOFREERIDE · 03-01-2008

I am planning to build up a full suspension 29er this year and I already have a set of wheels I won at the Fruita Fat Tire Fest last year. I won a DT Swiss wheelset. Knowing I was building a 29er in the future, I chose the 29er wheelset. DT Swiss built up a 32 hole (36 hole not available) 29er DT Swiss wheelset with the 340 hubs. Anyway, I am a 230 lbs pound cross country rider from MN who takes occasional mtn biking trips out west. Will these hold up for me? Am I crazy to use these? As we all know, building a bike is expensive and I'd love to use these wheels since they are already in my basement ready to go.

Davidcopperfield · 03-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYNOFREERIDE

DT Swiss built up a 32 hole (36 hole not available)

Really?
http://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Comp...-7-1-gray.aspx

RYNOFREERIDE · 03-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidcopperfield

Really?
http://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Comp...-7-1-gray.aspx

It's a full DT Swiss build with DT Swiss rims, 340 disc hubs, and DT spokes. The rim is available in 32 and 36 hole, but the 340 hub which was part of the deal comes in only 32.

Davidcopperfield · 03-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYNOFREERIDE

the 340 hub which was part of the deal comes in only 32.

For stiffness it is advisable to go with 36 no matter what is offered. If it is 32 only do not take a deal and drop them a mail that a fashion from 26ers doesn't translate into 29ers and they should consider more durable wheels for 29ers.
Use 36 rims and get your wheels built by a scrupulous builder. I would do this. Between 32 and 36 there is little weight penalty. The rear wheel ought o be 36 holed due to the cassette. Front wheel is the only place where you can go with 32.
Ask mikesee about wieght distribution onto spokes.

slocaus · 03-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidcopperfield

For stiffness it is advisable to go with 36 no matter what is offered.

They were FREE wheels that he won! "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidcopperfield

Ask mikesee about wieght distribution onto spokes.

An an extended "tour" for another month or so.

And Mikesee built my Hope Pro II with Stans Arch rims, 20mm TA front and bolt on rear with 32 hole double butted spokes and ALLOY nipples! I am 200 pounds, and 6'3" tall.

Wheels with 32 spokes are fine for those of us that ride more than we theorize about riding.

Show us a picture of your riding that you NEED 36 hole wheels, David!

dieseldog · 03-01-2008

Don't worry about the dt wheelset holding up, RHYNOFREERIDE, I've got a tad bit of weight on you and have barreled thru rock gardens, hit 3' drops and have yet to need to true them - my wheelset is the same spec as the ones you won at Fruita. If DT built them, you've nothing to worry about.

Karl

RYNOFREERIDE · 03-01-2008

Thanks for all the responses so far! It's been informative.

Like I said, I won these in a drawing, that's the only reason I have them. I didn't want to look a gift-horse in the mouth.

slocaus · 03-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYNOFREERIDE

Thanks for all the responses so far! It's been informative.

Like I said, I won these in a drawing, that's the only reason I have them. I didn't want to look a gift-horse in the mouth.

Hope we have not muddied the waters.

Your wheels will work fine. Take DC and his theories with a grain of salt (see how I love those sayings?

). DC appears to be a thinker, but not a doer, so his opinions are suspect here on MTBR.

RYNOFREERIDE · 03-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by slocaus

Hope we have not muddied the waters.

Your wheels will work fine. Take DC and his theories with a grain of salt (see how I love those sayings?

). DC appears to be a thinker, but not a doer, so his opinions are suspect here on MTBR.

It's good to hear both sides. If I didn't have these wheels, I'd probably go with 36 hole Rhyno Lites. That's what I use on my current 26er hardtails and have never had a problem. Just needed some input before I considered using DT Swiss. I think I am going to go for it. I'm not an extreme rider. I'm just a cross country rider who hits some rock gardens. I'm not a big drops type of guy.

Davidcopperfield · 03-03-2008

I am not saying that a 29er wheel with 32 holes cannot be stiif however this same wheel with 36 spokes wil be stiffer and therefore will endure more abuse. For Lunchbox, Behemoth and WFO9 36 is a standard and mimicing the 26er trand towards 32 doesn't make mauch sense. Perhaps those, who switched f.e.x from arches to flows may be still be better off on 36 holed arches.

mtbnachos · 03-08-2008

hey slocaus, how are the Stan's holding up? I'm about your weight and a LBS suggested the ZTR's for my agressive XC style riding, in fact they ordered 1 rim already for my rear wheel because it's been out of true twice (Alex TD17 rims are crap!), forums suggest the 355, flows, and arch are high end.

slocaus · 03-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbnachos

hey slocaus, how are the Stan's holding up? I'm about your weight and a LBS suggested the ZTR's for my agressive XC style riding, in fact they ordered 1 rim already for my rear wheel because it's been out of true twice (Alex TD17 rims are crap!), forums suggest the 355, flows, and arch are high end.

Holding up great. This is the lightest, best riding MTB wheelset I have had (I bought my first MTB in 1979). I plan to convert my other three wheelsets, and I will never have wheels built without tubeless rims again. Answer your question?

bonefishjake · 03-10-2008

can anyone comment on the durability of the crossmax 29ers?

i'm in slowly creeping towards 190 (currently 198 down from 235 a year ago). i ride a rigid SS and do so pretty agressively. i kinda think "no" based my weight, the way i ride and the fact it's going on an SS.

am i thinking right on this? i'd hate for these things to go all modern art on me.

dblspeed · 03-11-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oliver

I am building up some new Sun Equalizer 27mm 29er rims, they look real nice, I will give feed back once I am finished.

Any news?

mtbnachos · 03-18-2008

I just rebuilt my rear wheel with Flow's 36h 29er. First time using Stan rims. I just noticed that there are NO eyelets! I have a hardtail so I went the cheap route and just replace the rear rim. How much abuse can the Flow's take in technical XC?

Random Drivel · 03-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupboy

Experience. The WTB DD FRs I've owned are still intact. Can not say that for the others built up similarly and employed in the same conditions.

Agreed, no question there. But am curious, if you don't mind:

What spoke count?

Riding conditions? Bike?

Your weight?

Thanks in advance.

mikesee · 03-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOOPER

I"m 250lbs(big boned) and looking for some heavy duty 29er wheels. The weight of the wheel is not an issue, what's a couple of more pounds to push! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Over the last several years I've gravitated towards these rims for riders 225# and above:
Kris Holm Uni rim (32 and 36)
WTB DD FR (32 only)
Sun Rhyno Lite (32 and 36)
Stans Flow (32 and 36).

For various reasons, I don't use anything else for riders in this weight category. Some of the 'other' rims out there were OK but all of them had a glaring drawback (loose fitting tires, mainly) that kept me from re-ordering them.

I have limited time on a pre-production set of Salsa Gordo Disc rims and they look *very* promising for this application.

Cheers,

MC

ThreePutt · 03-21-2008

Anybody have any experience with the Sun High Rider wheelset? Rhyno Lites + Disc Jockey hubs. I can't find much info on the hubs.

slocaus · 03-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreePutt

Anybody have any experience with the Sun High Rider wheelset? Rhyno Lites + Disc Jockey hubs. I can't find much info on the hubs.

Yes. Had them since 10/07. Tough, durable, heavy. Great durable wheelset for the price, did I mention heavy? If you want durable and inexpensive, and do not mind heavy, they are winners.

Now I'm riding some HopePro2/Arch tubeless. I have the High Rollers in reserve for gnarly AM, crazy rocky schtuff this summer...

AL29er · 03-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWG

I'm currently running Stan's Flow rims (only come in 32 hole) with butted spokes and the same Hope hubs on my other (FS) bike. The hubs have been flawless but I knocked the rear out of true, which is why I'm going with 36 spokes on the new wheelset.

FWIW the flows have been available in 36h for a few months now. Here is a set laced to 36h saint hubs

With respect to the OP, it all depends on your definition of heavy duty. If it is trail riding with a 3' drop mixed in from time to time then there are a lot of options. If it is DH, jumps, abuse then the ONLY choice is Kris Holm rims.

swaneedawg · 04-19-2008

About a month ago, I put a set of XT 36h hubs, on 14g dt/swiss spokes, laced 4x, on 36h Rhyno-Lite rims. I've been riding them on everything from rocky, steep, gnarly, to buffed singletrack here in good ole N.C. I've tensioned them up once over the course of some 30 plus rides, and found that, while they keep their trueness, they are quite a bit heavier than the WTB Laser-Disc Trail rims with 32h Deore hubs that came stock on the Haro Mary XC. With this set-up, the XT/RL's, I felt a little better hitting some of the rock-strewn trails I ride in N.C. I didn't feel that confident on some of the decents though. I still want a little more rim stiffness for my 210lbs of weight/gear. No wheel flex to speak of when really tugging-at-the-bars during climbs, but the wheelset does seem to flex going thru rocks at speed, and over roots in slow tech-gnarl sections. Way better than the factory set-up, just not quite where I want them to be just yet....

I've just received a set of Halo Freedom 36h 29er rims in black, and I'm going to build them up on Hope Pro II 36h front and rear hubs (thus having the option of converting them to 20mm thru-axle or thru-axle 10mm rear should the need arise). I'll use a 4x pattern once again, and use 14g spokes of the DT-Swiss variety. I'm also going to experiment with WTB Weirwolf 2.55 tires "done-up" "ghetto-stylee"!!!

I'm looking for a little bit of weight loss on the wheelset using tubeless tire set-up, and also gaining the strength of the Halo rims...they are stronger than the R-L's but weigh more, so I'm losing the tubes to make up the difference, and going with the lighter Hope hubs. I'll let everyone know what happens in a couple of weeks...after a few rides on the wheelset..with a back-to-back comparison of the XT/Rhyno-lites vs. Hope Pro IIs/Halos.

I'll post pics as well....

It will be two weeks, because from April 23-27th....

I'll be at MERLEFEST 2008!!!

Ozmosis · 07-15-2008

Resurrection time!
I'm looking into building some sturdier wheels. The combo's I'm currently looking at are either KH's, Rhyno's, or DualDutyFR's laced to XT hubs. At 225 lbs, on a rigid monocog, mostly smooth singletrack, with some rocks/roots/logs here and there. Current wheels are stock Alex/Redline rear and Bontrager Mustang/Redline front; I don't have a gauge, but wish I could run lower pressures without flatting. I ride fairly slow, but always aggressively, riding on or over anything possible. I would like to have more confidence in my wheel/tire combo. I've been blowing through tubes because of loose Rampage beads, but love the grip/volume. Price cap of about $250 (cause I'll probably get tires too). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

slocaus · 07-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozmosis

Resurrection time!
I'm looking into building some sturdier wheels. The combo's I'm currently looking at are either KH's, Rhyno's, or DualDutyFR's laced to XT hubs. At 225 lbs, on a rigid monocog, mostly smooth singletrack, with some rocks/roots/logs here and there. Current wheels are stock Alex/Redline rear and Bontrager Mustang/Redline front; I don't have a gauge, but wish I could run lower pressures without flatting. I ride fairly slow, but always aggressively, riding on or over anything possible. I would like to have more confidence in my wheel/tire combo. I've been blowing through tubes because of loose Rampage beads, but love the grip/volume. Price cap of about $250 (cause I'll probably get tires too). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

1 - see post #50 above by mikesee.
2 - contact him via the lacemine29 link in his signature.
Mike delivers that best wheel for the price you can get, period.

sikocycles · 07-16-2008

Any word on the Salsa Gordo or Semi. Looks like good options.

talknopf · 07-16-2008

i'm pretty heavy myself
and had a shot at all of bontrager's 29er and 26er wheels.
the 29er rythem are quite sturdy.
i myself use the rythem comp on my bike
nice balance between price and what you get for.
i belive the hubs in the ruthem comp are formula's