Bontrager Rhythm Elite or custom wheel build?

[camelunderwear]

Hi All

I'm thinking of getting a Trek Fuel Ex 9 and it comes with Bontrager Rhythm Elite 142mmx12mm, however, i don't think the wheelset that comes with it is sufficient for my needs.

So after reading a number of post about Bitex/Novatec/bikehubstore hubs.
They seem rather decent and cheap for their 48 POE, that's double of the Rhythm Elites.

Has anyone had trouble with them? I'm into trail riding mini jumps etc?
I saw a post when 1 guy had hub wear with 5000-7000 miles on a novatech rear hub if i remember.

I'm in a dilemma whether i should get a chris king hub (fix and forget) or a bitex/novatec since it's much cheaper?


Thanks

[Bike Whisperer]

The hubs are not DT, they are made by Formula to Bontrager's specifications.

[shiggy]

Hi All

I'm thinking of getting a Trek Fuel Ex 9 and it comes with Bontrager Rhythm Elite 142mmx12mm
.
My question is regarding the hub, how many engagement points does the hub have?

Upon reading several post and from what i gathered it seems the wheelset comes with a DT Swiss Onyx Hub which has a 18 POE.
But from Bontragers website it states that Rhythm Elite has a 24 tooth drive mechanism which i presume its a 24 POE. So which is it?

Another question, could i just replace the Rhythm Elites rear hub with a DT Swiss 350 (28 hole) and reuse the Bontrager Rhythm Elite Rim? Or do i have to rebuild an entire wheelset for that to happen?

Also would a custom wheelset Hope Pro 2 Evo + Mavic 819 Disc be a better option as compared to the Bontrager Rhythm Elite? Or any other suggestions?

Thanks

If you must have a higher POE hub (makes little difference for me), yes, you can replace the rear hub. Likely need new spokes. No need to touch the front wheel. No functional reason to have the f/r match.

I prefer the Rhythm rim over the 819. Wider, about the same weight.

[camelunderwear]

The hubs are not DT, they are made by Formula to Bontrager's specifications.

Bike whisperer and shiggy
Thanks for the info

So my best bet right now is dt 350 and upgrade to a 36 star ratchet?
"reading 350 is a cheaper made of 240's but it's made in Taiwan"

Tried looking for an upgrade kit for the dt 350 but it seems the upgrade kit doesn't list dt 350 as being compatible.

[shiggy]

Bike whisperer and shiggy
Thanks for the info

So my best bet right now is dt 350 and upgrade to a 36 star ratchet?
"reading 350 is a cheaper made of 240's but it's made in Taiwan"

Tried looking for an upgrade kit for the dt 350 but it seems the upgrade kit doesn't list dt 350 as being compatible.

I would ride the stock wheels and see if you notice a difference before doing anything.

I constantly switch between hubs ranging from 18 to 48 POE (20-7.5 degrees) and could not tell you which were which without looking at the wheel.

Most people seem to ignore that ground speed and gear ratio have a huge affect on the speed of engagement while on the bike.

[kendal]

You can use the 240 upgrade kit (POE) on the 350's. I just installed one, got it from jensonusa.com. I also got the grease, love the wheel set now and much quieter.

[camelunderwear]

Thanks for the info Kendal, when searching on other hubs i came across bitex/novatech/bikestorehub they seem to have 48 POE which seems better than DT 350.
But am unsure of their durability and serviceable parts