Sun Ringle Charger Expert Wheels

[rideitall]

Good day

Wanted to get some feedback from riders who have ridden on a set of the Sun Ringle Charger Expert wheels.

I had picked up a set of these wheels in the 26 inch version for my Giant Reign. They look and sound great, fairly low weight, nice engagement, and ready to run tubeless. What is not to like ...

Well, it might just be me not certain. Despite having some failures with these wheels this is not a rant, as when they work, they are great, and customer service has also been good.

1st issue, constantly dropping chain off lowest gear into spokes. Bike setup was spot on. Contacted Sun Ringle support and was sent a stainless steel alxe and new freehub. Installed and wheel worked fine for a little longer.

2nd issue, started having issues with hub and not free-wheeling while coasting, felt like having a branch getting stuck in rear derailleur. Took wheel apart looked ok. Contacted Sun Ringle customer service again and was asked to ship the rear wheel back in. I sent the wheel back in and was told they had found a crack in the shell that was causing issues with the pawls and the free-wheeling issue. Sun Ringle rebuilt the wheel with a new hub. It was a Disc Jockey hub, which is what I was told is what the Charger wheels are built with.

3rd issue - Now have almost 10 rides on the wheel from Nov 12 - Feb 13, as I switch between the Charger wheels for pedally rides with smaller tires and a Hope/Flow with larger tires for more techincal rides. Part way down the trail the issue with the the free-wheel not working well was happening. Had to ride out as single speed peddling so the chain would not rip the derailleur off. Pulled the wheel off when I got home and wiped it down to find a very obvious crack in the hub shell. I have emailed Sun Ringle customer support and will wait to see what happens. Pictures attached to show the latest issue.

I have never had issues with other hubs in all my years of riding. I once had to replace a Shimano freehub on an old Shimano LX or DX hub and once had to replace the springs on the pawls on a Hope hub, that's it. I don't ride that hard, my wheels stay pretty close to the ground (my trail bike might get 1 - 3 feet of air occasionally if there is a smooth landing). I have been trying to climb a little more to get in shape, so I really doubt I am over-torquing the hub, if such a thing is possible.

Comments as to why the issues.

[miranmtb]

Mine died the same way. I think the freehub imploded causing the hub damage. They replaced the hub under warranty. Been fine since then.

[rideitall]

Update: I had emailed Sun Ringle customer support to let them know what happened. It was done about the same time I opened this thread, I already got an email and call back to resolve the problem. Not bad, I got a resolution before anyone even posted on the thread.

It appears that a bad batch of hub shells was produced where the thickness was not where it should have been. That caused fatigue in the hub and crack in the shell was the result. I have a new wheel headed my way. So once again the customer service of Sun Ringle comes through.

The poster above indicates all good since the replacement, which is what the person from Customer Service said as well. Fingers are crossed, that this works out as I really want to like these wheels.

Cheers

[eurospek]

At least you're getting taken cared of with their CS dept which I found a pleasure to deal with. Hopefully the new wheel lasts you longer. I'm on 2011 Charger Experts 29er and they have been bombproof last season needing absolutely nothing, and I wasn't easy on them and I'm a bigger rider too.

[rideitall]

I am surprised you don't hear more on these wheels as I have seen them on a number of bikes I believe spec'd as the stock wheelset.

That said I was hard to find too much either positive or negative about them, which was why I was hoping that I just had some bad luck. The positive to be taken out of this is how their customer service does such a good job to resolve the problems I have encountered.

Can't wait until I get the replacement gear.

[rideitall]

Well the replacement wheel arrived in the mail tonight and I must say the Sun Ringle customer service has certainly done a hell of a job.

My broken Charger Expert rear wheel (cracked hub) was replaced with a brand new Chargers Pro wheelset.

The wheels look fantastic. My photo skills are not great, but I snapped a few pictures of the new wheelset.

Check it out.

[eurospek]

Nice, I'm jealous.

[rideitall]

I must say I am super impressed at the support from customer service from Sun Ringle. The original wheels where nice and to replace them with a better wheelset is outstanding.

They look so nice I almost don't want to mount them up and get them dirty. I did say almost.

I will switch my tubeless setup over from the old set and hopefully be able to get out for a ride this weekend. I will report back with a quick review and a couple of pictures of the wheels fully setup.

Cheers