Wheels are one of the most important considerations on any bike, mountain or otherwise
Creating your perfect marathon mountain-bike can be done in any number of ways. The variety of options available that are ready built in your local bikeshops is already huge, and if you then think about customizing some parts, your options grow again. Perhaps you want to get a bike built to your own dream specification. Some may even choose a frame custom made for you.
Regardless of how you create your marathon machine, there is little doubt that one item should be well considered. Wheels. Again, there is a broad spectrum of choices from the major manufacturers. But are they exciting? Are they individual? Are they made just for you?
As I picked up some new (large) wheels for my Scott Scale 29er last week, I had a chat to the wheel-builder, Dave, about them. I’d requested a light build, using DT Revolution spokes on 370 gram rims. Given what they’re to be used for Dave had his reservations, which he voiced before letting me leave.
“Check them out after your first ride. I don’t know about the Revolutions – maybe the front wheel will be a bit whippy. The tension is good, but I don’t usually use those spokes, even for road wheels. They’re light though!”
I had asked for a certain build on the wheels, and Dave had obliged, with his own recommendations taken onboard. This close consultation is something that is somewhat lost in the bike building process for many people these days. Wheels make such a difference to the ride of your bike though. The right set of wheels for your bike and riding style completes the package.
Thinking back, I can remember the few specific things each different wheel builder has told me about the five last sets of wheels I have had hand-built. Comments on spoke tension, or the nipples used, or the combination of spokes has all been a nice direct connection to the two objects that you’re receiving. The builder has created these, and knows them intimately, having been in charge of their creation and completion.
In the last couple of years I have also owned at least five sets of ‘Factory’ wheels. Most of them have been great, though not without their problems. Beyond this there is much less of a connection with them. You order the wheels, you open the box, fit or glue the tyres and put them on the bike. Yes it is easy. But it’s unlikely they came with the suggestion to tie and solder the spokes due to your intended use? Or that the spokes were brought up to tension evenly and with you in mind? Does the rim easily inflate tubeless with the tyres you favour? Although some of these may seem like small points, they add up.
My latest build by Dave has been built through a variety of connections. Hubs and spoke advice from Greg Ryan at TWE. Stans ZTR Crest rims and then built by a perfectionist colleague. Quite a few people have had input into them, all for my riding pleasure, pain and performance. Two rides in and they are a joy. I’ll have a full write-up on these new hoops after the Highland Fling.