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Upgraditis
Topic Started: Sep 26 2013, 04:50 PM (330 Views)
andyjh
Mud Lover
After the success of changing my cassette, well, watching someone else doing it for me in the end, lol. I've got thinking about what else on my bike could be improved. What really urged me to look was noticing that I have a couple of slightly bent spokes and the chap in the shop commented on the rather basic hubs. To be honest I'm a sucker for this sort of this but it passes the time when I'm stuck in the office and not out having fun, browsing the web for new shinny bits.

I do appreciate that there is a balance between what's actually worthwhile and just throwing money away on bling. Therefore I thought I would ask more experienced people than myself as to what upgrades are actually worthwhile? Changing the way the bike rides or deals with terrain etc. I assume wheels would have a big impact on the way a bike handles due to reducing weight and improving stiffness.

Or should I just stop and only replace stuff as they break/bend beyond repair? If you can't tell I'm bored at home with man flu so I have to have something to occupy my time :blink:
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Ollie
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Mudthing
Wheels are usually the most cost effective way to reduce weight...and reducing rotating mass (rims and tyres) is where you will notice weight saving the most. (Every time you accelerate you have to get all that mass spinning)

The standard response is the excellent value Hope Hoops with Crest/Flow/Arch etc tubeless rims. Teamed with some tubeless ready tyres (not the heavier and more expensive UST tyres), yellow tape (not the rim strips) and sealant they are very light for the price. The bonus is they use standard spokes unlike other tubeless wheelsets, and the Hope Hubs are serviceable at home as well so no hunting down obscure freehubs.
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darth vader
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Mudking
Wheels as above
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andyjh
Mud Lover
Wheels it is then :D See what you mean about the Hope Hoops being good value, they seem excellent compared to so others. Is there much to chose between the Crest/Flow/Arch/Mavic rims? Not looked at wheel components before so all very new to me. Are all the above capable of being tubeless? Once the correct tape and tyres fitted?

Sorry for the possibly daft question :blink:
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Ollie
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Mudthing
Crest/flow/arch are all made by Stans, mavic are I think UST rims, non standard spokes and hubs, and possibly need an additional rim strip (adding cost and weight) to make them tubeless.

Stans are particularly good value when bought as hope hoops as the rims bought separately are quite expensive. The difference between their rims comes down to width really, and to a lesser degree, strength.

Some tyres can be a bit tight to fit, I stick with Bontrager tyres and rarely have any problems.
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Ming the Merciless
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Overlord of all Known Sheds!
DO NOT BUY EASTON HAVEN's, NO MATTER HOW CHEAP THEY ARE!
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darth vader
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Mudking
I have taken the basket of the front of my bike and also the streamers from the grips to save weight
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Nero
Mud Lover
Make sure you are happy with the noise of the Hope freehub before purchasing a set of wheels, they are not quiet! If going to the club ride on Sunday you should be able to hear one/several there.

I'd also recommend upgrading to the metal freehub body (c. +£50), as the alu one can get chewed up (depending on cassette used) and subsequently cause issues getting the cassette off/on.
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andyjh
Mud Lover
darth vader,Sep 27 2013
08:00 AM
I have taken the basket of the front of my bike and also the streamers from the grips to save weight

Now that's extreme customisation! :lol:
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Dave le Trek
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Mud Lover
Ollie...ask yourself this:

Your lovely wifey would always do the best for the enormous horse that she rides.....

And I think your stead deserves better........do not collect spares peeps. ..unless your 100% sure you have:

1: a use for them
2: the tools to do the job
3: balance the cost of a new purchase ; ergo - support to the industry

Just a thought........

DLT... :D
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