Going to disk brakes, recommend wheelset?

[MTBMike]

Okay, I'm going to leave my V brakes behind and going with discs. With all I've been reading and at their price I've decided to go with the BB7's. Since I don't have disc compatable rims I need a new wheelset. Looking for suggestions that will work well with the BB7's and if possible tube/tubeless flexibility. Also prefer black rims and trying to keep the cost around $400 range. Any recommendations?

[tuba_transport]

Okay, I'm going to leave my V brakes behind and going with discs. With all I've been reading and at their price I've decided to go with the BB7's. Since I don't have disc compatable rims I need a new wheelset. Looking for suggestions that will work well with the BB7's and if possible tube/tubeless flexibility. Also prefer black rims and trying to keep the cost around $400 range. Any recommendations?

You can have a handmade set of XM819 UST rims with XT hubs for right at $400 from Speedgoat. Perhaps a local could match that price or come close?

If you don't mind using that Stans rim tape than you could buy just about any wheelset and convert it.

[akern2]

Not to threadjack or anything, but how do you break in the brake pads?

I know it doesn't really help with the wheelset search, but it will help later down the road.

For wheels, you might want to check out Pricepoint.com. They have some decent prices on wheelsets. Or talk to your LBS and see if they have something or could make a custom set.

[rciracing]

Okay, I'm going to leave my V brakes behind and going with discs. With all I've been reading and at their price I've decided to go with the BB7's. Since I don't have disc compatable rims I need a new wheelset. Looking for suggestions that will work well with the BB7's and if possible tube/tubeless flexibility. Also prefer black rims and trying to keep the cost around $400 range. Any recommendations?

I have a new silver Cane Creek wheelset I bought last year - still in box $350 new but will sell for half. PM me if you are interested.

[tuba_transport]

Not to threadjack or anything, but how do you break in the brake pads?

Several hard stops from high speeds. Then ride them and be more cautious the first couple of rides.

[CountZero]

If any of your friends knows how to build and tension wheels, the cheapest way into a decent wheelset is first to buy a machine-laced set of XT/717s from a clearinghouse and then have your buddy "final" tension and dish them by hand. That'll cost you about $220 plus a good six pack.

At a higher, yet still moderate price, you can build a set of Hope Pros laced to the rim of your choice.

Given that all of the important and failure-prone parts are concentrated in the rear hub, the most cost effective solution over the long term is to pair a relatively expensive and highly reliable rear hub with a cheap yet reliable front hub.

On a budget, my personal inclination would be to go with a Hope Pro II in the rear (about $190) and a Formula ($45) or Shimano XT ($50) in the front.

A handbuilt setup like that, on a good set of hoops, might cost around $500. Less of course if you have a good buddy that's handy at wheelbuilding.

My final word to you is to extend your budget up to about $550. If you do so, you can buy a set of wheels that will last several years.

Some people can make a $200 - $300 Shimano-hubbed wheelset last for some time, but most can not. A good friend of mine must have spent $200 four times at six month intervals before spending $500 once on a set of now ancient (in MTB years) Hope II hubbed wheels.

Speaking personally, I have a DT Hugi rear wheel that's five years old and still running smooth.

- Tom

[mtnbkr]

If you're going the XT hubs route, make sure to get one of the 770 or 775 models. That's the new 2008, with improved engagement and lighter weight. It's a bit early to find them right now, but keep and eye out. The XT/717 is pretty common, but I think the change from last year's model to this year's model is worth it.

I'm also selling my new DT XR1540 wheelset. I'll send you a PM about it. :D

[mjbrox]

Okay, I'm going to leave my V brakes behind and going with discs. With all I've been reading and at their price I've decided to go with the BB7's. Since I don't have disc compatable rims I need a new wheelset. Looking for suggestions that will work well with the BB7's and if possible tube/tubeless flexibility. Also prefer black rims and trying to keep the cost around $400 range. Any recommendations?


For $500, you can get a good set of wheels from notubes.com

[ChrisJ]

I made the jump over last year. Real happy with the BB7s. Looked around at wheels for a while. Wanted something light and custom. Had the Bike Lane build me a set of NoTubes ZTR rims laced up with some DT Competion spokes and some DT 240 6 bolt hubs. Not cheap at all:eek: Don't like to think about that. But they have been trouble free and the brakes are smooth and modulate alot better then my old V-Brakes. You will love em.

[MTBMike]

Thanks to all for your feedback and offers. :) After reading further I have another question. If I use the BB7's which have the six bolt rotors is it best to buy wheels with the same six bolt hub or does the adapter for this work just as well? I'm guessing leaving out the adapter would be best.

[ChrisJ]

Never used the adapter. But you could use shimano rotors with avid calipers, so no need for adapter.

[tuba_transport]

Thanks to all for your feedback and offers. :) After reading further I have another question. If I use the BB7's which have the six bolt rotors is it best to buy wheels with the same six bolt hub or does the adapter for this work just as well? I'm guessing leaving out the adapter would be best.

Shimano makes hubs for centerlock and other hubs for 6 bolt. 6 bolt is the ISO standard you should get.

[oldskoolbiker]

Never used the adapter. But you could use shimano rotors with avid calipers, so no need for adapter.

I woudn't recommend this. You'll get uneven pad wear. The contact patch for Shimano brakes is narrower, and their rotors reflect this. Using shimano brakes with other rotors is OK, but Shimano rotors with other brakes is not.

Next regarding the adapter, I haven't heard bad things about them, I think Hope and Problem Solvers make one. Really the only advantage to me is that it will be easier to take your discs on and off for cleaning and maintenance. With centerlock you just use a cassette removal tool to remove the discs.

The downside of centerlock hubs is that you limit yourself on the brands of hubs. Your limited to Shimino, DT and only a couple of others who want to pay the license fee to Shimano to make them.

I had this wheelset on my last bike before I sold it, and I was happy with them.
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12419-365_SUNDJ2-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Sun-Ringle-Disc-Jockey-Wheelset-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN080SN1.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=365%20SUNDJ2
Low price, descent weight, and sealed bearing hubs.