Hi all,
I'm sure this is a question that gets asked a lot but I couldn't find an answer using the search function!
I was looking for a set of cheap lightweight 33-35mm outer width carbon wheels for my aluminium winter xc hardtail bike, I've done some research and a lot of Aliexpress trawling and i've found:
RYET - Seems heavy (1650g) but popular, I've read on here that people have had issues with the rear hub but the customer service seems good, should I skip?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003750187260.html
ELITEWHEELS - A few reviews on YT which praise them but also seem to be sponsored/given a set? Graphics are a nice touch considering the others are bland, also they appear to have different tiers of wheel.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000115411205.html & https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001677435823.html
Speedsafe - I can only find one wheelset thats 30mm outer, has a review on YT which gives praise
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32910243081.html
FUNNRUNN - Has the width I want but even more expensive than the above
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006181681420.html
Primwon - Has the width I want but even more expensive than the above
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006183483013.html
AIRWOLF - Has the width I want but even more expensive than the above
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005958697704.html
I want them to be light (Ryet seems heavy at 1650g compared to the others) but also reliable, what would be my best bet?
Ask Leon at Yuan An, he has some good prices on what seems to be like good wheels. A few of us ordered from him over the last couple of months
Quote from: Ludo on November 20, 2023, 11:31:27 AM
Ask Leon at Yuan An, he has some good prices on what seems to be like good wheels. A few of us ordered from him over the last couple of months
Is this the site: https://www.yuananbike.com/product-list/29er-wheelset
I don't suppose you have any contact details for Leon?
In there:
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4495.msg51207.html#msg51207
Quote from: Ludo on November 20, 2023, 01:07:41 PM
In there:
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4495.msg51207.html#msg51207
Thanks Ludo, i've emailed him!
A lot of shop son Aliexpress will build what you want and are very responsive.
I recently got two sets from BITRANZ. Not sure why I chose them really, i think mainly due to their good communication - it gave me some faith.
Both my sets are 30mm internal, 29er carbon. One set using pillar wing spokes with goldix hubs. Weight 1308g price £420. Other set was £790 and used CX Super spokes, goldix rear hub and yuniper front hub. Weight 1218g
"Cheap" is always subjective so better to state a quantative value over qualititive.
This is the wheelset, seems like a good price?
Not sure about the hubs, I could get some Hunt XC Race wheels for £300 more... I assume the hubs/warranty will be a lot better?
Have you investigated LightBicycle at all? I recently had them build me a completely custom wheelset and it was an excellent experience. Great communication and accommodating to some last-minute changes I made. Wheels were perfect when they arrived with all documentation of the build and original manuals for the hubset I ordered.
They are more expensive than pretty much anything on AliExpress, but there were zero surprises with spec, weight, or timing. And much cheaper than a similar custom build locally or from the big names.
I went with their high-end rims that are as-molded (no sanding or clear coat to chip) and the finish on the rims is beautiful and flawless even after 1500 miles.
I can attest I have a set of AM733 Carbon wheels from LightCycle for 6 years now and no issues whatsoever
Still riding the wheelset of my first build, 9+ years ago, on my second/winter hardtail.
And with Pilar nipples and aero spokes !
I've had a few friends who did break their rim while riding, or were hit by a car, or melt their brake pad into the rim while descending mountains,...
Clearly not product faults.
But LB did always send me a free replacement rim, us paying the shipping.
Their new carbon spokes make stiff and light wheels.
As said many times already in the forum... yes, I'm a fan 8)
Well ive paid for my set, hopefully will have a positive review too :)
Quote from: Kit on December 04, 2023, 05:25:13 PM
Well ive paid for my set, hopefully will have a positive review too :)
Good choice I think, sometimes paying for a bit extra even from China is worth it.
Btw what did you get ? how much?
I have a 919 frame on the way, so looking at 29er wheels set as well!
I paid $440 but I also paid extra for paypal g&s
I got a set of Elitewheels ENT MTB for $307 shipped on 11-11
Havent set them up yet but they look to be excellent quality.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKlIhtI
Extralite weight :P
Seems to be well finished