Does a good Sub-$500 disc wheelset exist?

[oldmill]

I'm looking for a set of winter wheels (clinchers) for the gravel bike. I see plenty in the $600-$700 range, but I'm cheap and I like the challenge of finding good value. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

[AngryScientist]

a quick search finds a whole bunch of options well under 500 bucks.

here's one, for example:

http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...g4vm9utf14q7k2

[AngryScientist]

even better!

these will rock, for sure.

http://www.wiggle.com/fulcrum-racing...7c5360724235us

[commonguy001]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

a quick search finds a whole bunch of options well under 500 bucks.

here's one, for example:

http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...g4vm9utf14q7k2

Velomine is a great option. I'm running a set of their budget wheels on my lynskey (same set as this link) and if you're comfortable with truing and checking tension when you first get them the value is really good.

If I were looking for a sub 300 dollar disc wheelset that is the first place I'd look.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by oldmill

I'm looking for a set of winter wheels (clinchers) for the gravel bike. I see plenty in the $600-$700 range, but I'm cheap and I like the challenge of finding good value. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

In spite of the MO items mentioned above...I can easily build a set, shimano hubs(like XT), a variety of rims(Like DT460DB), Sapim Race spokes..for about $380+Ship.

[Hilltopperny]

I have a set of r460 wheels that oldpotatoe built for me and they have been great! Highly recommend!

[William]

Originally Posted by Hilltopperny

I have a set of r460 wheels that oldpotatoe built for me and they have been great! Highly recommend!

I just received a new wheel build set from OP as well...great transaction and build. Photos coming soon.






William

[sandyrs]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

In spite of the MO items mentioned above...I can easily build a set, shimano hubs(like XT), a variety of rims(Like DT460DB), Sapim Race spokes..for about $380+Ship.

This seems like the best way to go. OP built me some XT/XTR hub MTB wheels that have withstood all the abuse I'm capable of without issue, and he was a pleasure to work with.

[Tony]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

In spite of the MO items mentioned above...I can easily build a set, shimano hubs(like XT), a variety of rims(Like DT460DB), Sapim Race spokes..for about $380+Ship.

How durable are the XT hubs? Looking to build a low cost mtb wheelset and while searching for hubs I was surprised to see some negative reviews regarding durability.

[Gummee]

Originally Posted by Tony

How durable are the XT hubs? Looking to build a low cost mtb wheelset and while searching for hubs I was surprised to see some negative reviews regarding durability.

On the innerwebs, pretty much all you hear are the negatives. ...like BMW final drives blowing up. What you don't hear are the thousands of hubs that are running fine and will continue to run fine for decades. ...like the pair of my BMW's final drives...

If you're running 11sp road, the OLD spacing may be off. If you're running 11sp road, the only cassette that'll fit is the new 8k 11-34

M

[eddief]

http://www.bikemania.biz/velocity-a2...-wheelset.html

[dddd]

Originally Posted by Tony

How durable are the XT hubs? Looking to build a low cost mtb wheelset and while searching for hubs I was surprised to see some negative reviews regarding durability.

There was an earlier version of XT hubs that were being fitted with larger cassette sizes, in conjunction with 22t-24t chainrings, which often fractured the splined freehub body.
This was early along during the 10s era for XT, later XT hubs have been considerably strengthened to handle cassettes with 36 and more teeth.

I wouldn't use the Ultegra hubs with super-low mountain gearing if I was of average or greater weight and strength, as I suspect these are not built for that.

[belopsky]

How about a set of HUNT wheels?

[peanutgallery]

Not very in the dirt, cup and cones construction and the hub engagement is off. Come out of adjustment and they're extremely heavy. Sealed bearings that you can pop in and out easily and good hub engagement is what is key with mtb wheels

Not sure what your budget is but I picked up a set of the new Stans S1 wheels that retail for about 479 Elons at your LBS and was actually surprised at the quality. Not been happy with Stans in the past but these have been good for the whole summer in the woods

32 hole, butted sapim spokes, brass nipples and pretty good engagement. Whole series of sizes that match your tire width and come pre-taped for tubeless

Originally Posted by Tony

How durable are the XT hubs? Looking to build a low cost mtb wheelset and while searching for hubs I was surprised to see some negative reviews regarding durability.

[Tony]

Originally Posted by peanutgallery

Not very in the dirt, cup and cones construction and the hub engagement is off. Come out of adjustment and they're extremely heavy. Sealed bearings that you can pop in and out easily and good hub engagement is what is key with mtb wheels

Not sure what your budget is but I picked up a set of the new Stans S1 wheels that retail for about 479 Elons at your LBS and was actually surprised at the quality. Not been happy with Stans in the past but these have been good for the whole summer in the woods

32 hole, butted sapim spokes, brass nipples and pretty good engagement. Whole series of sizes that match your tire width and come pre-taped for tubeless

I have the Easton Arc mtb rims that I bought cheap from Chain Reaction Cycles when they were 50% off. I just need the hubs and my wheel builder will supply the rest.
The XT hubs are 35 grams heavier for a set compared to a set of DT Swiss 350 and $100 cheaper. I have a set of XT hubs in my cart at JensonsUSA waiting for the green light from OP. However, many are saying the same thing regarding the XT hubs, go out of adjustment easy. Maintenance seems to be the key in keeping these hubs running. I'm going to save up for the DT's.
Thanks.