BTLOS vs Light Bicycle vs Elite-Wheels

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Carbonita

My BTLOS wheelset received in January 2024 had poor spoke tension variance (see separate thread). With my calibrated tensiometer, I've had to tension all spokes to within 5% variance. Also, the product images online do NOT match reality, particularly the bead retention ridge is absent on the actual rim, which makes these not ETRTO compliant, with potential associated issues during sudden flatting.

The cross section drawing of the hooked and hookless versions look the same, except for the hooks. I've got 3 sets of hookless that all have tight fitting shelf diameters and no spoke access holes, so no rim tape required. I can't imagine a rim without a properly sized shelf diameter working at all with tubeless, with or without hooks.

I assume that you're referring to the little bump up on the drawing. I've never seen an ETRTO definition of that area. BTLOS mentions it as a bead lock. I've never scrutinized mine that closely.

[Carbonita]

Correct -- The bead retention ridge "B height" in case of sudden deflation it helps keep the bead on the shelf rather than slipping into the central valley. Image attached from my files, and I don't have the original site. ETRTO manual is copyrighted, and IIRC quite costly. At the risk of conflating bead retention ridge with TSS, the ridge can be seen in Zipp and Enve wheels:
https://wheelbuilder.com/zipp-303-fi...isc-brake-rim/

Schwalbe calls it a hump: https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tubeless...e-requirement/

Originally Posted by Dave

I assume that you're referring to the little bump up on the drawing. I've never seen an ETRTO definition of that area. BTLOS mentions it as a bead lock. I've never scrutinized mine that closely.

[Dave]

My rear tire was getting thin and I had a little cut self-seal yesterday, so I put a new rear tire on my hookless BTLOS wheel. That wheel had a bead lock bump, but it was more pronounced on one side. I placed the end of one of my machinist rules along the shelf to even see it. I wouldn't depend on something so tiny to be of much benefit. If I feel or hear a puncture, I'm stopping immediately.

I got some new Pirelli P-Zero Road TLR tires for $55 each recently and put a 35mm on the rear. It measured 35mm wide on my 25mm IW hookless rim. I expect that it will stretch out to 36 after some use. Installation was easy.

[Carbonita]

Inconsistency in the manufacturing is an opportunity for learning. How much more effort does the bead on side with the ridge require to push into the center channel? The ETRTO tolerance is 621.95 ± 0.5 mm, so not much of a ridge is needed.

Found another image of the ETRTO manual:
https://bikerumor.com/insider-interv...or-road-bikes/

Originally Posted by Dave

That wheel had a bead lock bump, but it was more pronounced on one side. I placed the end of one of my machinist rules along the shelf to even see it.

[Carbonita]

Replaced worn tire this week, and remembered to take a picture of the rim shape. No bead retention ridge IRL, as compared to the image from their website.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Carbonita

Replaced worn tire this week, and remembered to take a picture of the rim shape. No bead retention ridge IRL, as compared to the image from their website.

Well, the 'image' from the website is a 'cartoon', not an actual rim. Looks like your rim has a 'ridge' or bump....

[dmitrik4]

Yeah, that photo seems to match the shape of the graphic

[mcteague]

Originally Posted by dmitrik4

Yeah, that photo seems to match the shape of the graphic

Totally agree. I’ve been very impressed with the quality of BTLOS wheels.

Tim

[skiezo]

LB offers hooked rims which I prefer. Looking at BTLOS rims I did not see any hooked rims, just hookless.
That was the deciding factor for me when looking.

[mcteague]

Originally Posted by skiezo

LB offers hooked rims which I prefer. Looking at BTLOS rims I did not see any hooked rims, just hookless.
That was the deciding factor for me when looking.

BTLOS has always offered hooked rims.

https://www.btlos.com/index.html

Tim

[Carbonita]

There are definitely no bead retention ridges. You have pics of rims with ridges?

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Well, the 'image' from the website is a 'cartoon', not an actual rim. Looks like your rim has a 'ridge' or bump....

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by skiezo

LB offers hooked rims which I prefer. Looking at BTLOS rims I did not see any hooked rims, just hookless.
That was the deciding factor for me when looking.

Under BTLOS page and 'products', they list hooked and hookless.

https://btlos.com/cx-gravel/gravel-hook-carbon-wheels

Ah, mentioned above by McTeague.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Carbonita

There are definitely no bead retention ridges. You have pics of rims with ridges?

I'm just looking at the picture you posted..looks like 'bumps' and ridges on that pic.

You seem to have real issues with BTLOS..have you reached out to them? IME, they are very helpful and strive to make any issues you may have 'right'.

But like any company, a little 'sugar' rather than confrontation, even via email, goes a long way, IMHO.

[bigbill]

My BTLOS experience was great. Superior customer service with many followup emails about when they'd be built, shipped, and when they would arrive. All spot on.