Which would be preferred? Both come in around the same price, weight, and inner width. Was considering some cheap carbon rims, but apparently the only ones they recommend would still be almost $600 with shipping. These DT and Spank rims can be had for around $100. Im open to other suggestions for trail bike rims, I like 24-25mm inner width though.
Aluminum 27.5 trail rims, DT EX471 vs Spank Oozy 295
- Thread starter csermonet
- Start date
Who is "they"?
I've put carbon rims through 4 seasons of abuse (counting the 2 seasons on my carbon winter rims) and yes, I did crack one last weekend, but I can't complain too much. They've seen multiple park rides and lots of chunk, just got to watch out for low pressure. I've ordered a replacement (they give you 20% off for crash replacement) and these 35mm rims are nowhere near $600, more like $380-400, and I do recommend them.
I did order a Spank Oozy 295 to build up an interim backup wheel, while the new carbon rim gets laid up, just reading reviews and comparing specs. Aluminum rims are like noodles to me as far as wheelbuilding and even while riding, but I figure a backup is a good idea. I think the Spank rim was more like $80 at Chain Reaction. They even approved and posted my product question regarding some of their nipples, where I asked: "Seriously, you can't even tell us the diameter of these?".
It seems like it's a bit of a bitch to find a decent 27.5 wheel with a rim around at least 30mm, everything is either like 20mm or DH, all the pre-built stuff was ridiculous, like either all pinned rims, super-low end trash, or high end, but all with pretty skinny rims.
I've put carbon rims through 4 seasons of abuse (counting the 2 seasons on my carbon winter rims) and yes, I did crack one last weekend, but I can't complain too much. They've seen multiple park rides and lots of chunk, just got to watch out for low pressure. I've ordered a replacement (they give you 20% off for crash replacement) and these 35mm rims are nowhere near $600, more like $380-400, and I do recommend them.
I did order a Spank Oozy 295 to build up an interim backup wheel, while the new carbon rim gets laid up, just reading reviews and comparing specs. Aluminum rims are like noodles to me as far as wheelbuilding and even while riding, but I figure a backup is a good idea. I think the Spank rim was more like $80 at Chain Reaction. They even approved and posted my product question regarding some of their nipples, where I asked: "Seriously, you can't even tell us the diameter of these?".
It seems like it's a bit of a bitch to find a decent 27.5 wheel with a rim around at least 30mm, everything is either like 20mm or DH, all the pre-built stuff was ridiculous, like either all pinned rims, super-low end trash, or high end, but all with pretty skinny rims.
I was talking about Light Bicycle. They make two 24mm inner width rims, a non-asymm and an asymmetrical. the non is $160 per, and the asymm is $260 per. I was asking for the non-asymm version with added carbon to make it even stronger, and they couldn't recommend it for me weighing 185lb geared up and wanting to use it for "all mountain/enduro" type riding. They said they wouldn't honor the warranty on it if I chose to buy that version. They recommend the more expensive one for my weight and riding intentions and I'm not ready to spend that. I can get a pair of both of the suggested aluminum rims for less than the cost of one LB asymmetrical rim. I've only ever had alloy rims and never really had a complaint, i don't destroy them or anything. I was just hoping to try out some carbon for the low maintenance and a bonus of a high strength to weight ratio. I'm reading good things about the Oozy 295 though, it's nicely priced, a bit lower than the EX471. and it's also claimed to be a tad bit lighter.
what carbon rims are you on? The non-assym LB's I was hoping to get were coming in around $370 shipped for a pair. If I can find some 24-27mm inner width carbon rims for that price I would definitely give them a look
my ex500s have been super durable and
get the effing dt swiss already. my ex500s have seen so much hacktacular abuse . . .
I had EX500's on my 26" trail bike. And I did like them. However they are 21mm and I'm trying to go a little wider. Not much though, the EX471 is a sensible 25mm. I know the DT's will be a solid option. I'd just like to take this opportunity to possibly try something a little different than what I would normally run. The Spitfire I just bought is ano'd matte black, I just bought chrome Hadley's. The Oozy' comes in chrome as well. As you know, or should know, chrome gets you dome. So I am wondering about that as well.
I've never ridden the DT Swiss, but I've been on the Oozy 295 coming on two seasons now. They've been solid under my 220lbs frame, riding east coast rox(tm) like a hack sometimes. There's a few dings on the rear rim, but I've been able to pry them back straight, and there have been no durability issues. They're still true and no flat spots. For me, they were noticeably stiffer than the Flow EX they replaced. If I'm to believe their marketing, its due to the wavy "oobaah" inner shape. But I think it's as much that as the deeper profile. Marketing babble or not, I noticed a difference. I highly recommend them. My only complaint is the name... what a stupid name, and they clear coat over the decals, so you can't remove it...
Maybe not what you want to hear, but I don't use aluminum nipples on any of my wheels (for any application, but especially heavier use) and unfortunately I do think the included ones are Al. I just find they develop fatigue cracks over time, especially after a few truing cycles - and the cracks are at the loading point of the head so it's unrelated to the tooling used or wheelbuilder skill.
Great if you're sponsored or have a hookup for wheelbuilds, but a pain otherwise for the sake of saving 15-20g over brass. I run my wheels for a long time though and like to know I can run them a bit ragged. If you've used them in the past then they might be fine for you.
Do run the included washers either way though, since they aren't eyeletted.
LBs are holding up just fine under me so far. Also, brass nipplage.
Hm yeah I've never built wheels with alloy nipples because I've always been advised against it. I was looking at ordering my 471's through Universal Cycles, it says the Squorx nipples are included but not if they are alloy or not. UC sells the Squorx nipples in 2 different versions, both apparently alloy. But DT does list the Squorx on their website as being available in both alloy and brass. I emailed UC to clarify which nipples are included with the rims. If they are the alloy versions, I'll just have to buy brass. Not a huge deal.
35ex/30in Nextie rims are around $170 and can be had in AM and regular versions.
I don't know about "low maintenance" on the aluminum rims, you will inevitably be truing them more than carbon. If you build them good, then it will be minimal, still, the difference in rim stiffness is dramatic and you will have to touch up the aluminum more.
Edit: Nextie is having a sale on some models (not just these): http://www.nextie.net/mountain
These are the ones I use (reinforced AM version available) http://www.nextie.net/mountain-clincher-35mm-NXT27AM35
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I'm going on 3 years on light bike i30 non asymmetrical rims. The look like they've been blasted with a shotgun, but are still straight as an arrow. I can't reccomended them highly enough. They are the only part of the wheelset that is still solid, hubs are shot and I break a spoke about every other week.
I'm sure either the DT or Spank rims would be a good choice. Also consider the Easton Arc series.
For carbon, based on your width and cost preference, I would recommend these:
http://www.nextie.net/mountain-asymmetric-NXT27AS33
They have thicker bead walls than most and are asym.
I have the LB AM728's (the more expensive rims) and they are great so far, but I don't have a ton of riding time on them yet.
http://www.light-bicycle.com/EN728-asymmetric-rim-profile-carbon-27.5-inch-mtb-rims.html
For carbon, based on your width and cost preference, I would recommend these:
http://www.nextie.net/mountain-asymmetric-NXT27AS33
They have thicker bead walls than most and are asym.
I have the LB AM728's (the more expensive rims) and they are great so far, but I don't have a ton of riding time on them yet.
http://www.light-bicycle.com/EN728-asymmetric-rim-profile-carbon-27.5-inch-mtb-rims.html
Sounds like Troy's not a fan of carbon rims for heavy-duty riding: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/troy-brosnans-and-jared-graves-specialized-s-works-stumpjumpers-ews-round-4-la-thuile-italy.html
Thanks for the heads up on the carbon Nextie's. Those are definitely in my price range. And they meet my physical criteria. I don't know, the more I waste time and think about it, the more I think to myself that it's smarter to go with a slightly heavier, slightly flexier, but 110% proven aluminum rim. 90% sure I'll be getting the DT 471's. The Spank Oozy still intrigue me, and now that Easton Arc you mentioned actually looks like a really solid rim option. They are available in really sensible sizing options, i24, i27, and i30. Weight is right where it should be. And competitive pricing. Coming from 26", i'm not used to all the solid rim options.
What rim is the DT EX1501 wheelset built with?
Dunno. All I know is that the article says "his race bike gets 30-millimeter-wide DT Swiss EX 1501 aluminum wheels"
I usually ride with a tire though.
I get it though, I wouldn't want carbon rims on South Mountain in Phoenix, there are places where I don't think they are well suited. I did just do 10 miles back to my car on a cracked carbon rim, including 7 miles of awesome downhill with hucks and everything else (figured, why not? it's already broken...)
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Spank Oozy built up. Went together pretty well, was satisfied with how true I got it (after building with carbon, I was ready for some disappointment, but this wasn't bad at all). The "W" section is dumb, you have to pull your tire bead over it once you get one side on. I thought I could just run stans tape over the spoke holes, but they were too sharp and cut the tape. I think you have to run tape over the supplied rim-strip. Not tubeless yet, I'm setting the tape. This is a backup wheel so I didn't build it too nice, competition spokes, the purple nipples, and SLX hub. Kind of disappointing that the SLX hub axle was loose. Easy to fix with my cone wrenches and I actually like that style of angular contact bearings a lot, but kind of dumb it was loose (trying to track down the play on my bike). Just got back from a ride and the wheel seemed to do good. No complaints there. Noticeably slower rolling due to tooobs, but it'll probably serve it's purpose well.
Why not the new Flow mk3?
The weight is similar to the ex471 but they have 30mm of inner width instead of 25.
Difficult to know about durability yet. The previous Flow are popular among many riders around me so that one could assume that the new ones will be as steady. Even if assumption is the mother of all fuck ups...
The weight is similar to the ex471 but they have 30mm of inner width instead of 25.
Difficult to know about durability yet. The previous Flow are popular among many riders around me so that one could assume that the new ones will be as steady. Even if assumption is the mother of all fuck ups...
Stans built their reputation on thinner rims made out of cheese.Why not the new Flow mk3?
The weight is similar to the ex471 but they have 30mm of inner width instead of 25.
Difficult to know about durability yet. The previous Flow are popular among many riders around me so that one could assume that the new ones will be as steady. Even if assumption is the mother of all fuck ups...
I just put the 26" oozys on my spitfire and their maiden voyage was a 60 mile weekend at allegripis. No retruing. Very pleased.
Did have some issues getting tubeless set up, but I chalk that up to being my first time doing it and the fact that I wasn't using tubeless ready tire.
@Jm_ I wouldn't call the w profile dumb necessarily, certainly weird tho. Make it tricky to get the valve stems seated. I wound up having to cut a small piece of inner tube as a gasket to get one to seal.
Fwiw I used the spank valves and rim tape, which was more like a plastic film than the stans stuff
Did have some issues getting tubeless set up, but I chalk that up to being my first time doing it and the fact that I wasn't using tubeless ready tire.
@Jm_ I wouldn't call the w profile dumb necessarily, certainly weird tho. Make it tricky to get the valve stems seated. I wound up having to cut a small piece of inner tube as a gasket to get one to seal.
Fwiw I used the spank valves and rim tape, which was more like a plastic film than the stans stuff
I raced Enderpo today and got 2nd overall, basically DH at the park from the top of the mountain, plus the rest of the day at the park, so it held up pretty well. I did get to one section after the race where I thought "hey, I'm going to bomb this like in the race", I ended up getting a puncture in my tire right in the middle of the casing, more of a slash really. I'm still cautious from breaking the previous rim, so I was probably running more pressure than necessary, and instead of getting a flat spot, I punctured the tire, which is probably good. With a boot and a tube, I was back in action, but getting the tire on and off is a bitch and I have to think if there was a deeper single channel that it'd be easier than the "W". Now that I've gotten home, it seems like my replacement tire I just put on is straighter than the WTB that was on there, but even still, both of these were straight as an arrow on my carbon rims. Bottom line though it held up to my DH abuse today. I got it out last night and re-trued after a that. I just looked at it and I made a couple half-turns on maybe 3 spokes, almost nothing and was already true within 1mm.
Never used the DT rims but am rocking their 350 hubs on 295 OOZY rims and really good combo . I have also ran the 260 rims with great success even ran one flat ala Gwin style in a race and it was still round and true .
Oozy 260's? Nice. They are a tempting option. I think they are attractive looking, the black and the chrome versions particularly. priced right. weight is right. sounds like performance is right. I am just going to go with EX471's to keep it in the family(FR570 on the DHR) and go a little overkill maybe for extra durability's sake.
I liked the 260 , a little narrow for the larger 2.4/2.5 tires , but for a 400gr rim they can take some solid abuse , next for me will be the 345 series
damn jumpin from i21 to i30 just like that? not even bothering with trying something halfway? Running 2.4/2.5's on the i30?
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Check out the DT XM481 rim. It's like the 471 but 30mm wide.
Another vote for the ex471. They've held up spectacularly well for DH usage. 1 season+ and still going strong with front rim and I got about a 1 seasonish life span for the rear. If you want security, I highly recommend ex570 rims. If you wanna get fancy, a 471 front and 570 rear should be a strong and reasonably light setup for DH. EX570 would obviously be overkill for trail riding. And on the subject of nipples, I can confirm that the ex471 rims ship with alloy ones.
It's going to be a trail duty only wheelset for the spit. I already put the order in to my local wheel builder for EX471's. Think i'm doing straight 14g spokes. Going to be a stout wheelset for a 140mm bike, but hopefully will last ages. Think about 2000-2050g for the whole wheelset.
I think that's a reasonable estimate for weight. I've been super impressed with them and the 570s so I think you'll be happy with your choice (knocking on wood so that they don't blow up when you hop off curb). Also, they are easy to set up tubeless. I have gorilla tape sealing the rim bed plus stan's valves. The wheels hold air well, and the bead is easy to set when first inflating.