New 29er Wheels

Well I decided to upgrade the super heavy basic Bontrager wheels that came on my Gary Fisher 29er. After a particularly wet trip to Aviemore riding through Scottish rivers deeper than the hubs, the shimano cup and cone bearings were looking decidedly dodgy to say the least. Looking around for what to buy I got a surprise at the prise to be honest. I wanted to get some reasonably light wheels with Stans rims so I could get the big wheeler onto tubeless set up asap. 


I found Superstars had a deal on for Stans Crest Rims on their Switch hubs with brass nipples and black sapin race double butted spokes.
The quoted weight was 1650g for a set of the Crest wheels (actual weight was 1720g but think they quoted the 26er weight), so I thought cool :-)  Stuck in the Paypal details and the order was placed.


Quoted as instock I figured they would be here in a day or two, but due to a carrier mix up they took a few more days and unfortunately I didn't have them for the Wark MBO event at the weekend! Oh well they would have just got muddy anyway ;-) 


When they arrived I received a text from Toni saying, em I think they have delivered an empty box!!!  Which if anyone else likes to get lightweight stuff in the post for their bikes knows is the best response possible!

Opening the box I was impressed with the packing method, quality fitting box to protect the wheels. This makes such a difference.

Feeling them I knew they were quality, and they were light! Felt lighter than I thought they would.


They came with a rim strip fitted which looks cool in Red (my fav colour) but of course not so good for fitting tyres and tubes with......... I want them to run tubless but still waiting on the Valves and rim tape in the post from another supplier, I couldn't wait to get them on the bike lol
I cut a strip of duck tape and fitted it to cover the spoke holes so I could get them fitted asap! 


I chose to fit Bontrager tyres as they are easiest to fit if I'm honest and they are nice and light.


So at present they are fitted to the bike with tubes and tyres, this will change next week.


My first impressions of the wheels are great, and hopefully after a good ride this weekend I will still be smiling ;-) Will update this post soon after a few miles and no doubt lots of mud!

Freehubs and bearings are easily purchased at at sensible prices, one of the main reasons I chose these wheels. Especially after hassles with DT Swiss and Hope parts! Either being unavailable or expensive.