Levo Gen 2 2020 Levo hub upgrade?

[jim_m5]

Hey, my LBS has suggested upgrading the hubs and relacing the stock wheel set to a 'factor' hub model.

Is this worth doing? and what would feel different?

 

[Dirk74]

He didn't told you why to upgrade?
Any problems yet with durablity, like the free hub? Do you want to upgrade from 11 to 12 speed? (That would require an different freehub, SRAM XD or Shimano Microspline).

The stock weehls only have 28 spokes, what is a little bit less for heavy riders and/or heavy use (jumps, etc.). That could be a good reason for a wheelset upgrade.

 

[jim_m5]

He didn't told you why to upgrade?
Any problems yet with durablity, like the free hub? Do you want to upgrade from 11 to 12 speed? (That would require an different freehub, SRAM XD or Shimano Microspline).

The stock weehls only have 28 spokes, what is a little bit less for heavy riders and/or heavy use (jumps, etc.). That could be a good reason for a wheelset upgrade.

no issues with current hubs. Lbs just says it would be a good upgrade. Better engagement and better cornering. They said I would feel the difference. I am a trail rider not a jumper.

seems to be an expensive upgrade thought..

 

[Dirk74]

Ok, here we come to the question what’s good upgrade is. If if’s one that you need or really benefit from, than I would say it’s not for you.
Engagement could be better with an other hub/ free hub, but the stock one isn’t bad an you didn’t miss something here, right.
With regards to cornering, the stock rim is 30mm wide, that is fair enough for tyres up to 2.6 (2.8 will also work) and fine for trail riding.

One the other hand, the stock wheel set is a basic one. For sure there are better wheel sets (more expensive), depending on use cases and rider weights.
Would you currently benefit or really notice it? Probably not.

 

[Dirk74]

If you just want to spend a good amount of money on good parts, then the wheel set would be a good one.

 

[RebornRider]

Hey, my LBS has suggested upgrading the hubs and relacing the stock wheel set to a 'factor' hub model.

Is this worth doing? and what would feel different?

There is an expression in the US: "Never ask a barber if you need a haircut". I think your LBS is more interested in generating sales than in meeting your real needs.

I started a similar thread because I'm currently making the transition from intermediate trails to the easiest advanced trails, and I don't know what I should be looking for in a wheel/hub upgrade. What would a better wheelset feel like? My conclusion, for me, is that I have not reached the skill level needed to notice the difference between my standard Roval Traverse wheels and a custom wheel built with Hydra hubs and DT Swiss 511 rims. Other than the freehub noise, or course!

OTOH, the only way for me to determine whether or not I can feel the difference is to try the custom wheels on my bike on familiar trails. Is the experiment worth $1000US???