Carbon fiber wheels: Waste of money or totally worth it?

[Rusty]

I would not trust CF wheel rims on an mtb. Road bikes yes, no problem.

The weight difference of a CF rim vs a good quality alloy rim cannot be that great. I don't know the numbers, but I'm guessing that choice of tyre will swamp that difference.

A friend has been using carbon rims for years on other MTBs. Not sure if he has run them on his Levo but he has never had a problem with them and he is largish and rides reasonably aggressive.

As an aside, I had an amazing opportunity to test a prototype 250 MX bike in the early 2000's. Was a carbon frame with a cast alloy section molded in around the suspension mounting tower and the rear engine mount, Ti half tube molded in along the bottom frame rails and another alloy insert for the steering tube and the front engine mounts. Had full carbon sub-frame and carbon rims with stainless spokes laced to magnesium alloy hubs with Ti strengthening inserts. Being a lot older and slower I was just playing and trying to get a feel for the very special 250 2-stroke direct injected power-plant but the official test riders were hammering it pretty hard through the rough and launching it pretty big. Even with a few crashes there were no issues with any of the carbon bits as far as I was told - and I was told about many various issues that occurred. The production bike it was based on was 96kg dry weight - this protorype was 84kg semi wet (oil in motor but no fuel).

 

[The Flying Dutchman]

I run carbon rims on my bikes. I must say that I'm now fully converted. On top of a 'tighter' feel on the track I love that I no longer need to re-true my wheels every couple of rides. The fact that my wheels have over 3000km of hard riding on them from me at 120kg, says they're up to the challenge!

The cost is a bit of a killer so if your looking to get max performance for your dollar, I would say your money is better spent elsewhere on the bike. Luckily there are companies like Light Bicycle offering high-quality rims/wheels for a sharp price.

Carbon Rims & Wheels - 100% Customizable | Light Bicycle

Light Bicycle is devoted to making lightweight, durable, handmade carbon wheels and frames that are more accessible to all riders. Custom, redefined here.

www.lightbicycle.com

 

[Moe Ped]

The HXC1200 are rated up to 150 KG

These wheels are on my Merida 10k and on that they are rated at 120kg?

 

[Husky430]

Just read this on the Merida thread and he talks about the carbon wheels COMPLETELY changing the bike, not sure if this is of any help but thought you might be interested

Hello from Germany,

riding my eONE-SIXTY for a year now I made some improvements:
-FSA cockpit with carbon bar
-sintered metal brake pads
-Ergon saddle with carbon rails

-Giant TRX 0 carbon wheelset (tubeless)

-Vittoria Morsa 2,35 and Martello 2,6
-Garbaruk lightweight cassette
-Renthal 34T chainring
-Miranda carbon cranks 160mm

Changing the complete setup of the wheels was a metamorphosis! No more feeling of riding a school bus!
Increased agility and speed enormously and reduced rolling resistance. A complete different bike!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

These wheels are on my Merida 10k and on that they are rated at 120kg?

Hmm not sure - maybe something else on the Merida is reducing it.

My understanding was that all DT Swiss Hybrid wheels were 150KG rated. It refers to 150KG a few times here:DT Swiss - Mission Hybrid

 

[steve_sordy]

Watch Danny MacAskill test some Santa Cruz reserve carbon wheels.

I take it back, they are tough enough! But are they worth the money vs what else you could buy on the bike for £1600?

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sxsrf=ALeKk01LcUEnej5fs-la1-nt--8ceT5woQ%3A1590563375994&source=hp&ei=LxLOXouoOqSflwSep7GACQ&q=danny+macaskill+tests+santa+cruz+reserve+carbon+wheels&oq=Danny+Macaskill+carbon+wheels&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQARgCMgIIADIGCAAQCBAeMgYIABAIEB4yBggAEAgQHjoFCAAQgwE6BAgjECc6BAgAEAo6CQgAEAoQRhD5AToGCAAQDRAKOgQIABANOgYIABANEB46CggAEAgQDRAKEB46CAgAEAgQDRAeOgYIABAWEB5QovBpWM6ca2D9y2toAHAAeACAAZgCiAGIIJIBBzI5LjExLjGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6&sclient=psy-ab

 

[R120]

Carbon wheels are plenty tough enough, and their are some amazing carbon wheels out there. For me, on a full fat EMTB, there just isn't a tangible benefit over a high quality alloy wheel given the price difference.

 

[Moe Ped]

Hmm not sure - maybe something else on the Merida is reducing it.

maybe the Merida doesn’t have the hybrid spokes, which on that link rates them at 120kg.

 

[Moe Ped]

Mother Fudger

I haven’t ridden the Merida as i was 5kg over and just realised that i was looking at the not hybrid wheels weight limit.

Guess the Merida gets a run this week.

 

[Moe Ped]

Actually this came from a review

Exclusive review: MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2020 – the new benchmark in performance?

Exclusive first ride review of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 2020: integrated battery, carbon fibre frame, clever details, and new performance standards.

ebike-mtb.com

Our test bike, the size L MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K, weighs 22.3 kg. The gross weight limit (i.e. bike + rider) is only 120 kg due to the carbon rims on the flagship model. The more affordable models are cleared for 140 kg.

But it has the hybrid wheels so should be ok for 150kg?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Actually this came from a review

Exclusive review: MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2020 – the new benchmark in performance?

Exclusive first ride review of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 2020: integrated battery, carbon fibre frame, clever details, and new performance standards.

ebike-mtb.com

Our test bike, the size L MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K, weighs 22.3 kg. The gross weight limit (i.e. bike + rider) is only 120 kg due to the carbon rims on the flagship model. The more affordable models are cleared for 140 kg.

But it has the hybrid wheels so should be ok for 150kg?

This is in the package for the wheels and clearly states 150KG for the HX series of wheels BUT 120 for carbon!

So I’d say it’s a definite 120KG for HXC and 150KG for HX. Sorry for confusion!

 

[Pyr0]

Would the HXC be suitable for the full fat levo too?
I need a new rear wheel for my 2020 expert and was thinking about purchasing:

DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline 30 Rear MTB Wheel | Chain Reaction

DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline 30 Rear MTB Wheel - Lowest Prices and FREE shipping available from The World's largest online bike store - Chain Reaction Cycles

www.chainreactioncycles.com

(If it's the correct one?)

But then I spotted the HXC wheelset for £949

J E James Cycles | We Evolved To Ride

Mountain, Road, Hybrid & Electric Bikes | Cycle Clothing | Cycle Accessories

www.jejamescycles.com

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Would the HXC be suitable for the full fat levo too?
I need a new rear wheel for my 2020 expert and was thinking about purchasing:

DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline 30 Rear MTB Wheel | Chain Reaction

DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline 30 Rear MTB Wheel - Lowest Prices and FREE shipping available from The World's largest online bike store - Chain Reaction Cycles

www.chainreactioncycles.com

(If it's the correct one?)

But then I spotted the HXC wheelset for £949

J E James Cycles | We Evolved To Ride

Mountain, Road, Hybrid & Electric Bikes | Cycle Clothing | Cycle Accessories

www.jejamescycles.com

Yes, they would fit.

I used the HX1501's on the Levo. But it seems the HXC carbon wheel set is on a crazy half price deal from JE James. I wonder if its a mistake?!

 

[Pyr0]

Thanks @Rob Hancill
It says they're not a retail package, just OEM. *Shrugs*
I just figured if I'm thinking about spending that much on the aluminium one, the carbon set is almost a bargain at a similar sort of price.
I'm just not sure I want to lay out that much cash all at once right now.
I'm such a tight arse at times lol
Decisions decisions....

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

It says they're not a retail package, just OEM. *Shrugs*
I just figured if I'm thinking about spending that much on the aluminium one, the carbon set is almost a bargain at a similar sort of price.

Ahh OK, doesn't really matter, you'll miss out on a couple of wheel bags and not a lot else. You might not get the XD Freehub body that you'll need if you run currently run SRAM freehub (although IIRC Levo is Shimano) or the tubeless valves. But they might supply it all, just not in the DT Swiss box.

Either way, its a new 1750g Carbon wheel from one of the worlds best for £949.

 

[Pyr0]

I have SRAM XG-1175 according to the specs, it's a 2020 expert.
I've never swapped wheels before
I'll need to buy a new lockring remover and chainwhip too

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I have SRAM XG-1175 according to the specs, it's a 2020 expert.
I've never swapped wheels before
I'll need to buy a new lockring remover and chainwhip too

Confusingly, the SRAM 1175 could be mounted to a Shimano style freehub body on the Levo. Which Levo? The DT wheels come with this already mounted.

Lock ring remover and chain whip are good toolbox tools that no doubt at some point you'll need again (if you're into tinkering!).

 

[Pyr0]

Confusingly, the SRAM 1175 could be mounted to a Shimano style freehub body on the Levo. Which Levo? The DT wheels come with this already mounted.

Lock ring remover and chain whip are good toolbox tools that no doubt at some point you'll need again (if you're into tinkering!).

I do like to try to do things myself and I've been buying some tools along the way, but truing the wheel has me scratching my head, so until I can get it to a shop (they're closed or too busy right now) I need to get a new rear wheel.
This is my levo:

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon Gloss Carbon / Gun Metal £7249.00

www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk

I'm a bit of a noob with bikes, but eager to learn lol

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I do like to try to do things myself and I've been buying some tools along the way, but truing the wheel has me scratching my head, so until I can get it to a shop (they're closed or too busy right now) I need to get a new rear wheel.
This is my levo:

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon Gloss Carbon / Gun Metal £7249.00

www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk

I'm a bit of a noob with bikes, but eager to learn lol

I'm 95% sure it has a Shimano type freehub. Removing a cassette is very easy

 

[boBE]

I have SRAM XG-1175 according to the specs, it's a 2020 expert.
I've never swapped wheels before
I'll need to buy a new lockring remover and chainwhip too

And a torque wrench to properly tighten the lock ring.

 

[Pyr0]

That's a good point. How much torque does a lock ring require?

I've emailed the shops to see if I can find out what comes with the wheels.
Fingers crossed they still have stock by the time I order.

 

[Mikerb]

I am always bemused by manufacturers that use "Carbon" as a description. It tells you very little. Is it 100% carbon or is it carbon/glass/kevlar etc? What quality of carbon is it? What type of carbon mat...UD/ matrix etc....what epoxy? What layup..pre preg/ wet? For windsurfing we use carbon masts. It can cost £150 or £800 ....The cheaper versions ae heavier, use mixed fibres, cheaper epoxy. Can you tell the difference? Yes if you are a competent windsurfer and use performance sails. No if your are using recreational sails and are less than expert.
So what is the benefit of carbon (assuming high quality 100% pre preg) over high quality ally. Well it can be made lighter whilst having greater torsion resistance and faster reflex than ally. I say CAN because that totally depends on the layup. The type of carbon used and differences in layup can result in 2 sets of carbon wheels from different brands having completely different characteristics. So just comparing carbon to ally tells you nothing really. On the downside carbon is brittle and damage is difficult to detect. I personally would not opt for carbon on any component liable to impact.

 

[Moe Ped]

I just bought a set of Enve 730 with i9 hydra today for my Levo SL. Will give some feedback after I have had a chance to ride on them over the next few weeks.

 

[RickBullotta]

Mostly worth it. I built my wheelset on my Pivot Shuttle from Whisky carbon rims and I9 Hydra hubs, and I find them much better than the DT Wheels that came stock. Specifically, I dented/flat spotted many an aluminum rim, and have had zero issues with high quality carbon rims. I also have a Whisky/I9 wheelset on my fatbike and an Enve M40 plus wheelset for my Santa Cruz. I've had no issues whatsoever with the rims on any of them, and they all take a LOT of abuse.

The only minor issue (besides price) is that some carbon rims require the use of washers (for the spoke nipples) when building, which can be a pain in the ass.

 

[Pyr0]

Well colour me disappointed
Managed to speak to J E James cycles regarding the wheels they have listed and I'm told they are Shimano 12 speed microspline only

 

[Eddy Current]

Hmm not sure - maybe something else on the Merida is reducing it.

My understanding was that all DT Swiss Hybrid wheels were 150KG rated. It refers to 150KG a few times here:DT Swiss - Mission Hybrid

Hey dear leader, read on the emtb magazine those are fragile.

It’s a waste of money because they are too expensive, only make sense on XC bikes, on XC races where time count. Out there, on a ebike, for free enduro?

Stiffness? Men put a 35mm iw with 32 straight pull steel spokes

 

[thebarber]

I'm not sure, this motorcycle is 100% road driven, and I can tell you the difference is absolutely night and say. I mean out of this world just how much of a difference it makes. Of course these motorcycle wheels are much heavier by default, so maybe that has something to do with it.

From all the research I am doing, it seems that carbon rims may offer some small improvements, but I'm not sure that those "improvements" justify the high price, particularly on an EMTB.

Unsprung mass + a hell of a lot lighter than original wheels will make a massive difference in any circumstance.
I don't think there's enough difference in the e-mtb wheel sets to notice this tho.

 

[STATO]

Well colour me disappointed
Managed to speak to J E James cycles regarding the wheels they have listed and I'm told they are Shimano 12 speed microspline only

Given how rediculously easy it is to swap a DT freehub and how sought after Microspline would be on ebay, id still say they are a 'bargain' if you think thats a good price. Way out of my price bracket like.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Hey dear leader, read on the emtb magazine those are fragile.

It’s a waste of money because they are too expensive, only make sense on XC bikes, on XC races where time count. Out there, on a ebike, for free enduro?

Stiffness? Men put a 35mm iw with 32 straight pull steel spokes

Can you link me the article?

 

[Pyr0]

Can you link me the article?

Could be this one:

MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K in Review

As the name suggests, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K comes with a hefty € 10,000 price tag. How does it compare to the even more expensive S-Works Levo?

ebike-mtb.com

Quote:
Considering the delicate DT Swiss HXC 1200 carbon wheels, this is a dangerous combination for heavy or aggressive riders.