wheel choices are baffling

[skypickle]

Why are there so many variants?
Here for example are 29"wheels in 30mm width in aluminum from the same company

DT Swiss - M 1900 SPLINE® 30
DT Swiss - EX 1501 SPLINE® ONE 30
DT Swiss - M 1700 SPLINE® 30
DT Swiss - XM 1501 SPLINE® ONE 30
DT Swiss - E 1700 SPLINE® 30

i can see the two categories as well - all mountain and enduro - how much of this is marketing mania? And what is this 'all-mountain' - is it trail? When I see clips like this one-
I have to chuckle. They claim a similar difference in forks - trail vs enduro - which I could actually understand - but even with forks, why not just lock out the fork on the ascent? So for wheels, where you only have weights to compare, what is the real difference, esp when you have a motor to help you on climbs. I find the ebike really de-emphasizes the weight worry.

 

[Gary]

So for wheels, where you only have weights to compare, what is the real difference

you don't only have weights to compare.
With rims alone you have different grades of alloy, different amounts of alloy used, different cross sectional shapes, different construction techniques, pinned, welded and machined joints. and different finish treatments, different eyelet construction and eyelet placement.
all of the avove contribute to strength/stiffness/brittleness/flex

Next you have spokes... different butting/material/nipples and ends and possibly different lacing paterns.

There's an even greater difference between different model hubs too.

Why?
Because each rider does not require the same properties from a wheel.

esp when you have a motor to help you on climbs. I find the ebike really de-emphasizes the weight worry.

You're massively wrong!

hope this helps!

 

[skypickle]

Though it may be obvious to you how all those variables you mentioned affect the ride, these specifics are not mentioned in the manufacturers website as particularly as you did. Please enlighten me on the specifics of the examples above.

I would really like to see someone try those wheels in a ‘blind taste test’.

 

[Gary]

Please enlighten me on the specifics of the examples above.

You want me to go through ALL the various properties I mentioned individually with you?
Really?
Most of the info is available on DT swiss' website by following the links YOU yourself posted above.
Maybe try reading instead of "chuckling" to yourself and dismissing stuff when you freely admit to not understanding basic mtb terminology.

By using the terms "trail" and "Enduro" GMBN and DT are simply making a distinction between moderate and hard usege. or durability/strength Vs lighterweight less durable components.
"Enduro" being a gravity based race discipline. "trail" being riding around the hills and woods more recreationally. Obviously there's a cross over but it's much like the old distinction used to be between XC and DH.

I'm not a huge fan of marketing terminology myself but it does serve a purpose and understanding it can make choosing appropriate components a little easier for punters.

 

[Pdoz]

You want me to go through ALL the various properties I mentioned individually with you?
Really?
.

Yes please!
Seriously, a no holds barred cut the crap , no adverts tell it like garry discussion on wheel tech - without the marketing bs.
Add some sort of a pay to read function - that's the sort of thing I'd happily pay to read.

 

[Gary]

Mate.
A good, strong, durable wheel is a mixture of all the individual components and the quality of the wheel build.
you want a stronger wheel you choose stronger components, you want lighter you choose lighter components.
But paying attention to whether each component is going to be strong/durable enough for you and your riding.
If you're interested in DT wheels they're one of the only companies to make every wheel component themselves and build the wheels up inhouse. read ALL the information (It's FREE). and stop worrying about marketing BS. (very little is)

I know nothing about YOU or your riding so I'd be wasting my time massively telling you everything I know about wheels.
Tell me about yourself. your riding and your needs/wants and I can build/source you a suitable wheelset. (NOT FREE)

 

[skypickle]

I was just baffled b y all the letters and numbers so I asked DT. here is what DT Swiss sent me:


1501: Welded rim, 240s star-ratchet hub
1700: Sleeved rim, 350 star-ratchet hub
1900: Sleeved rim, 370 3-pawl hub

Information on the hub types:
DT Swiss - Ratchet System Technology
DT Swiss - Pawl Technology

Cross Country – XRC, XR, X: Inner rim width - 22.5, 25mm
• Class-leading light, stiff & reliable wheels for leaving your competition in the dust.

All Mountain – XMC, XM, M: Inner rim width – 25, 30, 35 40mm
• Tough mountain wheels designed to handle whatever the trail may throw your way.

Enduro – EX, E: Inner rim width – 25, 30mm
• Wheels for your Enduro racing machine or for attacking the local trails.

Hybrid – HXC, HX, H: Inner rim width – 25, 30, 35mm
• Wheels designed to handle more drive torque and higher overall system weights.

Freeride/ Downhill – FR, F: Inner rim width – 30mm
• Burly wheels for some of the hardest freeride hits.


Wheels with one letter in the name (X, M, E, etc.) will always have a sleeved rim.
Wheels with two letters in the name (XR, XM, EX, etc.) will always have a welded rim.
Wheels with three letters in the name (XRC, XMC, EXC, etc.) will always have a carbon rim.

The advantage of the welded rim is that it provides more strength at a lower rim weight.

So it seems I would use the H1700 spline wheelset. I would like to use larger tires (2.6 or more) so I would go for the 27.5" 35mm size.