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Spinergy
XYClone disc wheel set. $500 for the pair, this is around £270 plus
shipping from the US.
What are they?
Spinergy claim they are the
lightest MTB disc wheel set available and explain their superior
performance with: 'Through the use of PBO fiber, our MTB wheels are
able to withstand impacts 25% greater than traditional wheels, and up
to 50% greater than other lightweight wheels. Since PBO spokes are up
to 5 times stronger than steel spokes, rim strength is not sacrificed
for weight savings. '
Is it true?
Well as far as I can ascertain ' yes and as I now own 2 sets of these
wheels and having been using them every weekend for the last 2 years on
different bikes, I can say with some certainty that they are
significantly stronger than standard MTB wheels (e.g. Mavic 717 rims).
I
originally bought these wheels as I was beefing up the brakes on my
Cannondale Scalpel and wanted to shave the extra weight (due to the
brakes) off from some where else. As these were the lightest disc wheel
set available for MTBs, I went for the Spinergys and have never looked
back. In two years and over 1000 miles of solid off road abuse,
including many snake bite punctures, two ripped tyres, and two high
speed crashes they are still running true and fine on the original
bearings with no problems whatsoever ' but the Scalpel is a XC bike, so
its not a tough test I hear you say.......
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Last year
I acquired a Marin Attack Trail which came with Hope hub / Mavic 717
rim wheels, as a 6' rear travel bike it can go considerably faster down
hill than the Scalpel on rocky routes and within a month I'd turned the
rear wheel into a 50 pence piece. So I swapped it for a Spinergy
XYClone and not only is it lighter than the Hope / Mavic wheels, it is
considerably stronger ' 9 months later the bike has been down steeper
and faster descents than the 1st month, but the Spinergy rear wheel is
perfectly true and running smoothly on its original bearings.
What do they cost?
Well this is the downside, UK list price is £350 for the rear and
£250 for the front. However, you can buy them mail order from the
States for $500 including shipping, which works out at about £250
a pair, which is a bit more reasonable.
What do they really weigh?
Well my wheels weigh: front 772g, rear 902g including rim tape &
quick releases, which is pretty close to the claimed 1.61 kg for a pair.
What are the downsides?
They are not tubeless compatible (if that is a downside). Replacement
spokes are £6 each (not that I've damaged one yet) and you really need
to get them trued / rebuilt by someone who is used to them as the
tensions are very different to traditional rigid spoke wheels.
Where can I find out more?
www.spinergy.com
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