XTR group for all mountain use?

Wiggle

What is Wiggle

 

wiggle.co.uk

that, and chainreactioncycles.com are by far, the best prices for hope wheelbuilds

 

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/H...,_Braided_Hose_and_Floating_Rotor/5360040214/

 

i am far from an expert, on anything, but have owned now 5 sets of I9s - 1 geared 29er, 2 geared 26er, 2 29er SS sets. I cannot recommend I9s for myself anymore.

Their wheels are certainly stiff...thus, for a 29er it may begin to make sense, singlespeed anyway. Their wheels look bling, no doubt. Their wheels, especially the 6-pawl and not the lame 3-pawl, have amazing engagement, likely the best. Their customer service, when needed, is outstanding the guys there are truly gracious and cool to work with.

However, i think their rear hubs are questionable in their QC/constistency. I had to have new hubs replaced due to quality issues. their 10mm rear hubs have a bad design too in that when torqued down, it actually put pressure on a part of the axle it shouldnt (sorry, i dont speak technical...others have noted this problem too). While the argument of proprietary spokes is retarded, since only a retard would be retarded enough to not always have spares as supplies run low, I do not like their spokes and feel they snap/break easier.

I have 1 set left, on my single speed and its fine, i paid $425 for them, so they stay. From now on its Kings for me.

 

I talked to Shimano recently and was told typical test range for better cranks is nearly a 400 lb rider limit. Seriously no joke, I asked to cover my butt on a 6'6" 385lb rider who had Ventana build him a HT frame. 26ST, 28TT crazy huge bike.

 

One more reason I like Shimano, never seen issues like with the lesser brands. Of course a 400lb dude aint taking a nomad dirt jumping and would probably exceed the limit on chair lifts.

 

When I used to get deals I ran xtr without any problems. Now that
I don't get the same deals I have been running XT. Performance
wise they are close. Never had problems with either. If you can
afford xtr go for it. Oh yeah, I am 215 had a bullit and nomad,
ride fairly aggresively. The only part I had fail was a bent dual
control brake lever after falling off a ladder in the rain in Whistler.
Never liked the dual control anyways. Good luck

 

Shimano clarified for me that the reason they choose the 400 lb rider limit is due to the popularity of 29ers where the average 29er rider is approximately 400 lbs

 

400lbs

If that's the average, I would pay money to see the top end of that scale going down hill.:clap: