Bang for your buck

Not all cyclists are the same – we ride different bikes, have different goals and ambitions and have varying levels of income.

A common trait is that we all love riding, and we all deserve to ride decent wheels.

In this article I make 4 MTB 29er wheelset recommendations based on low, medium and high budget levels, which will hopefully allow you to choose the best option for you.

(Prices are approximate but fairly accurate at time of writing – August 2022; subject to availability)

1. Focus on affordability (alloy rims)

For under R10 000 you can still get a very good set of wheels.

• Hubs: Cure XC4 or similar: +/- R3000 for the hub set
• Rims: Raceface AR Offset or similar: +/- R1500 each
• Spokes: Double butted spokes and brass nipples: +/-R1500
• Master wheel build labour: R695 per wheel

Total wheelset price, including nationwide delivery: +/- R9000

2. Focus on durability (alloy rims)

• Hope Pro4 hubs: +/- R6850 for the hub set
• Stan’s Flow Mk4 / Flow EX3 rims: +/- R2150 each
• Spokes: DT Swiss Competition double butted spokes and brass nipples: +/- R1500
• Master wheel build labour: R695 per wheel

Total wheelset price, including nationwide delivery: +/- R14 300

3. Focus on light weight (carbon rims)

Premium value option

• DT Swiss 350 hub set: +/- R6500
• Nextie Premium 30mm internal width rims: +/- R6800 per rim
• Lightweight bladed spokes & premium nipples: +/- R2000
• Master wheel build labour: R695 per wheel

Total wheelset weight: +/- 1400 – 1500g
Total wheelset price, including nationwide delivery: +/- R23 500

Ultimate Premium option

• DT Swiss 240S hub set: +/- R12 500
• South Industries 29XC rims (lifetime warranty): +/- R8850 each
• Lightweight bladed spokes & premium nipples: +/- R2000
• Master wheel build labour: R695 per wheel

Total wheelset weight: +/- 1400 – 1450g
Total wheelset price, including nationwide delivery: +/- R33 500

As you can see from the examples above, there are a multitude of options available so that you can mix and match to suit your needs, taste and budget.

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote 🙂