I bought some Mavic 517 (now 717) wheels about a year and a half ago and
the rims (braking surfaces) are already cupped. My last set of rims
lasted over ten years - and through 1,000's of miles of loaded touring
(the best kind .... hic º). The rear rim already also has a mild flat
spot, too. It's enough to make my rear brake grab hard in one spot so it
pulses, in a manner of speaking, and feels like it wants to lock up on
me. The effect is very pronounced when I am going slow. I'm not happy
about that, either, as I've not abused these rims nearly as much as I
had in all the years past with my old ones - original equipment on an
Bridgestone MB3 - not sure what they were). I wouldn't have even noticed
the brake surface wear if it weren't for the effect that flat spot
(mildly misshapen is a better term) has on my braking. It's very
unnerving on a fast descent.
In the last year I have increased the amount of mountain riding I do
substantially. In fact, it's pretty much all I do, so I guess that could
be the cause. (I ride an MTB setup like a hybrid bike and I'm talking
about mountain road riding. Sometimes it's on dirt, but the vast
majority is on paved road.)
I flatted a couple of weeks ago and I think that may be the when the
pulsing brake symptom started, although I've flatted many times (as much
as anyone) without doing rim damage.
So, I'm not sure where to go.
Should I get some cheap, heavy, steel rims? (I don't think so, but it
seems like an alternative. I'm not a light weight gear fanatic.)
I've been informed about ceramic coated rims and am considering the
Mavic 717's with ceramic. Is the ceramic really going to make the
braking surface of the rim last substantially longer? Does anyone have
experience or knowledge on this? That's my biggest question. Is it worth
it to get ceramic coated rims?
Any suggestions on good, moderately priced wheels? Last time I bought
pre-built for the price (cheaper). Since my current Mavics have fairly
new Deore XT hubs, I am going to keep them and have this new wheel hand
built (I think). If I get ceramic, I don't think I have a choice. (I've
been quoted $170 to have the Mavic ceramics hand built with my existing
rear hub.)
I'd appreciate any insight to help in my decision making process.
Thanks,
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Chuck Anderson • Boulder, CO
http://www.CycleTourist.com
Integrity is obvious.
The lack of it is common.
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