Exal XR2 Rims

[Banjo]

I am ordering some new wheels for a synapse I use primarily for Audaxing.

Strength is my main priority but ideally not too heavy either and not a barsteward to get tyres on and off.(Chrinas seem to have this reputation)

Spa cycles offer Exal XR2 rims handbuilt with deore 6 bolt hubs which seem to be suitable.

They describe the rims as strong but light and suitable for 18 to 25 tyres (I use 25 )

Anyone got them care to comment.

 

[vickster]

Do they offer Mavic Open Pro?

I'm really happy with mine on the genesis (32/36 spokes), Novatech hubs (super clickety ) and DT Swiss spokes

@Spoked Wheels built for me, not sure if he's around much at the mo

This is his website http://www.bombproofwheels.com/

 

[Banjo]

Cheers vickster a few people have suggested open pros .Wil lhave to look into it a bit more.

 

[vickster]

My handbuilts are no heavier than the Fulcrum 5s they replaced, despite having many more spokes!

 

[Venod]

I have a mate who was undecided on rim choice, he was looking at open pro but visited SPA, they convinced him the XR2 were just as good, to the extent they don't use open pro, preferring XR2 a very similar but cheaper rim, he has had no problems with the wheels.

I built some wheels using XR1 rims, which were fine when complete, but a bit flexi to build with, but I had just built some wheels using some Hplus Son Architype, these just about built themselves, so my criticism of the XR1's flexiness may be a bit harsh.

 

[vickster]

I considered the H PLus too, but really don't like the look of the rims!! The traditional look of the Open Pro looks really good on the Genesis IMO

Worth looking at all the options in budget (mine ended up around £200 IIRC)

 

[Venod]

The traditional look of the Open Pro looks really good on the Genesis IMO

Yes I think they are a good traditional looking rim, I am building some budget fixie wheels, I did consider Open Pro but its a budget build so settled on the cheaper Mavic Open Elite.

 

[Ajax Bay]

I have recently replaced a several years old Mavic MA2 with an Open Sport rim (and ridden 1500km on it). This model has been renamed Open Elite (by Mavic). They cost about half an Open Pro but weigh a little more and are pinned. 32h 3x is strong enough for me (rear). Both the Open Pro and the Open Elite/sport have the same 'traditional look' and are worth considering as an alternative to the Exal.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Cheers vickster a few people have suggested open pros .Wil lhave to look into it a bit more.

Ambrosio Evolution are cheap enough and strong enough too.

Kinlin XR22 also worth considering.

@vickster you are right, it's been a while since I posted but I occasionally login to reply to PMs ....

I hope you are fully recovered of your OP and that you are back on your bike

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the replies .I have sourced a wheelset from Merlin Cycles. Mavic 36 hole A119 rims and deore disc hubs. Should certainly be sturdy and hopefully not dislocate my thumbs when tyre changing.