iceland mountain bike

[stephenjubb]

Hi All,

I'm off to Iceland but want to go off road and fly using the CTC plastic bag, so this rules out using my Dawes Super Galaxy, not good for off road and would not want baggage handlers damaging her.

So I thought I would build myself a mountain bike for touring as cheaply as possible (money is tight) without compromising on quality (by this I mean I may save costs by going for Deore componenents rather than LX and reusing existing spare parts). At least then if the baggage handlers trashed it I have not spent a fortune, and I've wanted a mountain bike for ages for riding bridleways, forests (where allowed) in the UK. Got frame today and looks in good condition.

Following advise on here and other forums on converting mountain bikes to touring bike, I've acquired a frame, early 90s GT Timberline, it can take racks, mudguards, no suspension, steel, long wheel stays

Here is the link to the frame

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141227799731?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I'm now thinking about wheels, have considered spa wheels

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s170p3041
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s200p2243

so would be £120 for front with dynamo and rear wheel sputnik rims, £80 approx, tubes £12 so total of £217. I've got their wheels on the galaxy and are excellent. Add a couple of tyres and looking at £247.

However I have seen these, http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...0-with-sari-m-19r-26-mtb-wheel-set/aid:483388 at a total cost (for wheels, dynamo and tyres) at £172, quite a saving of £85.

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...0-with-sari-m-19r-26-mtb-wheel-set/aid:483388

The specs are

Rims: Xtreme Sari M-19R, 36 holes
Hubs: FW: Shimano DH-3N80# hub dynamo incl. overvoltage protection, silver, 36 holes, RW: Shimano Deore XT 780 silver, 36 holes, compatible with 7-/8-/ 9-/10-speed Shimano HG, hub width: FW: 100 mm/RW: 135 mm
Spokes: DT Champion 2 mm, black
Nipples: DT Pro lock, black
Tyres: Continental Town & Country, 26 x 2.1

My question hubs are fine, but are Xtreme Sari rims any good combined with DT Champion 2 mm spokes?

These wheels would need to take my weight of 14 stone, and approx 40 kilos of kit (might have to carry several days of food and water) and work off road in rough conditions.

I'm probably leaning towards SPA wheels but am seriously tempted by these so opinions would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd be tempted to get a handlaced 4 cross rear wheel for this using the Shimano hub and a matching rear rim to whichever front you choose this will give you a much stronger rear wheel and, as a bonus, they are more comfortable due to the greater spring in them (longer spokes).