Free wheel: Should I rock it?

Lee,

I’ve finally decided to get a new fork for my Blur LT. After much consideration and nearly 2 years on the 32 TALAS (recently rebuilt), I’ve decided to sell
the 32 and buy an 09 36 TALAS RC2. I have a wheel with 20mm hub (gift from a friend), but not sure if it’s burly enough (Sun) with no name hub. I have faith in my LBS and will follow their advice, but do you have any input? I currently have mostly LX components on bike. Current wheels have been great for 2 years on Montara Mountain (Mavic 321 with LX hubs).

Should I buy a hub (if so, suggestion?) and relace to the Mavic? Or run the sun with the mystery hub and upgrade later?

I’m still NOT hucking or dropping anything worth mentioning, but I do ride hard and heavy (200lbs with gear) on rocky terrain (with light hands) 😉

Take care. Tony

Hey Tony,

That longer fork seems like a good choice for Montara Mountain, a steep, rocky hunk of love just south of San Francisco.

Here’s a very old-school video from The Crack atop Montara Mountain. Warning: It’s long and 25 megabytes.

If that donated axle turns, and the spokes are tight, and the rim is true — then I say rock the wheel.

Sun makes solid rims/wheels. The stock wheels on my 2003 P.3 are still perfect — and they’re on their third owner (this one a pinner kid). I spend a lot of time on my Charger 27s (on the Stumpy), and I’ve raced a lot of DH races on Singletracks. Oh, and there’s that guy Lopes, and that other guy Kovarik. They seem to get by with their Sun rims.

You’re right: If there’s any doubt, get the wheel checked at your local bike shop.

You can always upgrade to your dream wheelset, but I think it’ll be more fun to go rip some of that NorCal love TODAY.

Yesterday was 4 degrees and snowing here in Boulder …

— Lee