Re: Mavic X139 Rim Question

AlexMedic wrote:
> Just Purchased a Giant NRS that came with Mavic X139 rims.  I weigh
> about 300lbs and am wondering if these rims would be strong enough for
> me?  I also have a pair of Ryno Lytes that I could use, but the Mavics
> are lighter.  Any suggestions??

Mavic rims are brittle.  None of them has ever lasted for me -- they 
either stress crack at the spoke holes or between the spoke holes under 
the rim tape depending on the spoke tension of the build.  I weight 225 
(I started at over 300) and they do this even when I've gotten down 
below 210 for a stretch.

The Rhinos will probably last and last :).  Sell the Mavics.

If you decide to test the Mavics yourself (they've never failed 
critically for me -- never collapsed).  Once a week (or so -- depending 
on how often you ride), clean the rims and take a look at each spoke 
hole to see if there're any cracks at the eyelets.  If you have rim 
brakes, you can tell whether the rim has split under the rim tape 
because the brakes will start going "bump-bump-bump" because the rim 
will be wider where it's split and you won't be able to adjust it out by 
truing.  Otherwise, I'd pull the tire and rim tape at least once a month 
to check.  The valve hole is usually where it starts.

At your weight, you can't afford to be a weight weeney -- you need to 
consider strength first.  Even at 225, my bike shop has learned not to 
push the new light weight stuff at me -- unless they're in the mood for 
warranty returns of broken parts :).  When I try a new part, I think 
that they cringe every time I come in for a while :).

David

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