This was a job to replace mis-matched and damaged spokes with Sapim CX-Rays and red alloy nipples. Rebuilding rims is more challenging than building with new but it’s nice to get the most out of our gear. Like Bad Religion sings, “it’s never really what you own but what you threw away.”

These Stan’s Crest 29er rims push the envelope on weight. If you imagine a comparable XC wheelset using the same DT Swiss 240S hubs and CX-Ray spokes with ENVE carbon rims, that combination would actually weigh 5 grams more. ENVE rims are stronger and stiffer but in another league pricewise.