HelIo everyone!
I am in the process of building up a lightly used Kona Unit X frame for the purpose of completing the Baja Divide (and perhaps trans mexico norte) in Jan-Mar 2027. This is my first frame-up build and first expedition-style trip. I have a pretty good idea of what I want the build to look like, but am struggling to pull the trigger on a pair of wheels.
Here's my current list of criteria with some question marks attached:
- 35mm internal diameter for 2.6-2.8'' tires – 30mm would be ok?
- "Trail" type wheels – not too heavy (enduro?) as to feel sluggish during climbs, but not too light as to be susceptible to breaking/bending
- 32 spokes – significantly stronger than 28?
- DT 350 hub or similar for star ratchet – star ratchet seems like a big upgrade for ease of maintenance.
- Carbon fiber v.s. aluminum – huge hit to budget, but perhaps carbon rims would be a worthwhile upgrade for durability, ride improvement, weight saving, ect? Alu also seems totally fine and a lot cheaper?
What do y'all think? I'm working on a fairly tight budget here, so have been keeping an eye on the used markets. The issue is, I seem to keep finding good deals on wheels that are *almost* perfect in the $250-400 range, but don't meet all the criteria (usually have 30mm id and/or pawl hubs and/or 28 spokes, ect). I'm starting to think it might be worth it to have what I want built and swallow the $700-800(?) pill, or bite the bullet and go for a carbon set like these. Peace of mind buying a newly/professionally built v.s. a used wheel is obviously a factor.
Any insight appreciated 🙂 Thanks!
by merrow-agate
4 Comments
1. 30mm would be absolutely minimum. I dont like going wider than 2.6 on 30mm. My next bikepacking wheels will be carbon and 40mm iw so I can savely do between 2.4 and 3″. For the Baja Divide I used 29×2.6″ Mezcal/Barzo combo. It was a great combo but I would have liked to have had 2.8 or even 3″ width. Theres so much washboard and sand on the route.
2. Yes that should be fine.
3. Yes. Its stronger. Recommend minimum of 32h rear. 28h could work in the front but the weight savings is not significant for the strength increase.
4. Great idea. 350 is a hreat and reliable hub. 18t oe 36t ratchet. The 54+ get less reliable.
5. Not all carbon is equal, and of course neither is all aluminum. High quality carbon wheels are idea for every situation IMO, other than when you accidentally melt them from the exhaust of a car.
Those i9 are sweet, but I wouldn’t recommend a hydra for bikepacking. You dont need the super high engagement, and they are high maintenaince hubs. Ive broken 3 Hydra (not hydra 2) hubs. Two were shattered drive rings and one was a broken axle.
For Baja divide I would definitely recommend a 2.8 or greater. I rode it on a 27.5×2.8 rear and 3.0 front and wished I had had the clearance for a 3.0 in the back but 2.8 was okay. While 29 will give you more surface area for the width I do think that a 27.5×3.0 feels more floaty in sand than a 29×2.6 even though they have nearly identical patch size.
I like aluminum for the price and don’t think carbon brings many benefits while bikepacking, although there’s nothing wrong with a good carbon wheel. I’ve had good luck with Spank Rims for bikepacking, but stans and WTB are also good and if you want to get a really nice rim I’d go for a velocity Dually to run plus tires.
I think DT Swiss with a 36 tooth ratchet is a solid choice. I personally really like Hope hubs. They have incredible bearings and I’ve never had an issue with them or the pawls (They are loud though).
If you want someone else to build you a set of wheels I’ve gotten a few pairs build by cycle wheels USA and they do a good job for a good price for semi-custom wheelsets.
I had a set of wheels built up for the Baja area and they have been great. I rode 2.4 tires and had no problems, but wider will float even better. I was able to ride 20 psi or less on a fully loaded bike. No bottoming out. We did the cape loop and not full divide.
I used DT Swiss 350 hubs and Velocity Blunt 35 rims. Super happy with my decision. I prefer the reliability of aluminum for travel and field fixes opposed to carbon.
I’ve been down there twice to ride longish sections, both times on durable 29×2.8 tires. First time I road my Krampus on cheap stock 40mm 32h Alex Rims and hubs and the second time on custom built WTB tough i35 32h rims on DT Swiss 350s. I honestly didn’t notice much of a difference and never worried either time about the wheels failing me. As a long-term investment, i35 is the way to go as it’s the sweet spot for 2.6-2.8 inch tires, which gives you flexibility when you’re not doing loaded expeditions. I’m a big guy (225lb+), and 2.8 was perfect for Baja Missions and Cape. People will say you can get away with a narrower tire, but you’ll appreciate the comfort on the rough stuff and the float in sandy arroyos. You’ll obviously save weight on a narrower rim, carbon hoops, lower spoke count, and lighter hubs but if you’re carrying 9L of water, which you’ll need to do on some parts, a pound here or there doesn’t matter much. Also, you’re not going for a FKT. My suggestion is to prioritize reliability and durability over everything else and don’t overthink it.