Published by Tristan on 27 Mar 2009 at 02:33 pm
Kinlin XR-200, Tune Mag180, Alchemy ELF 1289g road wheels
The Kinlin XR-200 rims are much stiffer than their feathery 390g weight would suggest – in order to test the durabilty I built this set for my own use and as a demo pair for clients to enjoy.
The front wheel is an Alchemy ELF hub laced with CX-Ray spokes. The rear wheel uses a Tune Mag180 hub laced 2x non-driveside and 1x driveside with all heads-in. The idea here was to reduce the tension mis-balance between the driveside and non-driveside spokes by shortening the driveside spokes. By lacing all heads-in the effective bracing angle is increased which will build a laterally stiffer wheel.
Total wheelset weight is 1289g – very light. Lateral stiffness is great and they’re an enjoyable pair of wheels to ride so it will be interesting to see how the rims last. Interested in riding these wheels yourself and finding out what all the fuss is about?
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- Rear wheel lacing pattern: heads-in 1x driveside spokes
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- Alchemy ELF hub with XR-200 rim
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- The pair
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- Tune Mag180 rear hub with Campy freehub body fitted
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Steve Braun on 07 Feb 2010 at 9:43 am #
So after a few months. what is the verdict on these wheels? I know Ron Ruff has been happy with a similar set he built for himself (except for the Orc rear hub.) I’m thinking about a build with XR-200 rims, Alchemy Elf front hub and a C-4 rear.
Should I be concerned that they will be too fragile? I weigh just under 80kg, same as Ron.
Tristan on 07 Feb 2010 at 1:59 pm #
Hi Steve. I still have these wheels and ride them and they’ve logged quite a few kms since they were built. At 80kg I’d suggest using the XR-270 rim and a lower spoke count – in my opinion this combo builds a better wheelset than the XR-200 and generally at a very similar weight but with better stiffness, aerodynamics, and possibly durability (although I have not had any problems with the XR-200)
Tate on 19 Jun 2011 at 6:06 pm #
Are these rims really 290gm as noted in the description above???
Tristan on 19 Jun 2011 at 6:10 pm #
No- that’s a typo…they’re 390g.