hub recommendations

I'm toying with the idea of a new, lighter pair of MTB wheels. The stock wheels are WTB Speeddiscs with Shimano LX hubs. I'm looking to accomplish 2 things: lighter overall and faster engagement. I'm tired of the delay in the freehub when trying to clear obstacles.

I'm not real keen on factory-built wheels. The retro-grouch in me likes old-fashioned handbuilts. The rims will likely be Mavic 717s. I'm lost when it comes to hub selection though.

I was thinking XT M775s, but I don't know if their engagement is any faster than the LXs. The Pure XCR hubs that Bicycle Wheel Warehouse sells appeal to me, but I don't know much about servicing them or longevity. Chris Kings and DT 240s just aren't in the budget. Any suggestions for a reasonbly light, reasonably priced hub with a nice quick engagement?

I have Velocity rims with Hope Pro II Hubs on my Kona King Kikapu. Have had them for probably 3 years now and have had no problems. They're sturdy, light have have great engagement.

A second on the Hopes as well as recommending White Industries.

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Originally Posted by Becky

... Shimano LX hubs. ... faster engagement. I'm tired of the delay in the freehub when trying to clear obstacles.

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The "new" Shimano SLX freehub may have faster engagement. I just went downstairs and spun an SLX based wheel: 15 or 16 (sets of) clicks in half a turn. So - 30 or 32 engagement points per revolution. I don't know how many engagements points your LX hub has, but a different (older) Shimano hub of mine has only 16.

An online store I just checked sells the SLX freehub for $65. They are out of stock of the 32 hole version, but do have the 36 hole version. EDIT: And I think there's one on eBay for even less...

My MTB came with similar wheels, WTB Speeddisks/WTB hubs and yea they re heavy. While I prefer ordering up something 'custom' I got a good deal on the Easton XC-One wheelset and put those Alligator TiN coated rotors on it. Works well.

Next time, I am putting together a set of these: http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...&productId=155. They've been getting good reviews on another MTB website; I plan to use the Supercomp spokes, Pure XCR hubs and use my Alligator rotors as they work well and are light.

I have Hope Pro IIs, also, and they are great!

I finally got my new cross wheels out on a long and rough ride yesterday and am thrilled. Hope Pro 3 hubs, Velocity Synergy rims and Maxxis Locust tires. I am so much happier with these and the hubs performed like champs. The wheels took on the rock gardens and washboards really well. If I were building a new set of mtb wheels, they be on the short list of two with WI. I know I said that before, but just feeling so happy about their performance yesterday in much rougher conditions than I've been able to ride them in.