I think there's something to be said about relative price point for something that's going to be used at an inch or less off the ground in rough terrain constantly. I got my first set of LB rims already used (from a bigger rider than myself), and expected them to be write-off rims, but I'd get to use them as a 'free' proof of concept on carbon wheels.
The stupid things are still on there - even uglier on the outside from rock bounceback hits, and showing marks from a half dozen rock strikes, but working great.
I don't really notice that big a performance difference on the climbs (even on a whole bike that's 3lb lighter of the exact same model)... but the stiffness difference when I'm rallying it hard through turns is outstanding.
Like many of my better purchases in life, I got them for the wrong reason, but discovered later on why it was a great purchase. I'm not adverse to going back, but if the price delta is under $400, I see no reason not to spend money there (after suspension/tires/cockpit is sorted).
Dec. 27, 2017, 9:43 a.m. - Tehllama42
I think there's something to be said about relative price point for something that's going to be used at an inch or less off the ground in rough terrain constantly. I got my first set of LB rims already used (from a bigger rider than myself), and expected them to be write-off rims, but I'd get to use them as a 'free' proof of concept on carbon wheels. The stupid things are still on there - even uglier on the outside from rock bounceback hits, and showing marks from a half dozen rock strikes, but working great. I don't really notice that big a performance difference on the climbs (even on a whole bike that's 3lb lighter of the exact same model)... but the stiffness difference when I'm rallying it hard through turns is outstanding. Like many of my better purchases in life, I got them for the wrong reason, but discovered later on why it was a great purchase. I'm not adverse to going back, but if the price delta is under $400, I see no reason not to spend money there (after suspension/tires/cockpit is sorted).