 I am fed up with the rattling hubs so I am thinking of upgading. I have seen some hope bulb hubs and they look nice.
Should I have them laced to my Mavic 223 rims or buy new wheels, can't find 223 rims though?
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 I don't think Mavic do the 223 rim anymore, i may be wrong though. As for new wheels , theres plenty of choice depending on what you want, eg:
321=wider and stronger
717=allround xc
819=tubeless allronder
As for hubs, i'd rather use Hopes pro2 than Bulbs but all Hope hubs are good.
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Why the pro2 what is the difference?
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Basically, they have an improved ratchet system meaning a quicker pawl engagement and smoother running. They are also a fair bit cheaper and i think lighter but just as strong
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 "all Hope hubs are good". True but there are some excellent hubs on the market.
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Deffinatly John, it just sounded like Dave was after Hopes thats why i suggested pro2s
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I'm not just sold on Hope I was looking at King earlier today but I have heard a lot of good things about Hope thats all!
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 I'm really impressed with my new Pro II's
as Dean said the new rear hub is an excellent piece of engineering. The freehub sounds quality.
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what rims do you have with your pro II's and what kind of riding do you do James?
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 I've got Chris Kings on my VT2 and Hope Pro 2s on my Cove Stiffee...
Kings kick the arse off the Hopes. And sound way way better too. And they're easier to service, and lighter.
Only thing is they're a lot more money, but worth it if you can afford it because they will outlast a good few bikes.
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I agree but a King wheels set is about £500 compared to £250-300 for hope! Are they really that much better?
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Dave - I took the plunge last year and spent nearer to £600 on my King wheels - didn't help that I went for Sapim CX-Ray spokes which are about 10 times the price of DT Triple Butted ones!
But I think it was one of the best upgrades I have ever made. The wheels are awesome, strong as you like, totally flex free, and they will be with me for years!
My advice is to go for the very best that you can afford. If this means that you can go for Kings, then go for them! Wheels are probably the most important upgrade you can make on a bike and can totally transform it!
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 Yeah if you can stretch to the Kings do it, an awesome piece of kit.
According to Evolution (importers) they're now lighter too, 265g and 149g if I recall. The older style rear ones were sommat like 305g, whilst the Hope Pro II is 295g, so the weight advantage was fairly small (the front was still lighter). May be worth checking you get the latest versions.
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Hi Dave, I'm using Mavic EX 729's on my Pro II hubs, the bike is set up for heavy duty trail/downhill duties.
I'm sure the Pro II's would work just as well laced to 717's on my trail/xc bike.
As the other guys said go for the best wheels you can afford (need) and get a decent build from a reputable supplier.
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