If you're having them built, yet another vote for Merlin Cycles. I've put mine through some pretty serious abuse in the past 6 months, never had to true them and they're still perfect.

CRC are usually OK too - lots of mates have used them, but one hiccup: they built a wheel for my SO's dad - he had to have it trued properly after the first ride as the spokes were a bit slack.

Paul, check the condition of your rim before you reuse it. If you're using rim brakes, check the surface for wear. I got a wheel rebuilt after a cracked hub only to need a new rim a month later at additional cost...

Merlin without a doubt, had 3 pairs off of them over the years, the first pair suffered 2 1/2 years of scandalous abuse before they gave up, would`nt use anybody else

Had a 517 built into an LX front at Evans - which has served me well - but a bit pricey. More recently got a XC717 built on to an XT Rear at CRC (Chain Reaction Cycles) which looks pretty good - and very good price wise. Can't tell whether it will need re-truing yet.

I had some Mavic 618s built onto XT hubs(non-disc) about two years ago by Harry Rowland. (I got his details from a what MTB article at the time). And they're brilliant, strong wheels. I chatted to guy on phone about my requirements and once he'd received my cheque the wheels came a bit later (can't remember how long, wasn't ages, say a week).

I've been running them over this winter (as my 'winter' wheels) and I swear by them.

HTH

Tom

unlike my mavic crossmax Xls (tubeless) which I swear at:-)

What don't you like about the XL's Tom?

Its gotta be Dave Hinde without a doubt, i said earlier on another thread i ordered a hope front wheel on a Wednesday morning and desperatley needed it cos my old one went crisp shaped! They built it for me and delivered it before the weekend, couldnt ask for more and it was cheaper than anywhere else in the mags.

Cheers for the info folks. Now if I can fix the brakes, fork and er..my riding technique, I'll be back on the trails.

Mike S: I don't like the XLs simply because of the nightmare of tubeless, i just can't seem to get on with them, and yes, I know that's probably down to me and the tyres (panaracer trailblasters). I'll get them on again come spring and try and get them to keep air in.

Tom

...or probably just get some new tubes put in...I did put some tubes in, but put old ones in that I thought I had patched...only to find when I tried to pump them up that they were punctured. Hey ho - i'll get some new ones in and they'll be fine.

Its a swine to get the tyres off to get tubes in and out though. Not the sort of job you'd do in the middle of nowhere when its freezing cold and lashing down with rain and a foot deep in mud.

OK, that's alright then. I'm going to use CrossMax XL's on my new bike, but I'm used to UST already. I've been using Hutchinsons for nearly two years now without problems. So long as that's your only problem with the Mavics I think I'll be OK. Thanks.

yeah just the tyres. I found them strong and light wheels thus far...but I only used them a little in the summer. I plan to hammer them more (in terms of amount of use, not jumping of cliffs) this year.