I'm looking for some new rims to build into some pro2 hubs, but im not sure whether to go for the dt swiss XR4.2d or the EX5.1d. i ride mainly hardcore xc, the odd jump etc. and im not really that smooth.

Would going for the 5.1 rim be a good thing, or would i get away with the 4.1 or 4.2 as they are upto 100g lighter

I like the set of 5.1s I've got. The front's on a Pro2 hubs as well.

I don't jump as such (ie drops of more than a foot) but I have given them some hammer - I tend to ride rocky stuff fast with no finesse - and I've only managed to buckle one (rear) once. That's a lot better than any other rim I've ever had.

I'd get them again.

I'm waiting for CRC to get some 5.1's in stock, for a front + Pro2 Hub ( incase I go Pikes later ), sensible weight, good width so suite bigger tyres.

How do they compare to Mavic's rims? Something to go onto a Prophet with Nixon's 20mm hub ideally?

Very well IMO
I have Mavic 317,719 & 321 the 5.1 is between the 719 & the 321 width wise but is as strong as the 321 yet weighs close to the 317!

I have 2 sets of the 5.1 rims one on XT the other on Hope Pro II and neither have the slightest buckle in despite being even more clumsy (though less brave) than Higgo ;)

I thought the 5.1 was 21mm width internal so same as 321, 500grams where as the 321 is 560-580 area.

I've got a 6.1, 600grams, 25mm internal width nice rim, much stronger than a 321.

update: I have managed to buckle a DT5.1 now - in fact it was beyond re-use.

It was a high-speed, high-energy crash that meant hospital for my face and on-going physio for my shoulder. I very much doubt any rim would have done better. I was happy to bung anonther 5.1 back on there.

If you'd of had a 6.1 on there, it woulda stayed more straight but absorbed less of the impact for more facial damage.

Weak cheap rims sure sound good at the moment!!



Bugger Biggo!!

Interesting all this talk of rims; bizarrly my current rims (Alex DP20's) have been stronger and stood up to far more abuse then any of my other Mavics in the past.

Kieran,
I have been using ex 5.1d's for over a year.

They are built onto king hubs and are as light as crossmaxes.

I tend to slam into things and some of my mates have done jumps and drops on them. Still completley true and never any problems.