With no need for a brake track, rim manufacturers can be a bit more creative when it comes to disc brake rims - the Open Pro Disc rim and H Plus Son's The Hydra are good examples of this, with their non machined side walls. There are a few rim options here, all of them relatively wide at ~19mm internal diameter and all are tubeless compatible. The Open Pro is the lightest option here at 430g, compared to 440g for The Hydra and 460g for the Kinlin XR2RTS - the latter is the disc specific offset version of the rim that I use for rim brake builds. The Kinlin XR26 is pretty much a perfect disc brake rim if you're looking for a solid performing, reliable wheelset that just works. However, the Open Pro is based on a classic within cycling culture and will build up a little bit lighter. The Hydra rim is the disc specific, tubeless version of the Archetype rim used for rim brakes. The fact that it's well made and stiffer than other budget offerings not only makes it easier to build with but is a good thing for long term reliability and fatigue life of spokes. All are available in 24, 28 or 32 spoke count offerings.
I can build these up with Bitex BX106 centrelock hubs for a good value, solid performing carbon wheelset. These hubs are light and the geometry is also good, which is an important factor in the stiffness of a hand built set of wheels (it will feel better to ride and be more reliable).
Hope RS4 is the British offering as they are made in Barnoldswick and they’re a very solid option. You get a sense for the quality of these hubs and they are reliable, 4 season hubs that are easy to maintain when it comes to replacing bearings. They are good value compared to more premium options but Bitex hubs perform similarly for less cost.
For a high end set of hubs, offering very low weight and top performance, I can build these up with DT Swiss 240 EXP centrelock hubs. These are light, have improved geometry over previous DT versions, and feature DT’s elegant ratchet design freehub.
These hubs are available for quick release disc brake bikes or thru axle. Please specify what you need in the comments box at checkout.
Please get in touch to discuss the best options to suit your riding, or if you need advice on spoke counts, rim/hub/spoke combinations, etc.
My usual guarantee applies when buying these wheels.
Wheels will be supplied with tubeless tape fitted and tubeless valves. Please leave details about spoke count, axle standard (quick release, 12x100mm 12x142mm, etc) and which free hub you need in the comment box at checkout.