# "Affordable" boost 29er wheel questions for Salsa Cutthroat **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [November 25, 2021, 1:37pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/affordable-boost-29er-wheel-questions-for-salsa-cutthroat/65726 "2021-11-25T13:37:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FrankTuna](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/franktuna/32/135629_2.png) [@FrankTuna](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/FrankTuna)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2021, 1:37pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/affordable-boost-29er-wheel-questions-for-salsa-cutthroat/65726/1 "2021-11-25T13:37:54Z")
So, I made the mistake of test riding a Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1 and now it’s in my garage. The stock wheels are heavy WTB i23 rims and WTB hubs. I have zero faith whatsoever that these will hold up for a bigger rider like me. I’m looking for a set of durable, reasonably light wheels preferably under $1k US. I’m leaning towards either: 1. Trek Kovee Elite 30 TLR wheels (no rider weight limit, 6 bolt hubs, 28 spokes, carbon) > **[Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 TLR Boost 29" MTB Wheel | Trek Bikes](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/bike-wheels/mountain-bike-wheels/bontrager-kovee-elite-30-tlr-boost-29-mtb-wheel/p/25491/?colorCode=black)** > > Enhance your cycling experience with Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 TLR Boost 29 MTB Wheels. Shop now! 1. Custom built set with DT Swiss 350 hubs, Raceface ARC 25 rims, 32 spokes (prob CX Ray to save some weight and I had good luck with them on another build) I’m open to to other suggestions and any tips are appreciated. Just a few questions… 1. Is centerlock preferable? I’ve heard people complain about shearing off bolts on 6 bolt hubs but maybe that’s overblown? 2. I think 25mm - 30mm would be fine for tires I plan to run, right? (2.2-2.4 inch) 3. The Trek wheels have a great warranty, but 28 spokes even with no weight limit (I’m 6’5" and about 255 lbs right now). If they taco in the first 2 years, i can get a new wheel. On the other hand, the hand-built wheels don’t have a comparable warranty, but if well built I’d expect they’d be bombproof. Does one scenario seem preferable to another? ---
**Author:** ![jeremy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/jeremy/32/27460_2.png) [@jeremy](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/jeremy)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2021, 3:39pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/affordable-boost-29er-wheel-questions-for-salsa-cutthroat/65726/3 "2021-11-25T15:39:26Z")
If you’re looking for a big improvement in performance for less than $1k, quality alloy is going to be the way to go. I actually think that high-quality alloy wheels are the way to go in general for most people off-road, but that’s another discussion. The key for you, being a bigger rider on less-than-smooth terrain is going to be build quality. For that reason I would stay away from Trek, Roval, etc. They have a good warranty, and based on the work I’ve done to those wheels out of the box you’ll likely need it. Anyway, a retail recommendation: [Astral Outback](https://astralcycling.com/collections/the-outback-family/products/outback-wheelset-650b-700c-approach-by-white-industries-hubs) - Astral does complete builds with a couple different hub specs, they’re all good but I would splurge for one of the White Industries versions. The rims are rock solid, and have some of the tighter tolerances I work with which makes for a more stable wheel over time. They’re also light, and in my experience take rock strikes quite well. Ultimately my best recommendation is never to buy a wheel off the shelf, but to find a wheel builder near you and talk about options with them. When it comes to performance wheels, build quality is the ultimate determinant of longevity, and I do not trust major brands to do a sufficient job there. You also get more choices - any rim to any hub with any spokes, the solution is made for you and not a larger audience. ---
**Author:** ![FrankTuna](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/franktuna/32/135629_2.png) [@FrankTuna](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/FrankTuna)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2021, 4:01pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/affordable-boost-29er-wheel-questions-for-salsa-cutthroat/65726/4 "2021-11-25T16:01:18Z")
Super helpful…thank you!! I’m sure you’re right… a well built custom wheelset seems the way to go. I’m going to look into the Astral ones too.