Rim width - WIder or narrower ?
 

Getting my XT600E wheels rebuilt with Excel Alloy rims and was wondering on which rim width I should go for.

Should i stay with the original or would there be any advantages of going wider or narrower ?

Thanks

Keep to original width, use heavy duty spokes. Does your bike have 17inch rear wheel, if so consider getting 18inch for better choice of off road tyres. I have that set up on my XT600 3AJ and its much tougher than the original. Contact www.talon-eng.co.uk or www.david lambeth.co.uk, they tend to have them in stock.

Cheers brian

Do you think i will be able to get a good choice on road biast rubber on an 18 rear on a pan american trip ??

Yes, the original is a 17.

Cheer again, ed

I am completely biased on this, twice had problems with alloy rims, on car and bike. never had a rim problem with steel. Certainly get stronger/good quality spokes. Although I dislike alloy wheels, not enough so to change them on my bike (yet) But If I were replacing the rims I would be sorely tempted to go steel if available.