Initially, I was eager to jump on this sale price ($499 for the
2020 GX MAX 650b wheelset) but there are some caveats in play:
- Discounted wheelsets are non-returnable.
- Code 'GXFREESHIP" to save $40 shipping isn't valid on discounted wheelsets.
- A free Spinergy wheelbag (you have to sign up for their newsletter) isn't available with discounted wheelsets.
- The new-old-stock inventory is black-spoke only - call if you need them to switch out one spoke on each wheel to the "Spinergy Edition" with one red spoke.
- 2020 wheelsets aren't QR-compatible and they only take HG or XDR freehubs (the new '44' hubs for 2021 can take HG/XDR/Microspline/Campagnolo N3W).
- If none of the above matters to you, perhaps it won't matter to a lot of people, then the 2020 GX MAX 650b wheelset is a temping offer (or it would be IF my situation made running 650b a good idea).
After ordering, I did more research and the lowered height of a 650b wheelset
will be an issue for my 2020 Specialized Diverge which has a whopping 85mm BB drop (even more pedal strikes then). I ended up cancelling my order for the
2020 GX MAX 650b wheelset and paid the extra for the
2021 GX 700c wheelset instead:
- There is a so-called "10mm Rule" saying that if going from 700c to 650b doesn't enable you to use tires at least 10mm wider, then the size switch probably isn't worth the trade-offs. My bike officially (with plenty of clearance) supports 42mm wide tires in 700c or 47mm in 650b - that's only 5mm difference 'officially'.
- 2021 GX 700c wheels are $200 more at $699 but you can get free shipping ($40 off) and a free wheelbag worth $100.
- With 24/24 spokes instead of 28/28 on the GX MAX versions, the GX wheels are lighter (1475g claimed vs 1555g).
- Most gravel tires are lighter in their 700c versions than in the 650b versions (shorter sidewalls offsets larger diameter for the same widths).
- In a more popular size, with wider upgrade compatibility, and with the fancy-looking wheelbag, the 700c wheelset will be easier to sell used in a few years.
All of the above reasons led me to stick with a 700c wheel-size.
Paul and the staff at Spinergy were very friendly and easy to work with. I'm looking forward to getting my new wheels next week!
