Replacement rear wheel for 2021 Trek Allant+ 8S

[Marck]

My 2021 Trek Allant+ 8S rear wheel has quite a few cracks in the rear wheel, emanating from the spoke nipples. I have 6,700 miles on the bike and neither the bike shop nor Trek were willing to replace it under warranty since it is 4.5 years old.

I called the bike shop, and they suggest the Quality Wheels WTB ST Light i29 Rear Wheel 27.5 10 x 1 x 135/12 x 142mm sku#708752327672. They feel it is a better wheel than the original and sells for $189 -- a few dollars less than purchasing the original wheel.

I'm looking for feedback -- do others in this community feel that the Quality Wheels wheel is better than the original? Other suggestions?

Thanks!

Marc

 

[stompandgo]

I can't speak for Quality Wheels, but the WTB ST 29 is a good quality rim. It's used quite a bit by OEM's.

 

[rob feature]

I bought a set of these for my analog path prowler (2012 Stumpy hardtail converted to path duty). I also have an Allant 7+, so familiar with those wheels. The Quality does seem like an upgrade as it uses sealed bearings as opposed to the cup & cone bearings on the OEM Trek wheel (bearings were also overtightened at the factory). I've only mounted the front though, so can't speak to the drive end. One thing I did note is that they weren't true out of the box & Universal Cycles did not care when I hit them up about it. You might get a better experience ordering them from LBS.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I had mine built with dt Swiss hub and rim. I got a narrower rim than what was stock. But that was 300.00, but I have 10,000 miles and it has not needed to be tuned.

 

[Marck]

My thanks to all 3 of you for your feedback -- it is very much appreciated.

Marc