The entry-level wheelset in Hope’s Hoops RS range combines the company’s own Mono Pro 3 hubs with equally well proven Mavic Open Pro rims. Handbuilt in Lancashire, the Pro 3 hubs were designed as an evolution of the popular Pro 2 mountain bike hubs, with UK road conditions in mind.
Custom stainless steel cartridge bearings are well sealed and smooth running, and the wheels are built with 32 Sapim Sprint spokes. These wheels offer a supple, compliant ride which readily absorbs gnarly roads. As expected with lightweight wheels, there was hub wind-up on hard acceleration, but not enough to unduly hurt performance.
Their conventional looks belie a weight low enough to make them wheels for all occasions. Our concerns that Hope’s customary freehub noise would be distracting on the road proved unfounded, as from the saddle it sounded like a reassuring mechanical purr. They’re supplied with spare spokes, nipples and rim stickers, but no quick-release skewers.
