Is this a Perfect Chinese Road Wheelset? - Nepest MAUI35 Wheel Review

This is my second video in a set of three, where I look at some of the lesser know, but apparently very good Chinese wheel brands. In my first video, we looked at an entry level wheelset, and in this second video, we’re going to the other end of the scale, and look at what can be achieved when you don’t compromise.
Nepest was founded in 2017, and started life as an OEM manufacturer producing for other brands. In 2022, they started their ‘Direct To Consumer’ side of the business.
Nepest offer various wheel options, and the ones I’ll be testing today are these, the MAUI 35’s.
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Website Links, Affiliate links, and or products/tools in this video
Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission.
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Nepest Website:
www.nepestsports.com/?ref=nya...
The Nepest MAUI 35’s Wheels (The wheels tested in this video):
www.nepestsports.com/products...
Wheel Truing Stand:
Amazon ➡️ amzn.to/4cxDLKE
eBay ➡️ ebay.us/7zcr5Q
Park Tool Wheel Dishing Gauge: ➡️ amzn.to/3KTJzSD
Park Tool Pick Set: ➡️ amzn.to/3HX0zpI
Spoke Tension Tool: ➡️ amzn.to/3L5b8Zp
About Ribble Valley Cyclist:
I am a regular road cyclist based in the North West of England. I have been a cyclist my whole life, and try to get out every day. The purpose of my KZbin channel is to share the knowledge I’ve built up in my 40 years as a cyclist.
Follow me on Instagram:
/ ribblevalley_cyclist
Follow me on Facebook:
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See my routes on Komoot:
www.komoot.com/user/184990942...
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/ @ribblevalleycyclist
Email me:
[e-mail]
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - Who Is Nepest?
02:21 - Wheel Headline Stats
03:09 - Close Look - Hubs
05:48 - Close Look - Spokes
07:55 - Close Look - Rims
10:20 - What Do They Weigh?
11:07 - Test - Wheel Balance
13:36 - Test - Spoke Tension
15:00 - Test - Spoke Alignment
16:19 - Test - Dishing
18:27 - Shipping & Warrantee
19:18 - Conclusion

[@treveryoder8087]

I'd love to see a video on Go-Zone carbon wheels that have carbon spokes!

[@clp91009]

They look like a very nice set of wheels. One thing they are missing for me is an undrilled rim bed. I run tubeless and always look for this feature as a personal preference.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Well, the last wheelset that I review may just give you what you want 😉

[@clp91009]

@@ribblevalleycyclist Have you posted this review yet?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

No, not yet. Will be in a few weeks.

[@DaigoroToyama]

Just curious, are there mid-range tubeless-ready wheels with undrilled rim beds?

[@clp91009]

@@DaigoroToyama yes, Fulcrum and Mavic are two companies who sell wheel sets with predominantly undrilled rim beds. It makes tubeless set up so easy

[@LakeDistrictcyclist]

Again brilliant video, look a fantastic wheel really well built 😊

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, Bud👍 Looking forward to getting them on the bike

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Excellent analysis. Thank you

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Glad you liked it! 👍

[@MagicshineLights]

Jon,thank you for your sharing!🤩

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

You're welcome, @MagicshineLights. Got your SEEMEE 508 radar tail light on the bike at the moment. Giving it a good old test....... Looking good so far!!

[@MrJwmurph]

Great video, I've never seen such a comprehensive workshop review on a set of wheels. Are replacement ceramic bearings and axels available? Are the bearings standard sizing?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Hi John, Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. The bearings are a generic size, and can be easily purchased in either the same ceramic, or in a cheaper steel option. The internal hub axle isn't available as a spare part, but you will only have an issue with it, if you have a worn bearing that isn't addresses., as the internal axle will only see excessive wear if the bearing stops turning. Hope that info helps 👍 Jon

[@steppings5645]

Thorough review and no bull. I finally learnt what a dishing tool is/does! always thought it was the mechanics coat hanger. 😳

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Glad it was helpful! Coat hanger...... I actually laughed out load 🤣. Just gutted I didn't think of that one!!

[@2up4down]

Great video! I will buy one of their wheels for my gravel once I have some money free to spend

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Thanks, Mischa. Will grab a coffee while I'm out testing the wheels 👍☕️

[@2up4down]

@@ribblevalleycyclist I am curious about your test result. Have a good and safe ride.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Just tracked the tyres from Italy….. another week to wait 😕

[@dilligaf2818]

35 perfect for my application, they certainly sound ok,half of the price of bontrager

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

I'm liking what I see so far.

[@davewattimena3491]

Very informative. Thanks

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

You're welcome, Dave 👍

[@dilligaf2818]

the new Bontrager Aeoules 37 wheels look great ....

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

They do. And a DT Swiss hub, which is always a bonus.

[@JonnyNorthmore]

Is a radial spoke pattern on the disc side a good idea?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

Hi Jonny, It's a good point you make and a fair question. One that I too first asked when I say them. They're not the only manufacturer doing this nowadays. The VONOA spoke will handle 3000n. Combine that with the reinforced carbon spoke track within the rim, and there is more than enough strength.

[@shepshape2585]

Thanks, but I'll stick to my Super Team wheels and use the rest of the money to basically build a whole other bike.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

SuperTeam……. Watch this space!

[@shepshape2585]

@@ribblevalleycyclist I look forward to it.

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

@@shepshape2585 Doing a few maintenance videos, as I'm a little concerned it's all product reviews at the moment. But they're a good looking set of wheels, and I'm looking forward to having a closer look at them.

[@serenadebikeswheel]

Which wheel is better?

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

They're both built very well. This one has superior components, so is technically the better wheel. However, the ICAN is put together as well, and is a lot cheaper!